Most Americans are familiar with the story of Sacajawea (also spelled Sakakawea or Sacajawea), the Shoshone woman who played a crucial role in guiding Lewis and Clark on their expedition. However, not everyone knows that she hailed from an area in present-day North Dakota, close to where Lewis and Clark camped at Fort Mandan.
The Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site preserves these significant villages and the history of the region where Sacajawea’s people once lived. It’s also believed to be the location of her birthplace.
About Knife River Indian Villages NHS:
Located in North Dakota, the Knife River Indian Villages NHS safeguards several Hidatsa Village Sites, each of high archaeological importance. This site is not only key to understanding these cultures, but it also holds significance due to its connection to Sacajawea and the historic Lewis and Clark expedition, which stopped at nearby Fort Mandan.
This region was a melting pot of various cultures, including Hidatsa, Mandan, Lakota, English, French, and German. Interracial marriages and cultural exchanges were common, adding to the area’s rich history.
Should You Visit the National Historic Site?
Absolutely! I found these smaller sites to be particularly fascinating during my travels through North Dakota. Visiting this site, along with Fort Mandan and other nearby locations, offers a profound connection to the land, the people of the time, and the history of the expedition.
The ongoing excavations at the site were particularly engaging. The staff were eager to share information and allowed us to observe their work, likely due to the site’s relative lack of visitors, which made for a more intimate experience.
Things to Do at Knife River:
Earthlodge:
Located just outside the visitor center, the Earthlodge is a must-see. It is a reconstruction of a traditional Hidatsa earth lodge, typically housing about 15-20 people. These lodges were built with a mix of logs, prairie grass, branches, and thick sod, featuring a variety of household items and war trophies around a central fire pit. Since such lodges were typically rebuilt every ten years, this one offers a tangible glimpse into the past.
Village Trail:
If you’re going to choose one trail, make it this one. The 1.3-mile loop takes you through the sites of historic villages within the Knife River Villages, including the Awatixa Xi’e Village and the Awatixa Village, the latter being the believed birthplace of Sacajawea.
Two Rivers Trail:
For a longer trek, the 6.2-mile Two Rivers Trail offers scenic views of both the Knife River and the larger Missouri River. While more scenic than historic, you can enjoy fishing (with a local license) and bird watching along the way. However, I recommend also dedicating time to some of the historic trails.
North Forest Trail:
This 2.2-mile trail winds through the northern part of the Knife River Village National Historic Site, taking you through prairie lands and leading to the Big Hidatsa Site, which is worth a visit. Archaeologists often engage with visitors, explaining their work and findings.
Practical Information:
Visitor Center:
Address: 564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND 58571
The visitor center is the ideal starting point, featuring informative displays and an engaging film. The enthusiastic rangers motivated me to explore the Big Hidatsa excavation.
Hours:
Daily operations:
– Memorial Day-Labor Day: 9 AM – 5 PM Central Time
– Labor Day-Memorial Day: 8 AM – 4:30 PM Central Time
The Visitor Center and Earthlodge are closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day, but the trails remain open.
Fees:
Free
National Park Passport Stamp:
Available at the Visitor Center.
Website:
Official NPS Website
Getting There:
By Car:
Located 60 miles north of Bismarck, North Dakota. From Bismarck, take I-94 W to ND-25N to Hensler, ND. Follow ND-200W for about 16 miles, then turn onto ND-31N towards Stanton. Continue through Stanton and follow signs for Knife River Indian Villages NHS.
By Air:
The nearest airport is Bismarck Municipal Airport (BIS), about 60 miles from the site. BIS is serviced by major airlines including United, Allegiant, Frontier, Delta, and American.
By Public Transportation:
Public transportation options are limited in this area and do not connect directly to the site.
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– Visiting Theodore Roosevelt National Park
– Things to Do in Fargo, ND
– National Park Sites of North Dakota
