Cross Ranch State Park
Located along seven miles of the last free-flowing, undeveloped stretches
of the Missouri River, North Dakota's Cross Ranch Centennial State Park is
rich in both cultural and natural history.
The park is purposely left primitive to preserve the land's natural beauty. The River Peoples Visitor Center has displays and information about the once mighty Missouri River, which has now been tamed through a series of major dams and reservoirs along its length.
A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river, while anglers will find walleye, pike and bass in its waters. Canoe rentals are also available.
An extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or on cross country skis during the winter months. During the summer, the trails allow access to a 5,000-acre dedicated nature preserve where mixed grass prairie, river bottom forests and woody draws can be seen.
A back country area is open for those wishing to hike to their camping spot.
Location
Cross Ranch State Park is located 12 miles southeast of Hensler via paved roads, or 6 miles by gravel. For paved access roads follow the brown park directional signs located on Hwy. 200 or Hwy. 25.
Fees
Entrance fee—$5/day per vehicle or $25 annual vehicle permit
Camping—Main campground (no electrical, showers at Visitor Center)-$10/night. Sanger Campground (vault toilet only) electrical site-$12 night; primitive site-$10/night. Electrical sites in Sanger Campground are about 35 ft. long and restricted to use by small RVs only, due to the difficulty larger RVs may have in turning around.
Log Cabins—$65/night
Nearby Attractions
Cross Ranch Nature Preserve • Fort Mandan & Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center • Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site • Smith Grove • Coal Mine & Power Plant Tours • Fort Clark State Historic Site • Golf Courses
