Major city · United States
Mandan
Spend a half‑day in Mandan for Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park or the waterpark; one night if you need a budget base near Bismarck.
Mandan, a small town of about 23,000 on the Missouri River, sits just west of Bismarck. Its main attractions – Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Raging Rivers Waterpark – are a short drive from the interstate. With limited dining and lodging, a single night is enough unless you plan to use it as a Bismarck‑area base.
More
More ways in
Local time, weather, currency, airports
- Weather
- see forecast
- Currency
- USD
- Best months
- Jun–Aug (warm, park open)
- avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited activities)
- Airport
- BIS
- Nights
- 1
Not a trip line yet
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
Entry rules depend on your passport. Full visa guide
What is in this basic guide9 covered · 4 not yet ▾
In this guide
Not in this guide yet
- Walking areas with bag rules
- Day plans checked against opening hours
- Airport-to-bed timings and the last safe connection
- Field-checked times and prices
Official sites
Emergency numbers for Mandan911 ▾
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Tap a number to call from your phone. These are the numbers listed in this guide; a row marked check has not been verified.
EssentialsQuick answers and what things cost
Essentials
Quick answers and what things cost
Quick answers
The questions people ask first about Mandan, one line each. Tap a card for the full answer.
- Cash or card?Currency is the US dollar (USD, $).United States-wide
- SIM or eSIMAT&T, Verizon and T-Mobile cover the country; prepaid SIMs at their stores and Walmart/Target (passport required), or an eSIM before you fly.United States-wide
- Tap waterTap water is drinkable nearly everywhere; boil or treat water from streams in parks.United States-wide
- TippingSit-down restaurant: 18–22% of the pre-tax bill.United States-wide
- Plugs & powerSockets A/B. US/Canada (A/B): fits · UK/Ireland (G): adapter · Australia/NZ (I): adapter. 120 V: UK and AU 230 V-only devices need a converter; most chargers are dual-voltage.United States-wide
- SafetyMandan is generally safe; winter storms can close roads, and wildlife (deer) may appear on highways at dusk.
Show all 12 answers
- RestroomsFree public toilets are scarce in big cities; use cafés, department stores, libraries, stations.United States-wide
- Emergency numbers911 police/fire/ambulance
- Sundays & holidaysFederal holidays close offices, banks and post offices; national parks stay open.United States-wide
- Your embassyFind your embassy's 24-hour line before you fly.
- AirportBIS Bismarck Municipal Airport (About 15 min drive from Mandan; served by United, Delta, and Allegiant.).
- Getting aroundCar is primary; four I‑94 exits (152, 153, 155, 156) serve the town.
Cost cheat-sheet
Typical prices for the everyday things, as ranges. Your currency is shown next to the local price.
- CoffeeCoffee at a café$2–$4
- Budget bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomUS$100
- Mid-range bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomUS$130
- High-end bedMid‑range hotel, a night, per roomUS$180
A day, not counting the bed: Budget US$45 · Mid US$75 · High US$110
Prices in local money; change the currency in the header to see yours next to them. Every price and the budget calculator →
DecideWhat it is known for, and when the weather works
Decide
What it is known for, and when the weather works
At a glance
What the city is known for, how you fly in, and where to find the phrases.
- Airports
- BIS Bismarck Municipal Airport (About 15 min drive from Mandan; served by United, Delta, and Allegiant.)
Best months at a glance
From the guide's best and avoid lists
Jan
Avoid
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
Feb
Avoid
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
Mar
not flagged
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
Apr
not flagged
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
May
not flagged
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
Jun
Best
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
Jul
Best
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
Aug
Best
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
Sep
not flagged
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
Oct
not flagged
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
Nov
not flagged
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
Dec
Avoid
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
Best: Jun–Aug. Avoid: Dec–Feb. Month by month →
Warmest Jul (28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)), coolest Jan (−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C) low), wettest May (9 rain days), driest Jan (5). Averages, not a forecast.
Weather and climate
Mandan: next 7 days
Loading forecast…
Forecast: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0), model data for this point.
Air quality
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Model estimate (CAMS via Open-Meteo), not a street-level station; readings near busy roads run higher.
