Mandan Magazine - Volume 4: Issue 1 Summer 2026

The outdoor Issue

GROWTH LOOKS DIFFERENT AT EIDE

Eide

I’m grateful for the opportunity Eide has given me to grow—from starting in the wash bay to learning every part of the dealership along the way. The leadership believed in me, invested in my development, and created an environment where hard work and continued learning lead to real opportunities. What makes it even better is the people and the team culture here—everyone supports each other and wants to see each other succeed. A great culture creates a great team - and a great team creates great customer experiences.

LETTER

PUBLISHERS

This year marks a truly historic moment as we celebrate 250 years since the founding of America. It’s a milestone that reminds us not only of where we’ve been, but of the traditions that continue to shape who we are today. Here in Mandan, those traditions run deep.

We kicked off 2026 in unforgettable fashion with a record-setting New Year’s Eve fireworks show, and that energy carries forward into a summer filled with celebration, connection, and community pride. From Mandan Rodeo Days, continuing a legacy that dates back to 1879, to the Independence Day Parade and the many events in between, this is a season where our community comes together not just to celebrate, but to create lasting memories with family and friends.

Touch-A-Truck, Buggies & Blues, and Rodeo Days are more than events, they are experiences that define summer in Mandan. They are the moments where neighbors connect, families gather, and traditions are passed down from one generation to the next.

This issue of Mandan Magazine highlights a defining part of our community, the outdoors, and the local businesses that bring those experiences to life. Summer here isn’t just something we enjoy, it’s something our business community helps create. From the equipment that gets you on the trail or water, to the services that make each trip seamless, these local partners play a vital role in turning everyday moments into unforgettable outdoor adventures. Whether it’s finding your next adventure on a side-by-side or pontoon, where “getting in the right seat” opens the door to exploring our backroads and river views or setting out along the historic Roughrider Trail where landscape, history, and recreation come together across 22 miles of prairie, Mandan offers something for every kind of explorer.

For many, summer means loading up and heading out. RV camping continues to grow, as a way to experience the outdoors without giving up comfort, becoming the hub for connection, relaxation, and adventure. Others are drawn to the water, where the Missouri River provides a timeless backdrop for boating, fishing, and long summer days that turn into lifelong memories. With new access points like the Car Bodies Boat Ramp, it’s easier than ever for both residents and visitors to enjoy everything our river has to offer.

What stands out most is that no matter how you choose to spend your summer, on the road, on the trail, around the campfire, or out on the water, it all comes back to the same idea: making the most of the time we have together. Summers in North Dakota are special, and as many of our local partners say, they’re too short not to fully embrace.

As you explore this issue, I hope you’re inspired to get outside, try something new, and take in everything Mandan has to offer. Whether it’s your first summer here or one of many, there’s always a new memory waiting to be made.

Cheers to a season of celebration, adventure, and the spirit of the West.

— Matt Schanandore Publisher, Mandan Magazine

Mandan Progress Organization Members

Legacy Level Member

701 Cycle and Sport

701 Venue / Chucker’s Sports Bar

BNC Bank Mandan

Dakota Kustomz, LLC

Stage Stop Saloon & Grill

Stantec Consulting Services Inc.

Weigel Funeral Home

Premiere Level Member

HIT, Inc

Sanford Health

Vision Source

Lewis & Clark Development Group

Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau

Mandan Road Races LLC

Interstate Engineering

Mandan Rodeo Days

TransTrash

CHI St. Alexius Health

Walmart Supercenter #2033

Udderly Amazing Treats & Eats LLC

Excellence Level Members

Bravera Bank

The Title Team

Open Road Honda

Basin Electric Power

First International Bank & Trust

Security First Agency of North

Dakota

National Day Calendar

Silver Dollar Bar

Funatix Events

The Poppy Creative

The Innovation Barn

Knife River Corporation- ND Division

La Cantina

Dacotah Bank

Mandan Athletic Boosters

North Dakota Art Project

Funatix Entertainment LLC

Midco

Entry Level Members

701 Cornhole Company

Action Motor Sports

Advanced Business Methods

AE2S

AID, Inc.

