On the south shore of Lake Sakakawea, the third-largest man-made reservoir in the United States, lies Lake Sakakawea State Park. In Mercer, water activities, distinctive trails, and archaeological history come together.
Water and trails at Lake Sakakawea
In the park, visitors can enjoy the swimming beach, camp under the trees, and spend time on the lake. Trails offer opportunities for hiking; multi-use trails also accommodate cycling, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing. Two boat ramps with docks add to the options. Activities on the water and on the trails are available side by side.
The Shoreline Trail runs north to south along the entire length of the park, passing numerous scoria formations and petrified trunks of ancient trees. At 6.2 miles, or 10 kilometers, the Two Rivers Trail follows the Knife River to its confluence with the Missouri River. The trails offer different points of orientation: the Shoreline Trail is defined by its route through the park and geological features, while the Two Rivers Trail is distinguished by its length and river confluence.
In Mercer County, Lake Sakakawea offers opportunities for fishing and boating, as well as camping, picnicking, and developed facilities. Along the Knife River, fishing, picnicking, and camping are available at several locations. Both bodies of water offer fishing, camping, and picnicking; the lake also offers boating and developed facilities, while activities along the river are spread across several locations.
Archaeology, settlement, and wildlife
Fort Clark State Historic Site is one of the state’s most significant archaeological sites. Well-preserved evidence of the fur trade and personal tragedies contributes to its significance; the archaeological remains of an earthlodge village, a cemetery, and two fur trading posts are protected here.
A guided tour of the 15,000-square-foot Mercer County Historical Society Museum introduces visitors to the early settlement of Norwegian, Swedish, and Irish communities, as well as German Russians from the 1870s onward. The two history attractions focus on different aspects: Fort Clark protects archaeological remains of a village, a cemetery, and fur trading posts; the museum tour highlights early communities and their settlement history.
The Pfennig Wildlife Museum features approximately 175 taxidermy specimens from around the world. The specimens’ origins provide a different focus from the history of local communities in Mercer County.
A regular event in July
The Mercer County Fair has been held every July since 1853 and brings the county together. The evening program includes a queen contest, the Night of Destruction, flat-track racing, a tractor pull, and a demolition derby. If you include the fair in your travel plans, check the specific event dates.
Discover more destinations: Hazen, Beulah, Mountrail County, Burleigh County, Ward, Cass, Traill County, McHenry County.
For the main travel overview: North Dakota.