Jan
−2°C (28°F)28°F (−2°C)
−15°C (5°F)5°F (−15°C)
5 rd
Feb
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
−13°C (9°F)9°F (−13°C)
5 rd
Mar
6°C (43°F)43°F (6°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
Apr
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
8 rd
May
19°C (66°F)66°F (19°C)
4°C (39°F)39°F (4°C)
9 rd
Jun
25°C (77°F)77°F (25°C)
10°C (50°F)50°F (10°C)
8 rd
Jul
28°C (82°F)82°F (28°C)
13°C (55°F)55°F (13°C)
7 rd
Aug
27°C (81°F)81°F (27°C)
12°C (54°F)54°F (12°C)
7 rd
Sep
22°C (72°F)72°F (22°C)
7°C (45°F)45°F (7°C)
8 rd
Oct
14°C (57°F)57°F (14°C)
0°C (32°F)32°F (0°C)
9 rd
Nov
5°C (41°F)41°F (5°C)
−7°C (19°F)19°F (−7°C)
7 rd
Dec
−1°C (30°F)30°F (−1°C)
−12°C (10°F)10°F (−12°C)
6 rd
High / low, both scales · rd = rain days
Arrive & moveAirports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Arrive & move
Airports are listed under At a glance; this is how to move once you are in
Getting around
Car is primary; four I‑94 exits (152, 153, 155, 156) serve the town. No regular public transit.
See & doDay-trips, door to door
See & do
Day-trips, door to door
Day-trips
Bismarck
goDoor to door: check
Drive west on I‑94
State capital museums and riverfront; good for a quick visit.
Eat & sleepWhich area to sleep in
Eat & sleep
Which area to sleep in
Where to sleep
Areas, not hotels: pick the one that fits your arrival time and plans.
I-94 corridor
Budget hotels and motels near exits 152–156; car needed.
PracticalWhat a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Practical
What a day costs, what to watch out for, and the pocket card
Cost per day
- Budget
- $45–$65 excl. bed
- Mid
- $65–$95 excl. bed
- High
- $95+ excl. bed
Trip budget
| Mid‑range hotel1 × 1 night × US$130 | US$130 |
| Food, local transport, entries2 × 1 day × US$75 | US$150 |
| Car rental (compact, 1 day)2 × US$60 · check | US$120 |
| Park entry (Fort Abraham Lincoln)2 × US$8 · check | US$16 |
| Buffer 10%Price creep, a taxi you did not plan, one splurge | US$42 |
| Trip total≈ US$229 per person per day, bed included | US$458 |
2026 estimate in USD; flights and car rental excluded.
Prices of common things
| Coffee at a café | $2–$4 |
| Burger meal | $6–$10 |
| Gas (per gallon) | $3.30–$3.80 |
| Parking (city lot, 2 h) | $2–$4 |
2026 estimate; check locally.
Watch out
Safety
- Winter storms can close roads; check conditions before travel.
- Park and waterpark hours vary seasonally; confirm opening dates.
Emergency numbers
- Police/Fire/Ambulance
- 911
Pocket card
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MandanMandan
Pocket card · Voykit
My bed tonight
—
—
—
To this address, pleaseTo this address, please
Emergency
- Police/Fire/Ambulance911
Embassy
US consulates are in Bismarck and Fargo; nearest embassy in Washington, DC.
My embassy: —
Fare anchors (2026 estimate)
- I‑94 exit to downtown: ≈ $5–$8 by car (fuel) (check)
- Car rental (compact, 1 day): $45–$60 (check)
Say or show
- Excuse me / Sorry — Excuse me / Sorry
- Thank you — Thank you
- How much is it? — How much is it?
- Where is the restroom? — Where is the restroom?
Deep diveWhat this guide covers so far, and its sources
Deep dive
What this guide covers so far, and its sources
Not a trip line yet
This is a basic guide: no airport-to-bed contract, walking clusters or day plans are published for Mandan. Airport, fare and schedule details are unverified; check the operators before you fly.
What we know, and what is coming
On this page
- Best months: Jun–Aug (warm, park open) · avoid Dec–Feb (cold, limited activities) · month by month →
- 1 airport and 1 area to sleep in
- Weather: a 7-day forecast and monthly averages
- Cost per day in 3 bands
- 1 day-trips, door to door
- 2 things to watch out for, with emergency numbers
Coming as the guide grows
- Add car‑rental info for I‑94 exits.
- Link to Bismarck attractions for extended stays.
- Provide budget‑hotel comparison beyond Baymont.
Sources
- officialCity of Mandan official website
- officialFort Abraham Lincoln State Park
- officialRaging Rivers Waterpark
- officialWyndham Baymont Mandan
- secondaryWikivoyage: Mandan, revision 5278446 (CC BY-SA 4.0)
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