Cross Ranch State Park

Cross Ranch State Park is located along some of the last free-flowing and undeveloped stretches of the Missouri River. While exploring Cross Ranch State Park, visitors may find themselves traveling back in time, catching a glimpse of the landscape as it appeared to Native Americans inhabiting the area hundreds of years ago, or hearing the echoes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition making its way to the Pacific coast along the Missouri River.

Cross Ranch has nearly 17 miles of trails that cater to the adventurer all year long. This extensive trail system can be explored either on foot or cross-country skis during the winter months. The trail system allows access to a 5,000-acre nature preserve with mixed prairie grass, river bottom forests, woody draws, and roaming bison.

The River Peoples Visitor Center contains a library, classroom, and display area. The Learning Tree is a replica cottonwood tree containing many learning panels and a sound board. Park brochures, trail maps, bird and plant lists, and a limited number of concession items can be found inside this building. Attached to the outsides are bathrooms and showers that have 24 hour access year round. During the winter you can rent cross country skis and snowshoes to enjoy the snow. The fireplace usually hosts a warm fire during the winter season weekends. The classroom can be rented out for various events or meetings and the library has many books that you may browse. In addition, the library houses our large insect collection.

Cabins and yurts are all available for overnight lodging along with two different campgrounds. A boat ramp is available for those wishing to explore this scenic segment of the river. Anglers will find walleye, trout, catfish, salmon, pike and bass in its waters. Visitors can also rent kayaks and canoes, along with cross-country skis or snowshoes in the winter. 

The Dakota Cabin is a seasonal cabin (for use from November 1-May 1). This two-bedroom cabin sleeps up to six and has an unfurnished loft for the kids. (One bedroom as two full sized beds bunked and other room has one full sized bed). Electric heat, efficiency kitchen and bathroom with shower. Must provide your own linens, shower supplies and some cooking utensils. Pets are not allowed in this cabin. 

Arthur A. Link Centennial Cabin: Includes one bedroom with two bunk beds, unfurnished sleeping loft that will accommodate up to six (no bed in loft). No towels, bedding, cooking utensils or dishes provided. Cabin heated with a wood burning parlor stove. No running water or inside toilet, but shower facilities are available year-round at the Visitor Center. Day use available. Pets are not allowed in this cabin.

The John Colter Log Cabin has two bedrooms (one with a full-sized bed and the other with a full-sized bed bunked to a single bed), electric heat, as well as a woodburning stove and overhead lights. The cabin can sleep up to 5 with room for the kids in an unfurnished loft. Users provide their own campstove and cooking utensils. No running water or inside toilet but restroom and shower facilities are available year-round at the visitor center. Pets are not allowed in this cabin. 

Yurts: There are two yurts for rent in the park. Each one mirrors the other. The 20-foot-diameter structures can sleep 6 adults, boasts a propane fireplace, table and 4 chairs, sitting chairs, and dorm fridge. There is no running water in the facility; however, showers are available year-round outside the visitor center. Pets are not allowed in the facility.

Sanger Boat Landing is part of the Cross Ranch State Park but is located 2 miles south of the main campground and visitor center. Sanger has 7 sites with electric hook-ups, as well as several tenting sites including one right on the river. There is a vault toilet in the campground and a picnic shelter located near the trailhead going to the main campground.