Fort Stevenson, Military fort near Garrison, North Dakota, United States.
Fort Stevenson State Park sits on a peninsula jutting into Lake Sakakawea, covering a large area with multiple sections and facilities. The grounds feature hiking trails, two marinas with boat rentals and fish cleaning stations, plus recreational areas for water activities and camping.
The military post was established in 1867 as a supply center for other military stations scattered across Dakota Territory. It was abandoned in 1883 when the Army's presence in the region was no longer needed.
The reconstructed guardhouse shows exhibits about soldier life and interaction with Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara communities. You can see how these groups lived and worked near each other during this period.
The park is easy to explore and works well for water activities and hiking during warm months when conditions are best. The marinas and fishing areas can get busy, so arriving early helps you find space and avoid crowds.
The original fort location now sits underwater beneath Lake Sakakawea, several miles southwest of where the park stands today. This happened when the reservoir was created in the mid-1900s.
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