Al Fitterer Architect PC

American Family Insurance- Terry

Kraft

AnyLeaks

Bain Agency/Bridgemark Insurance Solutions

Balancing Goat Coffee Co

Barney’s Tesoro/ Red Trail

Baymont Inn & Suites

Bennigan’s

Big Stick Cigar Lounge

Bismarck Magazine

Bismarck State College (BSC)

Bismarck-Mandan Chamber EDC

BNI Coal

Bobcat of Mandan

Bullinger Tree Service

Burian & Associates

Butcher Block Meats

Capital Credit Union

Cappuccino on Collins

Captain Jack’s Liquor Land (Coborn’s)

City of Mandan

Cloverdale Foods

Coal Country Coffee Company

Comfort Inn & Suites

Copper Dog Cafe

Corral Sales RV Superstore

Dacotah Mandan Lions Club

Dacotah Speedway

Dairy Queen

Dakota Caulking

Das Mountain

DaWise Perry and Mandan Crematory

Doll’s Studios Tattoo & Piercing

Eco Sanitation

Edward Jones - Rick Kuhn

Edward Jones- Vanessa Martell

Every Eye

Express Yourself Salon

Eyecare Professionals

Family Fare/Spartan Nash

Family Wellness

Farm Credit Services

Farmers Union Insurance- Ressler/ Kuntz Agency

Feil Orthodontics

Fettig Millwork

First Community Credit Union

FOMO 10/40 Creamery

Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park

Gate City Bank

Goodhart & Associates, PC

Gramma Brauns Stores Inc.DBA:

Grandpa’s Grill House

Grand Junction Subs

Gunscher’s Auto Repair Plus

Gusaas Signs

Heritage Exteriors

Hirsch Floral & Gifts

Hopfauf Custom Builders.

Huck Financial

Huntington Books

Hyundai of Mandan/ Bismarck

Motor Company

Ideal Image Dentistry

iGear

Independent Land Survey and Engineering

Johnson’s Wrecking

KAT & Company

Keller Carpentry LLC

Keller Insurance Services.

Kelsch, Ruff, Kranda, Nagle & Ludwig

Kids in Motion Pediatric Therapy

Kirkwood Bank and Trust

KLJ

L&H Branding Irons

Lakewood Marina LLC

Larson’s Tattooing

Leingang Chiropractic & Wellness

Leingang Home Center.

Liberty Tax Service

Lillis Electric

Lincoln Repair

Little Caesars Pizza

Lords-n-Ladies

Loyal AVS LLC

LPT Images

M&H Gas

M&W Beef Packers Inc.

Main Street Drive Thru Liquor

Mandan Auto Glass

Mandan Eagles

Mandan Lions

Mandan Moose Lodge

Mandan Parks & Rec.

Mandan Progress Organization

Mandan Public School District.

Mandan Regional Airport

Mandan Tire Center

McDonald’s

Metro Area Ambulance

Midway Lanes

MOJO 107.5/Big Rig 105.9

Moore Engineering

Moritz Sport and Marine

Morton County

Morton Mandan Public Library.

Musicians Association

NAPA Auto Parts

ND Assoc of Rural Electric Coop.

Newman Signs

Nightlife Entertainment

NISC

North Country Inn

North Dakota Tourism

Northern Plains Plumbing, Heating & Air

Northern Trophy

Northwest Tire Mandan

Ohms Cafe

Old 10 Bar & Grill

Old Town Tavern/Scapegoat Bar

Open Water Marine

Pahlke Steel, Inc.

