5 Epic Summertime Places In BisMan To Have A Picnic

It is time to use every ounce of summertime we get in Bismarck and Mandan

This is one of my favorite questions to ask others in Bismarck and Mandan - "Do you have a favorite picnic spot?" - To no surprise, the same spots were mentioned over and over - with a huge bright smile on their face - each person tells me their favorite things about each spot - all scenic, all full of activities, and just flat-out relaxing - for the whole family.

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1) Harmon Lake - Mandan

Just an easy jaunt out of town - North of Highway 1806 - what a terrific place for all your kayak rental needs - plenty of beautiful bike trails - hiking - nice sandy beach - sheltered picnic area - just perfect.

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2) Sertoma Park - Bismarck

Green, green, green - everywhere you look - with the Dakota Zoo within an animal's earshot, plenty of playgrounds available, AND amusement park fun -  Sertoma Park is a paradise for ALL ages.

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3) Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park - Mandan

Talk about serenity, peace, and quiet - head your family out this way - 4480 Ft. Lincoln Road - Mandan. Smell the clean air, and take a walk on the many trails - So much history in this park AND it is THE OLDEST state park in North Dakota. The park is home to the replica Mandan On-A-Slant Indian Village and reconstructed military buildings including the Custer House.

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4) McDowell Dam - Bismarck

Take a second to gaze at this amazing photo Mark Kidder shot - can you feel the late afternoon breeze? Take a dip in the hot sun, roll around in the grass, and have a perfect picnic."...bathrooms, playground, kayak and paddle boat rentals, fishing dock, hiking and walking trails..." according to tripadvisor.com.

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5) Pioneer Park - Bismarck

A LONG summer day that never wants to end - and there you are with your family along the Missouri River edge. Are you up for a quick game of volleyball? As in beach volleyball? It's here. Take a long stroll on a walking trail - do the same on a biking trail - picnic tables - reserve a picnic shelter for a child's birthday party - everything is perfect here.