Mandan, ND and Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park is saturated with rich history. Mandan Indians lived along the Heart and Missouri Rivers as well as four other American Indian Nations. There is also a preserved Indian site that is called On-the-Slant-Village...very interesting way of life. The most noted historical fact is Fort Abraham Lincoln was home of Lt. Colonel (General) George Custer when he was sent there from KY to protect the surveyors of the railroad from Indian attacks. It was there where he launched his campaign that ended in The Battle at Little Bighorn - nearly two hundred miles away.

After taking in the tours and riding the local Trolly we decided to kayak the Heart and Missouri Rivers. We headed up stream on the Heart River; the pace was nice and along the way we paddled beside a flock of Canada geese and other than seeing a few other birds and an occasional deer, the trip was calm and pleasant. Once we arrived back at the park where the Heart and Missouri Rivers merged, the rivers were separated by an incredible sand bar. When we got to the center where the rivers merged, we paddled up to a local fisherman to ask a few questions about the waters. He told us that the same time a year ago, the Missouri River left its banks and crested 10 feet above flood level, which brought the waters four feet over the State Park, killing many of the trees. Also, at the point where the rivers merged you could actually feel the temperature of the Heart River (on the right side of the kayak) was warm at 80 degrees while the Missouri River (on the left side) was a frigid 55 degree temperature.

The area is filled with such natural beauty but the west was still calling so we departed for Medora and Theodore Roosevelt National Park.