Papa Murphy’s Pizza

Pizza Ranch

Quadrasight Software

Quality Home Furniture

Railway Credit Union

Red Top Recovery

Reds 3D Printing

Revive Law Group

Riverwood RV & Auto

RJR Maintenance & Management

Safe Ship

Schaff Estate & Life Planning Group

Schlosser Excavating

Schwan Buick GMC Cadillac

Scotty’s Drive-In

Shop Suzy B

Sign Pro

Signature Events, LLC

Simes Graphic Designs

Spiffy Biffs

State Farm Insurance- Heather Fried

State Farm Insurance- Rod Skytland

Superpumper #41

The Golden Comb Day Spa & Salon

The Medicine Shoppe

The Paddle Trap

The Post Events

Titan Machinery

TP Motel

Tri Energy Cenex

United Printing

Venue Twenty5

Western Products

Zander Body Shop

Individual Level Member

Paulette Bullinger

Jim & Loah Clement

Lee Fleischer

Mike Hanson

Donna Hartze

Donovan Kruger

Laurie Leingang

Rachael Preusse

Matt Schanandore

Kari Schmidt

Andrew Stromme

Andrea Travnicek

Del Wetsch

Andrew Zachmeier

ADDICTION STUDIES

Associate of Science

AUTOMOTIVE

TECHNOLOGY

Associate of Applied Science

Diploma

BUSINESS

ADMINISTRATION

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

COMMERCIAL VEHICLE

OPERATIONS

Certificate

COMPUTER

INFORMATION

SYSTEMS

Associate of Applied Science

COMPUTER SCIENCE

Associate of Science

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

CYBERSECURITY & DATA PRIVACY  Certificate

ELEMENTARY

EDUCATION

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

ENVIRONMENTAL ENGINEERING

Associate of Science

ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE & RESEARCH

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

FISHERIES & WILDLIFE BIOLOGY

Associate of Science

Bachelor of Science

GENERAL STUDIES

Associate of Science

HEALTH, PHYSICAL

EDUCATION & RECREATION

Associate of Science

HEAVY EQUIPMENT

OPERATIONS

Certificate

INDIGENOUS FINE ARTS

Associate of Science

INDIGENOUS

LEADERSHIP

Associate of Science

PRE-ENGINEERING

Associate of Science

SOCIAL WORK

Associate of Science

SUSTAINABLE AGRICULTURE & FOOD SYSTEMS

Associate of Science

WELDING TECHNOLOGY

Certificate

Moritz sport & Marine

EntryMPOLevel Member

Road,

Winding through our region is the Missouri River, offering unique access to natural waterways and daytime boating adventures. A day spent on the water relaxing and soaking up the sun is the best summer vacation, without ever needing to leave the city.

fun on the river

The staff at Moritz Sport & Marine believes a perfect summer day in Mandan is spent on the river which is why they offer a wide variety of watercrafts from pontoons to jetskis to help everyone access the beautiful waterways all around us.

Moritz Sport & Marine is the only dealership in the Bismarck/Mandan area located right on the Missouri River. This direct access enables them to offer a level of service no other dealership can parallel. After learning what their client wants and is comfortable with, the staff at Moritz Sport & Marine can recommend a boat, pontoon, or jetski and then walk their client out to the dock for a test-drive. No hassle, no scheduling, just ease of service.

If you are a true beginner, the safest watercraft to introduce you to boating is a jetski. Recommended for anyone aged 15 or older, jetskis are easy to maneuver, giving the rider the freedom to cruise around the surface of the water. If you want to try boating, Aliah Walth, marketing director at Moritz Sport & Marine, recommends a Sea-Doo Switch. “It’s the easiest pontoon to drive because it is a jetski layout,” she explains. Drivers can back up, move forward, turn easily, and maneuver in the water with ease.

If you are experienced on boats and pontoons, the wide variety of watercraft available at Moritz Sport & Marine offers options for whatever you are looking for, whether you want something with more speed, something with more space, or something for fishing. One of the more popular brands they sell at Moritz, Sea-Doo, has new models with fun new colors. “The new colors they came out with are the best so far,” says Aliah. Another popular boat brand is the Ranger, which has come out with upgraded fishing boat models, including better bluetooth, safety features, shock features, and accessories.

If you are looking for an upgrade, rather than an entirely new unit, the parts department at Moritz Sport & Marine can help you customize your boat by installing new parts. The store also sells apparel and gear like life jackets to help you be prepared for a day out on the water.

