When you look at a map of the High Plains, McLean County North Dakota usually just looks like a massive block of beige and green. Honestly, if you’re driving through on Highway 83, you might think it’s just another stretch of prairie. You’ve got the wind, the wide-open sky, and maybe a few stray cows. But that’s the first mistake people make. They assume it's "empty."
In reality, McLean County is the powerhouse of the state—literally. It sits on a massive chunk of the Missouri River and holds the keys to North Dakota’s energy and water. It’s a place where the 1800s frontier feels weirdly close to high-tech industrial mining.
Why McLean County North Dakota Still Matters Today
Most folks don't realize that McLean County is actually one of the largest counties in the state, covering over 2,300 square miles. To put that in perspective, you could fit the entire state of Delaware inside it and still have room for a few cornfields. It was founded back in 1883, named after John A. McLean, who was the first mayor of Bismarck.
Today, it's home to about 9,800 people. It’s not crowded. That’s kinda the point. The county seat is Washburn, a town that feels like the quintessential Midwest hub, while Garrison is the biggest city. If you’re looking for the "heart" of the county, you’ll find it somewhere between the giant turbines of a power plant and the quiet docks of Lake Sakakawea.
The Energy Giant You’ve Never Heard Of
If you turn on a light bulb in Minnesota or eastern North Dakota, there’s a decent chance that electricity started in McLean County. This is where Coal Creek Station lives. It's the largest power plant in the state.
Basically, the plant burns lignite coal—a "young" coal that’s abundant right under the soil here. Next door is the Falkirk Mine, which looks like something out of a sci-fi movie. They use massive draglines, which are essentially cranes the size of apartment buildings, to scoop up 8 million tons of coal a year.
- Coal Creek Station: Produces about 1,200 megawatts of power.
- Falkirk Mine: Employs around 400 people locally.
- The Transmission: Most of this power travels over a high-voltage line straight to the Twin Cities.
It’s a massive operation. Even though there's a lot of talk about "green energy" these days, McLean County is still the backbone of the regional grid. Rainbow Energy Center took over the plant recently, and they’re looking into carbon capture to keep the place relevant as environmental rules get tighter.
The Lake Sakakawea Factor
You can't talk about McLean County North Dakota without talking about the water. Lake Sakakawea is the third-largest man-made reservoir in the U.S., and it defines the western edge of the county.
It was created by the Garrison Dam in the 1950s. While the dam provides hydro-power and flood control, the lake itself is a recreation beast. We’re talking 368,000 acres of water. If you like fishing, this is your Mecca. Walleye is the king here, but people pull out massive Northern Pike and even Chinook Salmon. Yes, salmon in North Dakota. It sounds fake, but they stock them in the deep, cold water near the dam.
Beyond the Boat Ramps
If you’re more of a "dry land" person, the North Country National Scenic Trail has its western terminus right here at Lake Sakakawea State Park. It’s a trail that goes all the way to Vermont. Starting a 4,800-mile hike in a North Dakota cow pasture feels pretty epic.
The Shoreline Trail is a shorter, more sane option. It’s about 3 miles long and takes you past scoria formations—that red, crumbly rock you see everywhere. It’s actually baked clay from old underground coal fires. It gives the landscape a "Badlands-lite" feel.
What Really Happened with Lewis and Clark?
History nerds usually know about the Lewis and Clark expedition, but they often gloss over where the guys actually spent their time. They didn't just keep rowing. In the winter of 1804-1805, they hunkered down right here in McLean County.
They built Fort Mandan near present-day Washburn.
It was a brutal winter. We're talking -40 degrees. They survived mostly because the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes were incredibly hospitable. This is also where they met Sacagawea. Without the connections made in McLean County, the "Corps of Discovery" probably would have ended up as a frozen footnote in history.
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Today, you can visit a full-scale replica of the fort. It’s weirdly small when you stand inside it. Thinking about dozens of men, one woman, and a baby living in those log huts for months is enough to make anyone appreciate modern central heating.
The Reality of Farming in the 2020s
Agriculture is still the soul of the place. But it’s not just "amber waves of grain" anymore. McLean County farmers are diverse. While wheat is still a big deal (covering over 230,000 acres), you’ll also see massive fields of:
- Soybeans: They've exploded in popularity lately.
- Canola: Those bright yellow fields you see in early summer? That's canola.
- Corn: Used both for feed and for the Blue Flint Ethanol plant near Underwood.
The average farm size is around 1,400 acres. These aren't small family gardens; they are multi-million dollar business operations using GPS-guided tractors that cost more than a house in the suburbs.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Area
The biggest misconception is that McLean County is "dying" like some other rural areas. Honestly, it’s holding its own. The median household income is over $81,000, which is pretty solid for the Midwest.
People think it’s just for retirees or farmers, but the energy sector keeps a younger workforce in towns like Underwood and Washburn. It’s a "working" county. It’s not a polished tourist trap like Medora or a booming metro like Fargo. It’s gritty, industrial, and agricultural all at once.
Actionable Insights for Your Visit
If you're actually planning to head out there, don't just wing it.
- Timing is everything. If you want to see the mine, you have to book a tour at the Falkirk Mine way in advance (usually 24 hours). They only do them May through October.
- The Salmon Run. If you want those Chinook Salmon, hit the "Tailrace" (the area just below the dam) in the late summer or fall.
- Museum Hop. The McLean County Museum in Washburn is actually located in an old courthouse. It’s packed with pioneer stuff that isn't just dusty junk—it's a real look at how people survived the homesteading era.
- Stay in Garrison. If you want the "small town but with stuff to do" vibe, Garrison is your best bet. They call themselves the "Christmas Capital of North Dakota" and have a huge Dickens Village Festival every winter.
McLean County North Dakota isn't going to blow your mind with mountain peaks or neon lights. It’s a place of scale. Huge mines, huge lakes, and huge history.
To get the most out of a trip here, start at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn to get your bearings on the history, then head west to the Garrison Dam to see the sheer scale of the engineering. If you have time, drive the backroads between Underwood and Turtle Lake. That's where you'll see the real North Dakota: the potholes (small lakes), the hawks on the fence posts, and the endless horizon that makes you feel very, very small.