Located three miles south of Garrison, the Guardhouse is a replica of the original military guardhouse that was lost when the land it was standing on was flooded by the formation of Lake Sakakawea. The attraction features a full size three inch rifled cannon, which is also covered on the Garrison Talking Trail! Step back in time and experience military life during the Frontier Days held each year on the 4th weekend of June!

Originally at the entrance of Fort Stevenson in Dakota Territory, the guard house played a vital role in the fort's protection and security, along with serving as a jail. Today, instead of prisoners, the replica holds artifacts, memorabilia, and history of Fort Stevenson and the Missouri River.

Inside you will be able to see the De Trobriand art gallery which displays reproductions of 27 of the General’s North Dakota pieces. Trobriand commanded Fort Stevenson from 1867 to May of 1869. But it wasn’t all work and no play for the general. A talented artist, and gifted writer, his paintings, sketches, and books have provided significant context to life on the Dakota frontier. He painted a series of landscapes and portraits of friendly American Indians of the region, some from the Arikara, Gros Ventre, and Mandan peoples.

The Guardhouse is situated with a phenomenal view of Lake Sakakawea and provides an excellent setting for a picnic. It is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor and off-season by appointment. Stop for a visit to explore the frontier military history of Fort Stevenson!