McDowell Dam Recreation Area

4.6

(372)

•

4.3

(40)

4.6

(372)

•

4.3

(40)

Park

Nature & Parks

Canoe & kayak rental service

Fishing pier

Hiking area

Playground

Swimming lake

Nature & Wildlife Areas

Placeholder

About

The park McDowell Dam Recreation Area is a delightful place with an enchanting trail surrounding the lake. It offers a diverse array of bird species and an abundance of trees, plants, and flowers, providing captivating views of the lake from various vantage points. The park is highly regarded in the Bismarck area for over three decades and has been cherished by families who have brought their children and now their grandchildren to enjoy its amenities.

Why you should go

Enjoy a family-friendly environment with activities for all ages such as swimming areas and playgrounds

Explore diverse wildlife including various bird species while walking along scenic trails

Engage in water activities like kayaking or paddle boating on the lake

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What users say about the app

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Your itinerary and your map in one view

No more switching between different apps, tabs, and tools to keep track of your travel plans.

Highlighted reviews

Slide 1 of 3

This has been one of our favorite Bismarck area parks to come to for over 30 years! We brought our children here and now are bringing our grand children. Love the beach, the play areas, the walking areas. Great memories are made here.

Water was n8ce great swimming area and volleyball nets set out well kept and clean

Pulling in to parking was smoothe , very clean grounds , nice size bathroom/shower area , clean playground. Sand to swimming area very soft lol water area clean and open gal at the equipment rental desk was super nice and had answers to all of my questions over all first time there great me and my doggy girl will be back !

Water was n8ce great swimming area and volleyball nets set out well kept and clean

See all reviews

Hours

SuSunday: 11AM–9PM

MoMonday: 1–9PM

TuTuesday: 1–9PM

WeWednesday: 1–9PM

ThThursday: 1–9PM

FrFriday: 1–9PM

SaSaturday: 11AM–9PM

1951 93rd St NE, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA

Wednesday: 1–9PM

SuMoTuWeThFrSa

SuSunday: 11AM–9PM

MoMonday: 1–9PM

TuTuesday: 1–9PM

WeWednesday: 1–9PM

ThThursday: 1–9PM

FrFriday: 1–9PM

SaSaturday: 11AM–9PM

People typically spend 2.5 hr here

(701) 223-7016

http://bisparks.org/facilities/mcdowell-dam-recreation-area/

Know before you go

Check recent reviews to ensure cleanliness of swimming areas before visiting
Visit during Autumn to witness stunning foliage around the lake
Bring your own grilling supplies to enjoy BBQ areas fully
Consider renting a paddle boat for a unique experience on the water

Reviews

McDowell Dam Recreation Area is a beloved park in the Bismarck area, cherished by families for generations. Visitors appreciate the beach, play areas, and walking trails. While some mentioned issues like feces along the shoreline affecting their experience, others highlighted the well-maintained facilities and diverse wildlife around the lake. The park offers opportunities for swimming, kayaking, boating, fishing, birdwatching, and enjoying nature's beauty throughout different seasons.

4.6

out of 5

Wonderful

372 reviews

From Google

4.3

out of 5

Excellent

40 reviews

From Tripadvisor

5 stars

266