Downtown Buffalo Historic District | Buffalo

Crow Flies High Rest Area is a roadside facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota.

Visual Characteristics

The rest area features a paved parking lot with designated spaces for passenger vehicles and larger trucks. A central concrete pavilion provides covered seating. The surrounding landscape consists of mowed grass and native prairie vegetation, with scattered deciduous trees offering limited shade. Interpretive signage is present, constructed from weathered wood and metal.

Location & Access Logistics

Crow Flies High Rest Area is situated on US Highway 83, approximately 10 miles south of Bismarck. Access is directly from the highway via clearly marked entrance and exit ramps. Ample parking is available for all vehicle types. No public transportation services extend to this location.

Historical & Ecological Origin

The rest area was established as part of a state highway improvement project in the late 1970s. Its purpose is to provide a safe stopping point for travelers on US Highway 83. The site is located within the glaciated Missouri Plateau region of North Dakota, characterized by rolling terrain and mixed-grass prairie ecosystems.

Key Highlights & Activities

Visitors can utilize the picnic tables and restrooms. Interpretive panels detail local flora, fauna, and geological history. Observation points offer views of the surrounding prairie landscape.

Infrastructure & Amenities

Restrooms are available and maintained by the North Dakota Department of Transportation. Covered picnic shelters are provided. Cell phone signal (4G/5G) is generally available, though signal strength may vary. No food vendors are located directly at the rest area; nearest services are in Bismarck.

Best Time to Visit

Daylight hours are recommended for utilizing the rest area facilities and for appreciating the landscape. Spring and early autumn offer moderate temperatures. Summer months can experience high temperatures and increased insect activity.

Facts & Legends

The name "Crow Flies High" is derived from the observation that crows in this region often fly at significant altitudes, a behavior attributed by some local lore to the open, unobstructed nature of the prairie sky.

Nearby Landmarks

• Missouri River State Recreation Area (3.2km Northwest)
• Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park (7.5km Northwest)
• North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum (12.1km North)
• State Capitol Building (13.5km North)