About
Mandan Matootonha Village, Heart River — Lewis & Clark 1804. Below Dickinson Dam, the Heart River runs 40 miles of reliable tailwater through Stark and Morton counties — the most dependable paddling on this 180-mile prairie drainage. At 280 CFS average with an optimal range of 100–1,000, the Heart cuts through grassland corridors lined with cottonwood galleries, particularly on the 60-mile Glen Ullin to Mandan stretch. The Mandan people established Heart River Village along these banks, taking advantage of the reliable water and rich bottomland. Class I throughout, this is flatwater paddling through North Dakota's western prairie, with Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park managing access and outfitter services near the mouth. USGS gauge 06349000 tracks flows that can swing wide across the optimal range depending on upstream releases and seasonal runoff patterns.
River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and access points may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level.