Cross Ranch State Park
Activities
Amphitheater Programs
Amphitheater programs are held each Friday and Saturday night throughout the summer, starting at 9:30 p.m. Information is posted on the campground bulletin boards.
2008 Special Events
February 16 – Winter Festival 1-6 p.m. Depending on the amount of snow, horse-drawn sleigh rides, cross country skiing & snowshoeing (trails will be lighted with candles at night), games, snacks & beverages provided.
May 2-4 – Cross Ranch State Park Birding Weekend. Join in on a guided hike through the park to observe and identify birds found at Cross Ranch; we will also be providing programs on birds (Times to be announced at a later time).
May 16-18 – Wings and Things Festival is a region-wide birding festival that the park will be participating in, which will include Fort Mandan, Washburn CVB, and the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge.
May 26 – Military Appreciation Day. Free admission to any state park on Memorial Day, in honor of past and present servicemen and women.
June 7 – National Trails Day is a nationally recognized event to encourage people to get out and hike your local trails. Whether you are an avid hiker or someone who just likes to get out, do some leisurely walking, and just be outdoors, Cross Ranch has enough trails and sites for whatever your interest level maybe. Take advantage of your opportunity to come check out Cross Ranch State Park and experience the many miles of hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing trails the park has to offer.
June 7 – Visitor Appreciation Day.Vehicle entrance fee is waived.
June 20 & 21 – Missouri River Bluegrass Festival. Cross Ranch State Park will be hosting its 18th annual Bluegrass Festival the third weekend of June. A tentative list of performers is available here. Take advantage of the opportunity to not only take in quality Bluegrass Music but while you’re in the area, visit Washburn for their annual Lewis & Clark Days weekend.
July 18-20 – Wild West Weekend. Events and times to be announced at a later time.
August 8 - Special Consensus, a four-person acoustic bluegrass band is performing.Cottonwood will open for Special Consensus starting at 6:30 p.m. Central Time. The cost to attend is $12 per adult with children age 16 and under free. The $5 park entrance fee will also be charged.
August 15-17 – Lewis & Clark Weekend. Join us here at Cross Ranch State Park as we continue to celebrate and acknowledge the significance of those two famous explorers Lewis & Clark. Events and times to be announced at a later time.
September 27 – National Public Lands Day. Do you care about your favorite state park? Do you enjoy being a volunteer and doing some good? Do you enjoy being in the outdoors while getting a feeling of accomplishment. Then join us at Cross Ranch State Park and take advantage of the opportunity to help us improve our public lands by cleaning up the park.
December 13 – Holiday Trim-a-Tree, 1-4 p.m. Start celebrating the Christmas season a little early at Cross Ranch. We will be singing carols, making homemade tree ornaments, playing games, and enjoying horse-drawn sleigh rides and free refreshments.
Special Consensus (Date TBA). We will be hosting the Bluegrass group Special Consensus again in 2008.
Interpretive Activities
Weekend interpretive activities, including hikes, campfire programs and Dakota Explorers, are held every weekend during the summer. Information is posted on the campground bulletin boards.
June 13-15 – Water Resources Weekend
Friday, June 13
- 9 PM – Here Fishy-Fishy. Follow the journey of a King Salmon from birth in the fresh waters of the Northwest through the saltwater of the ocean and back. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, June 14
- 10 AM – Where the raindrops are born. Are raindrops really dinosaur tears? Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright for a fantasizing journey into the Tai Chi of the water cycle for Kids. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Dragonflies, Ducks, Frogs and Salamanders. Discover the young world of these pond critters. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright for a fun fact journey into the birth and growth of these water oriented babies. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, June 15
- 8 AM-10 AM – Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a warm discussion of nature, history and other cool stuff at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the Coffee, you bring the Conversation.
June 20-22 – 18th Annual Missouri River Blue Grass Festival
Friday, June 20
- 8 PM - In addition to star studded music entertainment at the CRSP Band Shell, Kid’s entertainment on Wolves and popcorn is scheduled in the classroom at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, June 21
- 10 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of the River Trail. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 1 PM – Kids Fest. Come play with us. Join us for kid games and crafts while the music festival is in progress. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center classroom.
