Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. While exploring Cross Ranch State Park, visitors may find themselves traveling back in time, catching a glimpse of the landscape as it appeared to Native Americans inhabiting the area hundreds of years ago, or hearing the echoes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition making its way to the Pacific coast along the Missouri River.
Cross Ranch has nearly 17 miles of trails that cater to the adventurer all year long. This extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or cross-country skis during the winter months. The trail system allows access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with mixed prairie grass, river bottom forests, woody draws, and roaming bison.
Cabins and yurts are all available for overnight lodging along with two different campgrounds. A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river. Anglers will find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike and bass in its waters.
York Cabin
Price: $135-150 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Nestled between the historic cottonwoods of Cross Ranch State Park, the newly constructed full-service York Cabin is a cozy home away from home. With air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, a full kitchen and bathroom, it's the perfect year-round getaway. The cabin sleeps six with a queen bedroom, queen bed in the loft and a pull-out couch. This cabin offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River and access to miles of beautiful trails.
Pretty Point Yurt
Price: $135-150 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Located along the Missouri River, the Pretty Point Yurt offers spectacular views of the Missouri River. This full-service yurt is available year-round and includes air conditioning, heat, gas fireplace, a full kitchen and bathroom. Pretty point sleeps six with two full bedrooms, loft space, and a pull-out couch.
Art Link Cabin
Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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Find seclusion while tucked away at the Art Link Log Cabin. This spacious cabin is available for year-round meetings and overnight rentals. The cabin includes one bedroom with two sets of single bunk beds, a pull-out couch and a loft space that accommodates up to six (loft does not include beds). Amenities include electricity, heat, air conditioning, mini fridge, propane fireplace, microwave and wood-burning cook stove. The cabin is near vault toilets and water. Shower facilities are available year-round at the Visitor Center.
John Colter Cabin
Price: $100-115 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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This cabin sits among the old growth cottonwood forest and includes two bedrooms with heat, loft space (loft does not include beds), overhead lights, mini fridge, microwave and a wood-burning fireplace. The cabin can sleep up to six with 1 queen, 1 full, 1 twin and 1 pull-out couch. The cabin is located near vault toilets and water. Shower facilities are available year-round at the Visitor Center.
Levis Yurt
Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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The Levis Yurt is situated nearest the northern trail system at Cross Ranch State Park. This simple yurt sleeps three with a futon couch and futon chair. A kitchen table, small refrigerator, microwave and gas fireplace are also located inside the yurt. A vault toilet is located nearby, and shower facilities are available year-round at the Visitor Center.
Bagnell and Ice Glider Yurts
Price: $70-85 per night (two-night minimum stay required)
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The Bagnell and Ice Glider Yurts are twin yurts located within the main campground at Cross Ranch. These yurts are just steps from the Matah Trail. These yurts sleep five and have a bunk bed and a pullout futon. A gas fireplace, kitchen table, microwave and a small refrigerator are located inside the yurts. A vault toilet is located nearby, and shower facilities are available year-round at the Visitor Center.
- Guests are expected to do general cleaning before vacating, including sweeping, wiping down surfaces and collecting and bagging trash.
- Check-in is after 4 pm, check-out is at noon.
- Smoking is not allowed in any cabins or yurts.
- Game or fish cleaning in or around cabins and yurts is not allowed. Please contact park staff for other arrangements.
- Pets are not allowed in cabins or yurts.
- Bedding and towels are not provided.
- Find answers to other common questions about reservations here.
Campsite Types
35 Standard Campsites
(electricity)
Price: $25-30 per night
6 Group Standard Campsites
(electricity and the ability to put multiple units on one site)
Price: $25-30 per night, per unit
*Detailed information about each campsite is available on the reservation system.
Campground Maps
Full Park Map
22 Primitive Campsites
Price: $15 per night
2 Group Primitive Campsites
(ability to put multiple units on one site)
Price: $15 per night, per unit
- Campsites can be booked 95 days in advance from the date you wish to stay.
- Reservations can be made online or by calling 800-807-4723.
- Check-in is at 4:00 pm on the first day of the reservation and checkout is at 3:00 pm on the last day of the reservation.
- Pets are welcome but must stay on a leash. Most parks have off-leash areas or dog parks for your four-legged friends.
- Find answers to other common questions about reservations here.
River Peoples Visitor Center Meeting Room
This meeting room can accommodate up to 50 people and is accessible. It includes a projector, screen and WiFi. It is available year-round and can be booked by calling the park at (701) 794-3731.
Meeting Room. . . . . . . $100/day
Event Shelter
This covered stage has 20 and 50 amp electricity and is located within walking distance to the Visitor Center, which has a comfort station and water.
