Categories: Arts & Culture; Sports & Recreation; Outdoor Adventures; History & Heritage; Local Highlights
Overview: Located on the Knife River one-half-mile north of Stanton, North Dakota, this site preserves remnants of Northern Plains Indian culture. For at least 500 years, the Mandan and Hidatsa tribes occupied this area. Lewis and Clark record meeting them on their expedition; the friendship, hunting skills, and agriculture products of the earthlodge people enabled the success of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery. To remind visitors of the original inhabitants, the site offers a museum, earthlodge, and 11 miles of trails.
What to see and do: In the visitor center's museum, you will see exhibits of Native American artifacts. Be sure to watch the 15-minute video presentation orienting you to the entire site (closed-caption available). The bookstore offers both books and Native American crafts. The highlight of your visit is the reconstructed earthlodge, located next to the visitor center. These dome-shaped earth and wood structures were the main living quarters of the Mandan and Hidatsa. Some were large enough to hold 20 people. Ranger-guided tours are available from May to September.
Outside, take advantage of the 11 miles of trails to further explore the site's almost 1,600 acres, which include other Native American village sites. Hiking is a favorite summer activity, while winter visitors often bring their cross-country skis. Along the Knife River, you can also fish, provided you possess a North Dakota fishing license. Whenever you visit, be prepared for the extremes of heat and cold possible at the height of summer and winter.
The fourth weekend in July, the site hosts the Northern Plains Indian Culture Fest. Call ahead for details. The visitor center, earthlodge, and some trails are accessible by wheelchair (trails have gravel surface).
Summer hours (Memorial Day through Labor Day): 7:30 AM to 6 PM (M.D.T.); Winter hours: 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM (M.S.T.). Closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year's days. Admission is free. For more information on the site,click here.
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