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Aerial photo of area

Bismarck Conservation and Outdoor Skills Area

Closed for parking lot maintenance August to October 2023.

The Bismarck Conservation and Outdoor Skills Area is located adjacent to the Bismarck Game and Fish Headquarters on east Main Street and Expressway. This public site includes a fishing pond and interpretive trails to learn about wildlife and conservation as well as a shelter which can be used for outdoor educational programs or meetings. Call (701) 328-6300 or email ndgf@nd.gov for more information. (Note: The Outdoors Skills Area is closed from sunset to sunrise.) 

Printable OWLS Interpretive Guide

Pond

Family Fishing Pond

This fishing pond at the Bismarck Conservation and Outdoor Skills Area is open to the public for catch-and release fishing only. It is stocked with trout, bluegill, largemouth bass, catfish and other fish species. The area is designed for wheelchair accessibility. Individuals, families and groups are all welcome.

For more information see our Bismarck Family Fishing Pond page.

Trails

The Conservation and Outdoor Skills Area also has 3 interpretive trails: upland, wetland and fish. Each trail is signed with information on vegetation, animals and North Dakota habitats.

Guided Interpretive Tour - Schools and other education based organizations may request a guided interpretive tour M-F from 9am-4pm. Groups of 20 or more will need to provide additional adult assistance. 3rd Grade and up, limit of one guided tour per classroom annually.

Do It Yourself Interpretive Trail - The trail is year-round during daylight hours for individuals, education or civic groups and families. DIY guides are provided at the trail head. If your group is large you should consider making arrangements to pick up the guides prior to your tour to assure an adequate number of copies are available.