Event Shelter. . . . . . . $75/day
Picnic Shelters
A large and small picnic shelter is available in the main park and has electricity. There is also a small shelter with no electricity at the Sanger Campground. Picnic shelters can be booked by calling the park at (701) 794-3731.
Small Shelter (cap. 48). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $25/day
Large Shelter (cap. 120). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $75/day
If renting equipment for a larger group, contact the park ahead of time to ensure equipment is available.
Canoe Rentals
Canoe rentals are available for $32/half day or $50/full day. Paddles and life vests are included in rental fee. Four canoes are currently available for rent. Renters must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Cross Country Skis
Cross-country ski rentals are available for $15/day. The park has 24 pairs of skis available for rent. Adult boot sizes only, please call the park for specific information on sizing and availability.
Kayak Rentals
Kayak rentals are available for $32/half day or $50/full day. Paddles and life vests are included in rental fee. The park has 4 single and 2 double kayaks available for rent. Renters must be at least 18 years old or accompanied by an adult.
Snowshoes
Snowshoe rentals are available for $15/day. The park has 12 pairs of snowshoes available for rent. Children and adult sizes available.
Kayak & Canoe Transport
Cross Ranch provides a kayak/canoe run down the Missouri River, which is a nine-mile trip from the city of Washburn to the Sanger boat landing. The amount of time the run takes depends on how fast the user paddles and the speed of the river. The park charges a transportation fee of $30 with an additional $15 if another vehicle is required for transportation. The park can only transport its rental equipment. Please call (701) 794-3731 to make arrangements.
- Boat ramp
- Sewer dump station
- Showers & flush toilets
- Visitor center & gift shop
- Amphitheater
- Playgrounds
- Adirondack shelter
- Meeting room
- Picnic shelters
- Event shelter
Situated along the west bank of the Missouri River, the 589-acre Cross Ranch State Park and adjacent 6,000-acre Cross Ranch Nature Preserve are one of the few areas in North Dakota to offer a true primitive outdoor experience. Over 16 miles of trail wind through Cross Ranch State Park and Nature Preserve. Trail posts identify the trail names.
Matah "River" Trail
Distance: 2.9 miles
Open to: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing
This trail begins at the Visitor Center and loops around the park's main use areas. Along the river, interpretive signs describe the history, wildlife and geology of the area. The Matah Trail Self Guided Loop is the innermost loop covering 1.4 miles and takes up to an hour and a half to hike. Self-guided brochures are available at the trailhead or Visitor Center.
Ma-ak-oti "Old Village" Trail
Distance: 4.6 miles
Open to: hiking, snowshoeing
This trail is divided into two sections. The 2.5 mile Upper Ma-ak-oti Trail starts from the Matah/Ma-ak-oti trail junction and continues to a creek flowing through a wooded ravine. The 2.1-mile Lower Ma-ak-oti Trail begins at the Sanger trailhead and continues north, joining with the upper trail. Looping in parts, both sections of the trail wind through prairie bluffs and wooded channels, offering vistas of the Missouri River. Steep stairs without handrails are present on portions of the trail. Some areas may be muddy or impassable due to seasonal water fluctuations. This trail is open to hiking and snowshoeing. It is not groomed for skiing.
Cottonwood Trail/Gaines Trail
Distance: 5.4 miles
Open to: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing
These connected trails (Cottonwood 3.3 miles, Gaines 2.1 miles) are accessed from the Matah Trail at the preserve boundary. They wind through the bottomland forest on preserve property and follow an old jeep track still used for scientific studies. Hikers are asked not to disturb areas marked with paint or flags as studies are still in progress. Groomed for skiing.
Levis Trail
Distance: 2.2 miles
Open to: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing
A 2.2 mile route that winds through the Lewis and Clark backcountry on a 300-acre accreted "island" that joined the mainland following the completion of Garrison Dam. Groomed for skiing.
TNC Self-Guided Prairie Trail
Distance: 2 miles
Open to: hiking
This trail crosses over two miles of preserve prairie and wooded draws. A guidebook at the trailhead provides information on wildlife, plants and history. The trail is part of the Nature Conservancy bison pasture. The trailhead is located three-quarters of a mile north of the park entrance. Not open for skiing. Please note that Bison are present on this trail, remember to keep a safe distance and respect that they are wild animals.
Trail Maps:
- A PDF Map of the trails is available here.
- All North Dakota State Park and Recreation Area trail information is available on the OuterSpatial App.
- Paper park maps are also available at the park.
Upcoming Events
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Last Day Hike
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 at 04:00 pm - 12:00 am
Categories: Cross Ranch State ParkWinter Fest
Saturday, February 15, 2025 at 09:00 am - 04:00 pm
Categories: Cross Ranch State ParkCome join us for a fun-filled winter afternoon. There will be several activities both inside and outside, depending on the weather. Times and details will be announced closer to the event.
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