- 8 PM - In addition to star studded music entertainment at the CRSP Band Shell, kid’s entertainment on bats and popcorn is scheduled in the classroom at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, June 22
- 8 AM-10 AM – Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a warm discussion of music nature, history and other cool stuff at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
June 27-29
Friday, June 27
- 9 PM – The World of Bats. Come fly with us as we look into the world of the bat. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center for a view into the mysterious nocturnal world of one of nature’s most misunderstood creatures.
Saturday, June 28
- 1 PM Nature Hike - Meet at the River People’s Visitor Center for a Ranger guided hike on the Matah Interpretive trail. See land and water birds and discover one of the oldest living trees within North Dakota.
- 9 PM – The Journey of Lewis and Clark. Journey back in time 200 years ago with the members of the Corps of Discovery as they search for the fabled “Northwest Passage”. This an overall view of the trip with excellent video presentations. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, June 29
- 8 AM-10 AM – Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a warm discussion of nature, history and other cool stuff at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
July 4-6 - Wild Animals of the Forest
Friday, July 4
- 9 PM - Wolves are mysterious, feared and awed. Learn more about their behavior and myths. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center for a discussion and video.
Saturday, July 5
- 1 PM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Ranger on a 1 hour Ranger’s Choice guided hike. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM - Mother Nature’s baby animals are often weird and wacky just like kooky kids. Come and view these funny wildlife children’s behaviors on our movie screen. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 6
- 8 AM-10 AM – Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a warm discussion of nature, history and other cool stuff at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
July 11-13 – Lewis and Clark
Friday, July 11
- 9 PM – A Man Called York. Who was this slave that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey to the Pacific and back? Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright for a historical portrayal of this expedition member. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 12
- 10 PM - Lewis and Clark Historical Hike. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a retrace of the Journey’s tracks along the Missouri. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Seaman the Wonder Dog. This was the only dog on the journey that walked, swam and floated his way to the Pacific and back. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright as he explores the behaviors and characteristics of this amazing four legged member of the Expedition. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 13
- 8 AM-10 AM – Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a further discussion of the “Journey of Lewis and Clark” at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
July 18-20 – Wild West Festival Weekend
This is the first of an annual event to celebrate the history and spirit of the cowboy and the “Old West”.
Friday, July 18
- 2 PM – Stick Pony Rodeo. Saddle up for a variety of kid friendly rodeo activities. Barrel racing, roping, stick horse judging, best dressed young cowboy and cowgirl events to be featured. Meet at the “Rodeo Arena” near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Explore the days of yesteryear with old time theater presentations. Wear your best cowboy/cowgirl outfits. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 19
- 1 PM – Stick Pony Rodeo, Wagon Rides, Cowboy Crafts. Meet at the “Rodeo Arena” near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 4 PM - Demonstration Cowboy Dutch Oven cooking & Living History Presentations. Meet at the “Rodeo Arena” near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 8 PM – The Black Cowboys. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will present a historical portrayal of a black cowboy on the trail to the Dakota Territory. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM - Western music Sing Along. Join Cowboy “Dakota” for a western music sing-a-long. Meet at the Band Shell near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 20
- 8 AM-10 AM – Cowboy Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a further discussion of “the Old West” at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
July 25-27 – Storytelling
Friday, July 25
- 9 PM – Storytelling 1 of 2. Anyone can tell a story. Learn how to tell stories and hear some great ones too. CRSP Interpreter and Storyteller Chip Cartwright will share the secrets. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, July 26
- 10 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of the cottonwoods of Cross Ranch. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Storytelling 2 of 2. Share your stories. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will take turns with you in storytelling. Tell the stories of your youth. Kids are welcome to tell their stories too! Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, July 27
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a further conversation on storytelling at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
August 1-3 – Insect Pest of the Park that Bite
Friday, August 1
- 9 PM - Things that fly. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright as we explore the world of yellow jackets, bees, hornets and misquotes. Discover the true facts about these pests and how to deal with them. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, August 2
- 10 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of biting pest habitat. Learn how to minimize the danger of these insect pests. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Things that crawl. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright and explore the world of ticks. Discover the true facts about this pest and how to deal with it. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, August 3
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a further conversation on insect pests at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
August 8-10
Friday, August 8
- 9 PM – Lewis and Clark: The Sergeants. The officers may have developed the plans but it was the non commissioned officers that made them happen. Who they were and where they came from will be presented by CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, August 9
- 10 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – Owls. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright and explore the behaviors and species of owls in North Dakota. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, August 10
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
August 15-17 – Lewis and Clark Adventure Continues
Friday, August 15
- 9 PM - The Journey of the Corps of Discovery. Explore with CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright the adventures of the 1803 adventure to the Pacific coast and return. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, August 16
- 10 AM - Lewis and Clark Historical Hike. Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a retrace of the Journey’s tracks along the Missouri. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM - A Man Called York. Join interpreter Chip Cartwright for a historical portrayal of this member of the Lewis and Clark expedition. Meet at the amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitors Center.
