Mandan ND

Mandan – Nestled along the banks of the Missouri River, Mandan, North Dakota is a city where small-town charm meets outdoor adventure. Rich in history and community spirit, Mandan offers scenic beauty, family-friendly events, and a strong connection to the heritage of the Northern Plains. Whether you're exploring its historic downtown, enjoying the riverfront, or taking part in seasonal festivals, Mandan invites you to slow down and enjoy life at your own pace.

• Population: ~23,000
• Weather: Cold winters and warm summers (5–85°F); snow-covered winters and sunny, breezy summers.
• Places To Visit: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Raging Rivers Waterpark, Mandan Depot, Heritage Park, Missouri Riverboat Landing.
• Top Activities: Hiking and biking along the river, attending the Mandan Rodeo Days, fishing on the Missouri, touring historic forts, strolling through farmers markets.
• Famous Food: Hot roast beef sandwiches at Station West, juicy burgers at Harvest Grill, local brews from Dialectic Brewing Company, and homestyle pies from local bakeries.

Mandan, North Dakota, offers a mix of career opportunities thanks to its steady economic growth and close proximity to Bismarck, the state capital. Key industries that drive employment include healthcare, education, energy, and skilled trades. Below are some of the top in-demand jobs in the area.

Top 5 Jobs in Mandan, ND

Mandan, ND, may be a small city, but it certainly holds charm and character, offering students some great spots to unwind, hang out, and enjoy a break from their academic responsibilities. From scenic parks to engaging community centers, Mandan provides a variety of options to recharge and have fun.

Raging Rivers Waterpark – Perfect for hot days, this waterpark offers a lazy river, several slides, and a wave pool. It's a fun spot to splash around and cool off with friends.

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park – Immerse yourself in nature and history by exploring the hiking trails, visiting the on-site museum, or camping. This park is an ideal spot to relax amidst beautiful scenery.

Dykshoorn Park – A community favorite, this park hosts outdoor concerts and events. Whether it's enjoying live music or just lounging with a book, it's a great place to be.

The Stage Stop Saloon & Grill – Head over for great food, live music, and a friendly atmosphere that's perfect for a night out with friends.

Mandan Aquatic Center – With both indoor and outdoor pools, it's an ideal place for year-round swimming and relaxation. The facility also offers fitness classes and activities for students wanting to stay active.

Universal Playground at Eagles Park – This inclusive playground is a fun spot for students who just want to unwind, swing, and unleash their inner child.

Sweet Beginnings Florist & Café – Besides flowers, this cozy café serves up delicious treats and a cozy atmosphere for studying or casual hangouts with friends.

The Starving Rooster – Check out this local hot spot for unique pizzas, craft beers, and a lively atmosphere that welcomes group hangouts and is often bustling with people.

Mandan, North Dakota, offers a unique educational environment marked by strong community values and close proximity to institutions in nearby Bismarck. While Mandan itself has a modest number of colleges, the city’s location allows students to access some of the top public and private institutions just a short drive away. These colleges support local students with quality education in areas like healthcare, trades, technology, business, and liberal arts.

Top Public Colleges & Universities in and near Mandan

Bismarck State College (BSC) – Located directly across the Missouri River from Mandan, BSC is the third-largest college in North Dakota. It offers associate and limited bachelor’s degrees, with nationally recognized programs in energy production, healthcare, cybersecurity, and nursing.

University of Mary – Though a private Catholic university, University of Mary partners closely with Mandan’s community and is often supported like a public institution. Located just outside Bismarck, this university is known for its nursing, physical therapy, business, and education programs.

North Dakota State College of Science (Distance Education) – While the main campus is in Wahpeton, the college provides strong distance learning programs that are accessible to students in Mandan. It offers associate degrees and certificates in technical fields like healthcare and manufacturing.

United Tribes Technical College – Located in Bismarck, this accredited tribal college provides associate and bachelor’s degrees focused on serving Native American students. It offers respected programs in health sciences, education, and criminal justice.

North Dakota University System (Online Programs) – Mandan students benefit from access to public online programs from colleges across the North Dakota University System, including North Dakota State University and the University of North Dakota. These programs offer flexible education in agriculture, education, engineering, and business.

Top Private Colleges & Universities in and near Mandan

University of Mary – A private, Benedictine university, University of Mary is the largest private university in North Dakota. Just minutes from Mandan, it is highly respected for its strong Catholic values and top programs in nursing, engineering, and business administration.

Turtle Mountain Community College (Online) – While located in Belcourt, TMCC provides online offerings that are accessible to students in Mandan. It serves an important role in expanding access to private, tribal higher education options for Indigenous communities.

Rasmussen University – Fargo Campus (Online Programs in Bismarck) – Rasmussen offers flexible online and in-person programs in healthcare, nursing, and business disciplines through its Fargo and Bismarck learning centers, serving students in the Mandan area.

Medcenter One College of Nursing (formerly in Bismarck) – Now integrated into Sanford Health, this institution historically served as a vital private nursing school in nearby Bismarck and laid the foundation for the region’s healthcare education.

Leech Lake Tribal College (Distance Education) – Although headquartered in Minnesota, the college supports Native students in Mandan through online and satellite services. It focuses on education infused with Ojibwe culture and offers strong general studies and human services programs.

Mandan, ND offers a small-town atmosphere with strong educational values. Students here benefit from dedicated teachers, community support, and access to quality public and private schools that prepare them for college and future careers.

