Rolling hills flatten to plains and stretch into lake country at Garrison. Folks at Garrison welcome tourism and recreation- minded folks to visit or vacation by providing housing, abundant events and historical reenactments or tourism.

A one-time military fort built to guard the emigrant route from Minnesota to the gold mines in Montana and Idaho as well as to provide protection from the Sioux, Fort Stevenson was established in 1867. The town of Garrison sprang up 3 miles north of the fort, becoming established in 1905, and was aptly named after the French term, garrison (a body of troops stationed in a particular location, guarding it, a fort).

Evolving through the years, today’s Fort Stevenson State Park draws visitors who utilize the park for camping, hiking or to tour the guardhouse. Additionally, fishers and boaters dock boats at the marina. Formerly, the marina existed in De Trobriand Bay accommodating 70 boat slips. However, recent drought periods reduced park visitation, since low water levels meant an inactive marina. Constructively, the park scrambled to provide peripheral activities to guests. Committees formed, and events were scheduled.

Further, an economic impact study found that money spent in operational years warranted attention to a deeper, new marina at Garrison Bay. The Omaha District Corp of Engineers hired contractors and supervised the construction. Working through a wet season complicated and slowed progress; however the marina is projected to open in May. The new marina will be a full 32 feet deeper, due to fl oor elevation differences between the two bays, allowing for a continuous, fully operational marina – even in periods of drought.

“We anticipate transferring the boat slips from the old marina this spring,” Fort Stevenson Park Manager Richard Messerly said. “We hope to increase the number upward from 60 as the need arises. The old marina will still function as a marina, but differently. Sailboat moorings will be added.”

Visitors can expect to rent boats, pontoons, canoes and kayaks. Fuel, bait, convenience store items and slip rentals as well as a full restaurant promises to provide a full gamete of needs for recreation.

“We’re looking forward to offering nearly 40 indoor seats with air conditioning as well as the same outdoors on the patio,” marina manager Carey Gieser said. “We’ll serve charbroiled hamburgers, steaks and ribs as well as a full breakfast, lunch and dinner menu.”

Garrison Convention and Visitors Bureau director Hillary Nelson moved to the community two years ago; her job is to promote area events. She said the CVB and Fort Stevenson State Park work hand in hand with a number of projects including: the Beach Party (key event held at the park with live entertainment and kids’ entertainment), Skydance Sakakawea (a kite-fl ying festival for all ages; fl ying purchased or homemade kites or viewing professional stunt kite flying) and the North Dakota Governor’s Cup Fishing Derby, now in its 35th year.

“We strive to flood the area with events throughout the entire year,” Nelson said. “The CANDISC bicycle tour originates and ends at Fort Stevenson State Park. Riders see North Dakota like never before as they ride past fl ax and sunflower crops or through national wildlife refuges on their ND loop tour.” She said the tour includes stops at host communities along the route, and bicyclists can expect to ride an average of 55 miles per day.

The community also rallies up and transforms the town into an English village for the Dickens Village Festival. The Sakakawea Area Council of Arts produces the Christmas Carol play, bringing visitors to the community for horsedrawn carriage rides, street vendors and entertainment.

And guests tend to spend the night. Dennis and Irene Jeffrey purchased the Garrison Motel eight years ago. When they consistently packed a full house, they considered the clientele they trended to bring to their motel, and added three cabins, specifically themed and geared up for hunters and fishers. Still, they faced a dilemma — to add more rooms or build new. After seeing full occupancy, even in dry years, they opted for a new space. North Shore Inn and Suites will provide 22 rooms, including three king-size suites.

Despite tourism dollars in the Garrison community, residents here turn to agriculture for their primary source of income. Farming remains a major contributor to the economy, followed by employment in energy. The power plant, wind farms and a bit of oil play create employment dollars to the community.

“We’ve done a good job of keeping costs down in the community,” Garrison Mayor David Reinarts said. “We have a very good infrastructure, having just worked 1.8 million dollars into our water treatment plant and storage upgrade. Our streets are also in excellent shape.”

Located midway between Minot and Bismarck, Garrison enjoys a strong medical community, tied to both towns, helping attract new retirees, including both chiropractic and medical facilities. The Garrison Memorial Hospital and attached clinic are affiliated with St. Alexius of Bismarck. A second clinic is affiliated with Trinity of Minot. Additionally, satellite clinics offer optometry and dental care.

To further improve or enhance the community, Better Living for Garrison was formed as a nonprofit organization. The organization itself includes a seven-member board, and exists to promote and facilitate community projects. Their inauguration project launched a capital campaign, raising monies for The Meadows, an 18-unit assisted living facility. Final financing came from several sources, including MIDA bonds. Backing from the Bank of N.D. guaranteed a local loan to round out the $3.2 million project. Attached by a corridor to the Benedictine Living Center, who provides management for the facility; the property is owned by Better Living for Garrison.

“Each unit has vaulted ceilings, a full kitchen, laundry, bath and a garage,” Chamber President Tod Graeber said. “The residents enjoy a shared community gathering space, kitchen, dining room and a common area.”

Additionally, he said the city sold a plot of land to a developer who plans to offer twenty homes for the community. “And Main Street is full. There are no open spots. Every business is active,” Graeber said.

“Garrison is a productive little town,” Garrison Motel owner Irene Jeffrey said. “And as it grows, everything comes together.”

By Tina Ding