Sunday, August 17
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation on Lewis and Clark at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
August 22-24
Friday, August 22
- 9 PM - Here Kitty Kitty – the Mountain lion. Discover the facts about this cat. Explore with CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright the behaviors, physical characteristics and habits of this animal that is at the top of the food chain. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, August 23
- 10 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of Cross Ranch. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – The Grizzly Bear. This creature is at the top of his food chain or is he? Can these bears live in North Dakota? Answer these questions with CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright as he explores the world of the grizzly bear. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, August 24
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for a further conversation on bears and cats at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
August 29-31
Friday, August 29
- 9 PM – Geocaching. Learn what it is and how to do it. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will talk about equipment and techniques for this fast growing outdoor activity. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Saturday, August 30
- 10 AM - Geocaching at Cross Ranch. Come search for real geocaches with CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright. Bring your own equipment or use ours. Meet at the band stand near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 9 PM – The Buffalo Soldier. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will present a historical portrayal of a 10th Cavalry soldier from the Dakota Territory. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, August 31
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation on the Buffalo Soldiers of the West at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
September 6- 27 Saturdays and Sundays only
Saturday, 6 September
- 11 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of Cross Ranch. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 8 PM – A Man Called York. Who was this slave that accompanied Lewis and Clark on their journey to the Pacific and back? Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright for a historical portrayal of this expedition member. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, 7 September
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation on Lewis and Clark at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
Saturday, 13 September
- 11 AM - Nature Hike – Join CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a 1 hour nature guided hike of Cross Ranch. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 8 PM – The Black Cowboys. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will present a historical portrayal of a black cowboy on the trail to the Dakota Territory. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, 14 September
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation on Lewis and Clark at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
Saturday, 20 September – Wings and Things
- 1 PM- Nature Hike – Join Wildlife Biologist Don Winter and CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright on a guided hike of Cross Ranch. Meet at the River Peoples Visitor Center.
- 8 PM – The Buffalo Soldier. CRSP Interpreter Chip Cartwright will present a historical portrayal of a 10th Cavalry soldier from the Dakota Territory. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, 21 September
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff for further conversation on Buffalo Soldiers of the West at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
Saturday, 27 September – National Public Lands Day
- 12 AM – Come and help us improve our park lands and trails. Get your hands dirty while leaving behind a legacy that says you love Cross Ranch. Join us as we work on enhancing and fixing up one of the most beautiful parks for next season. Bring your gloves and meet the CRSP Staff and other volunteers like yourselves at the River Peoples Visitor Center for a hot dog lunch with work to follow.
- 9 PM – The History of Cross Ranch. Ever wonder how this Park came to be? Join CRSP Manager Eric Lang for this final program of the season. Meet at the Amphitheater near the River Peoples Visitor Center.
Sunday, 28 September
- 8 AM-10 AM Coffee and Conversation. Meet the CRSP Staff at the River Peoples Visitor Center. We will bring the coffee, you bring the conversation.