Sunny days and warm temperatures in North Dakota are sparse. Summers fly by, and one of the best ways to make the most of the season is to get outside on the water. “We don’t get summer that many months out of the year,” says Aliah. “It’s so short, so let’s just use as much time as we can.”

www.moritzmarine.com

2540 Marina Road, Mandan (701) 222-2000

Action Motor Sports

1400 Action Dr. SE, Mandan

Story:

When the weather is sunny and under 80 degrees in Mandan, there is nowhere better to be than outside. If you’re Steve Pletan, general manager at Action Motor Sports, that also means being outside on an Indian motorcycle. Action Motor Sports in Mandan offers everything from ATVs and side-by-sides to dirt bikes and motorcycles, both new and used, and their experienced staff is excited to get you into a seat that will inspire your next summer adventure.

Action Motor carries many brands for an array of customers in a range of price points. Once the staff know your budget and the experience you are looking for, they can direct you to the unit they know will best fit you. “A lot of our job is finding the right product for the right people, and getting them in the right seat,” explains Steve.

If you are looking for a family-friendly vehicle, a side-by-side is Steve’s recommendation. “Close to my favorite thing to do in the summer is load up the family in a side-by-side and go out for the day,” he says. “It’s a lot of fun.” Mandan is a beautiful place in the summer, and an open-air vehicle allows you to experience the sunsets, green crops, and sunflowers up close and personal.

Steve Pletan, General Manager

Motorcycles are another popular item in their inventory. Fun and fuel efficient, they make any trip feel more like an adventure. “The river is gorgeous, and even though we don’t sell water toys, you can still experience a lot of it driving along 1806, 1804, or River Road,” says Steve. Mandan’s many multiuse trails are also great for daytime adventures, or you can take your vehicle down backroads to visit nearby towns.

The staff at Action Motor Sports take their time selling you a powersport vehicle because they view it as an investment. With the right unit, you can enjoy Mandan summer road trips for years. Their service department helps keep your vehicle in top shape year after year, ensuring a never ending Mandan good time.

www.ams-nd.com

1400 Action Dr. SE, Mandan (701) 667-4524

open road honda

4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan

Story:

Maria Brezny | Photos: al Schirado

“78 degrees. No wind. An entire day where we can ride.” A perfect summer day in the words of Annette Behm-Caldwell, owner of Open Road Honda. She and her husband Dusty Caldwell own and operate Open Road Honda and are passionate about sharing their love of riding with every customer who walks through their doors, helping them achieve a perfect summer day.

Open Road Honda leads the region in Honda powersport vehicle sales with a wide selection of motorcycles, ATVs, side-by-sides, scooters, dirt bikes, and more. “We have a wider variety of motorcycles than any other manufacturer,” says Annette. “From the new rider who wants to start on something small, to an experienced rider who is looking for adventuring or touring.” When helping you find a powersport vehicle, Annette, Dusty, and their staff at Open Road Honda ask about your level of experience, what kind of riding you hope to do, and who you typically ride with. From there, they can advise you on what vehicle will make your time on the road the most fun.

For beginners interested in riding, Open Road Honda has options that make biking more accessible. “One of the things Honda is leading the industry in is automatic motorcycles,” explains Annette. “The number one hurdle for new riders is figuring out how to shift.” Honda offers e-clutch and automatic options to remove that hurdle and open up motorcycling to a larger demographic.

There are a few bikes growing in popularity among riders. The adventure bike offers an on-road or offroad experience for wherever the day takes you. The mini moto is increasing in demand as a fun bike for in-town rides with friends. Strictly off-road bikes are also increasingly popular for the thrill of overcoming more rugged terrain and exploring more remote areas.

Whatever ride you are looking for, Open Road Honda offers a chance at a perfect summer day spent riding in the open air. “You don’t need perfect weather to have a perfect ride,” says Dustin. The key is to be prepared, think ahead, and also let go of expectations. Use your bike to run errands or schedule a longer trip in advance. However you go about it, any ride is a good ride.

www.openroad-honda.com 4120 Memorial Hwy, Mandan (701) 663-4023

open water Marine

4515 Memorial Hwy, Mandan

Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: submitted

When the weather turns warm in Mandan, thoughts turn to the Missouri River, boat rides, and lazy summer afternoons. Open Water Marine is a full service boat dealership, selling a range of new and used watercrafts and offering hourly, daily, or weekly pontoon and fishing boat rentals, with a full service department that can offer more in-house repairs than any other dealership in the state, so your dreams of summer afternoons on the water can become cherished lifelong memories.

