2,401 views • posted 03/27/2018 • updated 07/18/2023

---

Washburn Discovery Trail, Washburn, North Dakota

From Washburn Area Convention & Visitors Bureau

This 2.2-mile multi-use trail along the route of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail provides scenic vistas of the Missouri River.

The Washburn Discovery Trail begins in Harmony Park at the North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, a certified Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail site. The concrete trail proceeds to Washburn's Riverside Park, taking in vistas of the Missouri River along the way.

Throughout the route, historic sites, from the location of North Dakota's first coal-fired power plant; to the bridge spanning the Missouri River; to the last operating ferry boat on the River in North Dakota; to historic Washburn Landing; to the Soo Line Railroad are marked with interpretive signs, benches and other walking/biking amenities.

The trail utilizes innovative and environmentally-friendly fly-ash based concrete. A variety of partnerships, including the City of Washburn, Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation and Washburn Area Convention & Visitors Bureau are making this new trail (opened in 2005) a popular feature for locals and tourists alike.

The Washburn Discovery Trail is intended for walking, running, bicycling, skating, skiing, and other nonmotorized uses. The trail also provides access to the river for fishing, boating, and bird watching. Other facilities available include picnic and camping areas, and ATV play area, a Disc Golf course, and a visitors' center.

The trail is suitable for wheelchair access. It is eight feet wide and surfaced in concrete for its 2.2-mile length. The trail climbs in elevation from 1,680 to 1,860 feet. The average grade is 2.26% with a 150-foot stretch of a maximum grade of 8.3%. Additional accessibility information is available from trailhead signs, a brochure, and the website.

For more information

Washburn Area Convention & Visitors Bureau PO Box 607, Washburn, ND 58577 (701) 462-8530