Cross Ranch State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cross Ranch State Park |
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Missouri River from Cross Ranch State Park
|
|
 Cross Ranch State Park
Location in North Dakota
|
|
| Location | Oliver County, North Dakota, United States |
| Nearest city | Washburn, North Dakota |
| Area | 569.07 acres (230.29 ha) |
| Elevation | 1,759 ft (536 m) |
| Designation | North Dakota state park |
| Established | 1989 |
| Administrator | North Dakota Parks and Recreation Department |
| Website | Cross Ranch State Park |
Cross Ranch State Park is a cool place for outdoor fun in North Dakota. It covers about 569 acres (that's like 430 football fields!) and sits right on the west bank of the Missouri River. You can find it about 9 miles south of Washburn in Oliver County.
Right next to the state park is the Cross Ranch Nature Preserve. This huge preserve, owned by The Nature Conservancy, is about 6,000 acres big. It's home to a herd of more than 200 adult bison that roam freely. Imagine seeing these amazing animals!
Contents
History of Cross Ranch State Park
How the Park Was Created
Back in the late 1800s, a man named A.G. Gaines owned a very large ranch here. It was about 11,000 acres, which is huge! Later, a couple named Bob and Gladys Levis bought the ranch. They really wanted their land to become a state park for everyone to enjoy.
In 1979, the state government even approved buying the land for a park. But then, a businessman from Bismarck named Robert McCarney helped organize a statewide vote. People voted against the idea, and the plan to buy the land for a park didn't happen.
The Nature Conservancy Steps In
Luckily, The Nature Conservancy, a group that protects natural areas, bought the ranch from the Levis family in 1982. They had a great idea! In 1989, they donated some of the land to create Cross Ranch State Park. They kept about 6,000 acres to use as a special nature preserve. This preserve helps protect the land and the animals, like the bison.
Activities and Fun at the Park
Cross Ranch State Park and the nearby nature preserve offer lots of ways to explore the outdoors!
- Trails: There are about 13 miles of trails perfect for hiking. In the winter, you can even go cross-country skiing!
- Water Fun: You can go boating or canoeing on the Missouri River.
- Stay Awhile: If you want to spend the night, the park has cabins, yurts (which are like round tents), and campsites where you can set up your own tent.
It's a great place to connect with nature and see some incredible wildlife!
