Welcome to Fort Stevenson State Park! Named after a former military fort on the North Dakota frontier, the park was created after the construction of the Garrison Dam in the late 1950s. The US Corps of Engineers built a recreation area that was leased by the city of Garrison and served as summer destination for those desiring the lake life. A landing strip for light aircraft sprung up nearby, as well as an archery range.

In 1958, two brothers, Eugene and Rodney Lee, entered into a decade long lease to build and manage a summer resort. Lee’s Resort, after significant investment by Eugene, became one of the finest on Lake Sakakawea, attracting visitors with the full-service marina, cabins, weekend dances, and a unique trophy room of mounted big game animals.

The 1970s brought a change to the area when the North Dakota Park Service took over Garrison’s lease. A full-time park ranger was assigned to Fort Stevenson and, two years later, Lee’s Resort closed. The buildings were sold and removed and the airstrip was abandoned, making way for improvements and construction of a shop building, entrance station, an additional campground, comfort station, manager’s residence, and seasonal employee quarters. Construction and improvements took on an increased pace in order to host the initial Governor’s Cup Walleye Derby in 1976, an annual event that still takes place today.

Revamping took place, once again, in the 1980s, with the park seeing some of its biggest changes. This included the construction of a one million dollar marina in 1983. Those living the lake life could now enjoy a concession stand and even a restaurant. A day-use area was added, as well as an amphitheater and trails.

Drought conditions resulted in low visitation for a time, though by 1992, water levels had begun to rise which brought visitors back to the park. With support by the local community, special events, facilities, and activities were developed for the park. One of those events was Cycling Around North Dakota in Sakakawea Country (CANDISC), a weeklong bike trek first held in the summer of 1993.

The Fort Stevenson Foundation was instrumental in building an interpretive center and guardhouse, constructed in 2002, to tell the story of the former military history of Fort Stevenson. The Garrison Bay Marina was added in the late 2000s. Fort Stevenson State Park, home to 150 campsites, offers visitors a glimpse of history and a chance to enjoy the lake and the surrounding landscape.