Shawn Volk, owner of Open Water Marine, takes seriously the education of his customers, delivering all boats on the water and ensuring all capable drivers are properly trained on running and operating their new boat. He and his staff also pride themselves on offering in-house service for more kinds of boats and repairs than any other boat dealership in the region. In addition to general boat and engine service, they can repair propellers, perform specialized welding on aluminum and stainless steel, and fix fiberglass. “Anything and everything that needs to be applied to the outside or inside of the boat, we can do now, fully inclusive in-house,” Shawn explains. Regular maintenance ensures your relaxing boating trip doesn’t end in an open water stallout.

Pontoons are looking to be popular again this summer. With plenty of room for people and storage, they are perfect for a comfortable cruise down the river. Open Water Marine’s rental options also always prove to be a popular option for families just starting to explore boating. “We try to cultivate memories,” says Shawn. “It’s fun doing what we do, but we try to make sure everyone is going to have a memorable summer.”

Open Water Marine continues to grow, and Shawn has more exciting ideas, events, and opportunities to offer the Bismarck-Mandan area, so keep an eye out for what they will do next.

openwatermarinend.com 4515 Memorial Hwy, Mandan (701) 425-5855

riverwood RV

101 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan

Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: al schirado

No summer is complete without at least one camping trip with time spent outdoors fishing, roasting s’mores, and exploring the natural landscape. RV camping has become the ideal way to adventure into nature without sacrificing the comforts of home. Riverwood RV is a full-service RV dealer that sells new and used RVs in a variety of brands, sizes, layouts, and prices, and their knowledgeable staff can help you choose the right fit for you and your family.

For first-time campers, Jim Miller, owner of Riverwood RV, recommends renting before purchasing so you and your family can learn first-hand what you enjoy about camping before committing to a large purchase. “Camping is all give and take,” Jim explains. “They can build these things 50 feet long, but there’s always going to be something missing that someone wants.” Once you know what you need, make that a priority when shopping. For some people, spending as much time as possible outdoors is essential, so an RV with an outdoor kitchen area is indispensable. Other people prefer to relax indoors, so a comfortable living room inside the RV becomes essential. Other considerations include how much you want to bring (impacts storage), who you are traveling with (traveling with kids looks a lot different), and the kinds of places you want to camp (affects size). With these questions in mind, the staff at Riverwood RV can help you choose a make and model that will enhance your camping experience.

In recent years, RVs have become more than sleeping facilities, becoming instead the central hub of the camping experience. Brands like Impression are increasingly popular for their aestheticallypleasing designs, highly functional layouts, and luxurious finishes. The RVs of today are very different from the RV of your childhood. Many mid-range to upper-range RVs come with amenities like a dishwasher, TVs, and fireplaces, all to help create a truly restful camping experience.

Whatever outdoor adventure you are seeking, Riverwood RV offers a model for you. From the experienced outdoor enthusiasts to the excited new camper, these RVs are for everyone and are guaranteed to make your summer months more fun.

www.riverwoodrvs.com

101 Riverwood Ave SE, Mandan (701) 663-0050

S u m m e r S u m m e r

S t a r t s n o w S t a r t s n o w

J u l y J u l y

Bingo star ts after the 1st Come tr y your luck in suppor t of

J u l y J u l y Don’t miss the 4 of July weekend with bands Thursday and Friday, with special guests UNLEASHED playing on Friday, July 3rd th

corral sales RV superstore

617 6th Ave SE, Mandan

Story: Maria Brezny | Photos: submitted

“Summer is special in Mandan because there are so many events all the time,” describes Tim Helbling, co-owner of Corral Sales RV Superstore. “It’s the place to be in the summer if you want to be entertained.” Summertime is when Mandan comes alive with outdoor activities. If you love the connection camping brings, take advantage of the numerous beautiful camping sites around Mandan with an RV and enjoy the warm summer nights surrounded by your family.

