McDowell Dam Recreation Area

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.

Nice and easy walking walking trail with birds and other wildlife. There is parking and grills for people to barbecue. You can do water activities.

The trail around the lake is wonderful! I saw dozens of bird species and a great variety of trees, plants and flowers, with excellent views of the lake from different heights and angles. I will certainly be returning. I expect it will be especially glorious in Autumn.

The best recreational place around. I love the running trails-- so very well maintained. The dogs love snooping and sniffing along the trails.

Beautiful little out of the way park. Nice lake and picnic spots. Nice restrooms. Paved walking path around the park. Dogs on leash welcome

This a little gem of a park. We go there to kayak. Some go to swim at a sandy beach. Numerous picnic areas.

It was very nice place to walk my friends dog, while she is in the hospital.

Lake and facilities very clean. Water was nice. People were spread out wisely and everyone was great. Great day to spend with family

The family had a wonderful time there. Lots to do and more than we could see in one day.

McDowell Dam is a nature park with rich green grass and sparkling lake water. Activities include kayaking, paddle boating, swimming, playground, recreation areas, and walking paths. Bathrooms are available that are clean and well kept up. Dogs are permitted but must remain leashed and they are not permitted on the beach area. You can reserve the recreation areas and the Dam itself often has events there for the public. I love coming here with my family and we often hold church services here!

Nice area to picnic and they have a nature trail I didn't walk it tho, they also have paddle boats you can rent or go fishing..

I love this place, hiking trail, walking path, and very peaceful! Saw a stork for the first time in my life here.

We love to take our dogs to walk here its perfect!!

Love it, great place for family recreation and paddle boat and kayak rentals very afforable.

Always a great time! Beautiful area to walk around and the trail is nice as well with rest area and benches and pit toilets too! Well taken care of!

Wonderful little place to take the family for an outing not too far from town. Paddle boat rental was inexpensive. Bathrooms were clean, the whole area was nicely mowed and very clean. Playground equipment was modern and there was a large beach area. You can hike around the lake or fish from the shore or docks.

Love McDowell Dam all year long but especially in the fall. The color of the leaves right now are so beautiful

Loved the trees, very clean, awesome place to go. They have paddle boats and kayaks that you can rent! Friendly people (obviously you can't control that) but it was a very nice experience. We went here cause we didn't have much money till payday (lol) so it was nice to relax without breaking the bank! Will definitely recommend to a friend and will definitely be going back!

This place is SO nice! I have been in ND 7 years now and this is hands down the best park/recreation area I been! The beach is kind of rough but that is the only"complaint" I have... Their water rentals (paddle board/boards,canoes,ECT.) Are very well priced! The kids and I can't wait to go back!

Great loop to walk, I suggest counter clockwise to get a little more uphill in the end. Trail starts just past the right of equipment barn you see entering the park on your right. Not defined at all.