Top Public High Schools In Mandan, ND

• Mandan High School – The main public high school in the city, Mandan High offers a wide selection of academic and extracurricular programs, including Advanced Placement (AP) courses, athletics, and performing arts.
• Bismarck High School – Located nearby in Bismarck, this school serves many families from Mandan and is known for its academic standards and strong sports programs.
• Century High School – Another top-rated public school in neighboring Bismarck. Century provides an excellent blend of academics, technology, and arts, and offers dual credit classes in partnership with local colleges.
• Legacy High School – Modern and fast-growing, this Bismarck-based school appeals to Mandan families seeking a well-rounded and future-ready education for their children.
• – This smaller public school near Mandan serves students seeking a more personalized and flexible learning approach. It focuses on helping students graduate with the support they need.

Top Private High Schools In Mandan, ND

• Shiloh Christian School – Just across the river in Bismarck, Shiloh Christian delivers a faith-based education with a college-prep focus. It offers small class sizes, strong academics, and a range of athletic and arts programs.
• St. Mary's Central High School – A top Catholic school serving Mandan students, St. Mary's provides a rigorous academic curriculum supported by religious instruction, service learning, and leadership development.
• Light of Christ Catholic Schools – Known for their commitment to moral and academic excellence, this private system includes several campuses and offers secondary education options for high school-aged students.
• Dakota Adventist Academy – Located in Bismarck, this school provides a Christian education for grades 9–12. It features a tight-knit learning community focused on spiritual, academic, and personal growth.
• Trinity High School (Dickinson) – Though located about 90 miles from Mandan, some families in western North Dakota consider Trinity for its strong Catholic values, academic quality, and family-like environment.

Mandan, North Dakota is a small, vibrant city known for its community spirit and love for sports. While it does not host major league professional sports teams like those found in large metropolitan cities, Mandan and the surrounding area provide passionate fans with exciting opportunities to watch and participate in sports through regional and semi-professional teams.

🏒 Hockey – Bismarck Bobcats (NAHL)

• Bismarck Bobcats – Based just across the river in neighboring Bismarck, the Bismarck Bobcats are a Tier II junior ice hockey team playing in the North American Hockey League (NAHL). They provide young players a path to college and professional hockey while delivering thrilling games to local fans. Established in 1997, the Bobcats have a proud tradition and a strong local following.

🏈 Football – North Dakota Fighting Hawks (NCAA FCS)

• University of North Dakota Fighting Hawks – Though located in Grand Forks, the Fighting Hawks are a popular team that many in Mandan support. Competing in the NCAA Football Championship Subdivision (FCS), they offer a high level of college football excitement and fierce rivalries, especially against in-state teams.

⚾ Baseball – Bismarck Larks (Northwoods League)

• Bismarck Larks – Just a short drive from Mandan, the Bismarck Larks deliver fun and family-oriented summer baseball. They play in the Northwoods League, a collegiate summer baseball league showcasing top college talents. The Larks have built a strong fan base with their creative promotions and enjoyable game-day experiences at Bismarck Municipal Ballpark.

🏀 Basketball – University and Local Teams

• Mandan residents support regional college basketball programs such as those at the University of Mary in Bismarck. These teams provide competitive NCAA Division II action with great community involvement. High school and youth basketball are also popular across North Dakota, and local gyms are often filled with excitement during basketball season.

⚽ Soccer – Youth and Recreational Leagues

• While Mandan doesn’t have a professional soccer team, soccer is growing rapidly in North Dakota. Youth leagues and high school teams have helped the sport flourish. Regional matches and tournaments held in Bismarck and nearby cities draw families and fans to the field.

Though Mandan doesn’t host any major league sports franchises, its sports culture is alive and well through junior, college, and recreational teams. The community’s love for sports is evident in local support and the dedication of athletes across various levels of play.

Mandan, North Dakota, is a charming city with deep roots, exciting events, and beautiful scenery. Whether you're into outdoor adventures, history, or family fun, Mandan has something for everyone. Here are 10 fun facts about this unique city:

1. Founded in the Railroad Era – Mandan was officially founded in 1881 during the westward expansion of the Northern Pacific Railway.
2. Home of the Rodeo – Mandan hosts the Fourth of July Rodeo, one of the oldest and most popular rodeos in North Dakota.
3. Historic Downtown – The city’s downtown is full of historic architecture, local shops, and murals that celebrate Mandan’s heritage.
4. Riverfront Views – It's located along the Mighty Missouri River, offering beautiful views and recreational activities like boating and fishing.
5. Paddle On! – The Missouri is also home to Paddle Days, an annual kayaking and canoeing event for all ages.
6. Colorful Celebration – Every summer, Mandan comes alive during the Bismarck-Mandan Parade of Lights and the city's vibrant Art in the Park festival.
7. Prairie West Golf Club – Golf lovers enjoy Mandan’s Prairie West Golf Course, known for its scenic views and challenging layout.
8. Custer’s Connection – Mandan is near the site of Fort Abraham Lincoln, where Lt. Col. George A. Custer was stationed before his infamous last ride to Little Bighorn.
9. Nature’s Playground – The area features trails, parks, and wildlife areas like the Harmon Lake Recreation Area, perfect for hiking, biking, and camping.
10. Mandan Braves Pride – Home to the Mandan High School Braves, the city shows great spirit and support for its local teams and school traditions.