Corral Sales RV Superstore was formally opened in 1968 by Tim’s grandfather and father. “Since that time, it’s been going strong. My whole family is involved,” he describes. In the nearly 58 years since Corral Sales first opened its doors, Tim’s family has seen many trends in camping come and go, and their years of experience makes them an RV dealer you can trust.

Tim loves camping and the connection it strengthens between family and friends. The time spent walking, biking, fishing, and sitting around the campfire is invaluable. “There’s nothing better than spending that time bonding,” he says. When shopping for an RV, he recommends thinking about your main motivation for camping and what your real needs will be. “Take your time and research it,” he advises. Corral Sales offers everything from a large motorized fifth wheel with five slideouts and three ACs to simple camping trailers that offer just the essentials. Above all, he recommends thinking long-term. “Think about what you and your spouse want as a couple,” he says. “Don’t let the kids drive the buying decision… they

are only around for a short period of time, and they’ll sleep anywhere… buy something you and your partner are going to be comfortable with down the road.” That way, your RV is an investment in adventure, not an impulse purchase.

Whatever you need, Corral Sales RV Superstore’s experienced and passionate staff can assist you with your purchase, ensuring many summers of unforgettable memories spent in the beautiful Mandan outdoors.

corralsales.com

617 6th Ave SE, Mandan (800) 578-2267

the Roughrider Trail

The Roughrider Trail is a 22 mile shared use trail located just south of Mandan along Highway 1806, running from Ft. Abraham Lincoln State Park to Fort Rice Campground. The open prairie trail follows a historic corridor once used by the 7th Calvary and connects users to state parks, camping sites, a gun range, two historic preservation sites, and a small prairie dog town. “The Roughrider Trail stands out because it combines access, history, and our ND Landscape to a variety of trail users,” explains Anton Hillig, recreation chief for North Dakota Parks and Recreation. “Because of the shared use and adjacent landowners, we want to emphasize that users be respectful, stay on the trail and travel responsibly.” The trail is open to OHV users, hikers, equestrians, and bikers. There are three trailheads: Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, Little Heart Bottoms Gun Range, and Fort Rice Campground.

ACCESS POINTS:

• Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park *(Best for new riders)

• Little Heart Bottoms Gun Range

• Fort Rice Campground

WHAT TO EXPECT BEFORE HEADING OUT:

• A long, linear trail with some remote sections

• Changing terrain and weather exposure

• Limited services once on the trail

• Interaction with other user groups

• Some areas deliberately left unmaintained as a challenge for OHV users that are marked “hard” with an “easy” bypass

• Must be careful crossing the Little Heart Bridge on Highway 1806. ND Century Code requires riders to be licensed and on a class 3 OHV due to the 65mph speed limit on that road.

• Restricted width access of 65 inches on some elevated cattle guard crossings.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS:

• Follow Tread Lightly principles

• Avoiding use during wet or vulnerable conditions

• Respect other users

• Respect private property

• Respect the livestock in the area

Use the ND OuterSpacial app for up-to-date trail information. The ND Parks & Rec Department monitors conditions, conducts maintenance and repairs, addresses damage and erosion, and supports law enforcement and safety education to keep users safe.

First opened last spring, the Car Bodies Boat Ramp is the only public use boat ramp located in Mandan. The boat ramp was developed through a partnership between the Mandan Park District, Morton County, and the City of Mandan. Car Bodies Boat Ramp provides convenient access to the Missouri River for Mandan users. The site features a newly constructed 36-foot concrete boat ramp, as well as a fish cleaning station. “This new access point will help enhance water-based recreation in Mandan, making it easier for residents and visitors to enjoy boating, fishing, and time on the river,” says Kelly Thomas, Community Engagement Manager at Mandan Parks and Rec. The new boat ramp is located at 1500 River Dr. NE, Mandan and is closed between 11 pm and 5 am.

Car Bodies Boat Ramp