The Best Boat Rentals Near North Dakota

For a standard pontoon or fishing boat around Bismarck, plan on about $200–$400 for a half day and roughly $300–$600 for a full day, depending on size, horsepower, and the day of the week or holiday. Many rentals include basic safety gear and life jackets, and some include a tank of fuel while others charge for fuel used at return. Expect a refundable security deposit of a few hundred dollars. Captained private cruises and party‑style outings are usually priced by the hour and can vary based on group size and inclusions; gratuity is typically extra.

The most common options are comfortable pontoons and tritoons for 8–12 guests, fishing and bass boats set up with livewells and trolling motors, and family‑friendly deck or runabout boats for cruising and towing. Large yachts and sailboats are uncommon on this stretch of the Missouri River, but you will find private sightseeing cruises offered seasonally.

If you want a hands‑off day with a local expert managing routes, sandbars, and docking, a captained cruise is the most relaxing choice and ideal for celebrations. Confident boaters often choose a self‑operated pontoon or fishing boat for flexibility and value. If anyone plans to drink, go captained and keep the operator sober—North Dakota enforces boating‑under‑the‑influence rules and open containers do not change that responsibility.

Popular launch points include Fox Island Boat Ramp on the Bismarck side and Kniefel Boat Landing at Misty Waters to the north, plus Steckel Boat Landing farther upstream. Southport Marina is a convenient hub near restaurants and fuel. Across the river in Mandan, the new Car Bodies Boat Ramp provides easy access to the Missouri. The Keelboat Park area is undergoing riverfront redevelopment, so ramp access there can change season to season—check local park updates when you book.

Expect wide river views with cottonwood forests, sandbars, and classic Missouri River bluffs. You’ll cruise beneath the Grant Marsh and Liberty Memorial bridges, pass riverfront parks like Sertoma and Steamboat, and may spot bald eagles or American white pelicans in season. Upstream, the river corridor skirts the Double Ditch Indian Village terrace, an important Mandan homeland site overlooking the Missouri.

Adults are not required to hold a boating license, but safe‑boating knowledge is strongly recommended. By law, operators ages 12–15 who want to run a motorboat over 10 horsepower without an adult onboard must complete an approved North Dakota boating safety course. Children under 12 may not operate motors over 10 horsepower unless directly supervised by someone 18 or older.

Yes—families are welcome. North Dakota requires that every person has a U.S. Coast Guard‑approved life jacket onboard, and children 10 and under must wear one while a boat under 27 feet is underway. Most rentals supply life jackets; confirm infant and youth sizes when you book. Bring sun protection and layers, as river breezes can feel cool even on warm days.

Bringing a cooler with snacks and drinks is common, and many operators allow it. Open containers are permitted on boats for those of legal drinking age, but the person operating the vessel must remain sober and under the state’s BUI threshold. Use cans or reusable bottles instead of glass and avoid grilling onboard unless your specific rental explicitly allows it.

Pet policies vary by owner. Many motorboat rentals in the region do not allow pets to protect upholstery and decking, while a few may permit well‑behaved dogs with a cleaning fee. If bringing a dog is important, filter for pet‑friendly listings and confirm leash, towel, and cleanup requirements before you reserve.

Summer storms and high winds can build quickly on the plains. If conditions are unsafe, captains will postpone or cancel, and many self‑drive rental owners will reschedule or waive fees for genuine weather cancellations. Always monitor the forecast, plan morning departures for calmer water, and expect stricter policies on holiday weekends. If you’re unsure, message the owner through the platform before booking.

Absolutely. Pontoon cruises and private charters are popular for celebrations, sunsets, and team events. Share your headcount, desired vibe (relaxed cruise versus active swim stops), and pickup point when you inquire so the owner can recommend the right boat and route. For summer Saturdays, July 4th weekend, and Labor Day weekend, reserve well in advance and consider weekday afternoons for easier availability.

The main boating season runs late May through September, with the warmest water and longest days in July and August. Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day are the busiest weekends. Local calendars also matter: Mandan Rodeo Days with post‑rodeo fireworks typically runs July 2–4, the North Dakota Governor’s Walleye Cup on Lake Sakakawea draws anglers in mid‑July, and the United Tribes International Powwow is held the weekend after Labor Day (for example, September 5–7, 2025). For smoother water and lighter traffic, choose weekday mornings; for golden‑hour photos, book a sunset cruise.

Plan a slow cruise past the bridges at sunset, anchor off a sandbar for a swim when river levels and conditions allow, and watch for raptors riding thermals above the cottonwoods. History fans can pair a boat day with a visit to the Double Ditch Indian Village bluff. In midsummer, timing a river cruise with fireworks or an evening community event along the riverfront makes for an unforgettable finale to your day on the water.