Plan Like a Park Ranger: Top 10 Tips for Visiting Knife River Indian Villages

An image of the winding path leading out to the Earthlodge and garden. They sky is a bright blue and there is a rainbow in the sky.

Emilee Franklin | NPS

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site tells the story of the Hidatsa people who lived along the Missouri and Knife Rivers in Earthlodge villages. Our rangers have compiled a list of the top ten tips to help you make your visit as efficient and safe as possible.

1. Be Time Zone Aware - The Park operates on Central time as is the North Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park, and Fort Union Trading Post. The South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park operates on Mountain time. Cell phone service can be limited when traveling around these places and may not update to the correct local time. Each location may have different operating hours from each other and depending on the season. When in doubt you can check the NPS App or stop by or call the visitor center where staff can answer your questions.

2. Dress for the weather - We are located in the Northern Great Plains where temperatures have been known to vary greatly. Our temperature range is from: -30 to120 degrees Fahrenheit and receive on average 16 inches of precipitation in a year. It’s always a good idea to check the weather forecast ahead of time or ask a ranger. Wear sturdy shoes for some of our more rugged trails and dress in layers to accommodate the variation in temperature. Consider using bug spray for biting insects and watch for ticks.

3. No Camping/Lodging on site-There is no accommodation available on site. There are camping options available in the Stanton city park. There is also camping available at the Army Corps of Engineers Downstream Campground in Pick City, and at Lake Sakakawea and Cross Ranch State parks. Camping options may be seasonal depending on weather. If motel/hotels are more your style there are options in neighboring Hazen, and Beulah.

4. Limited dining options - Pack a lunch! We have picnic tables and a picnic shelter outside of the visitor center. There are no restaurants in town but there are options as close as 15 minutes away. Ask staff about local options in the surrounding area.

5. We are a fee free area! - We don’t charge a fee to visit the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. This also means we do not sell any Federal Passes. These can be purchased at nearby Theodore Roosevelt National Park, or the Dakota Prairie Grasslands Supervisor’s Office in Bismarck, or the Medora Ranger District in Dickinson. You can also purchase passes online. Please know that you will not be able to print off a pass, they send a physical copy. If you trip is within a few weeks, consider purchasing a pass at the site you are planning to visit.

6. Pack Your Pup - Your furry friends are welcome companions! Dogs are allowed on trails as long as you follow the BARK Ranger rules. Only service animals are welcome in the Visitor Center and Earthlodge. While your furry friends are here, they can earn a Bark Ranger tag!
   
   B-Bag and remove waste
   A-Always be leashed
   R-Respect wildlife
   K-Know where you can go

7. Download the NPS App - Download the new NPS App before arrival for helpful planning tools to make the most of your visit. Cell phone service can be spotty at times in rural North Dakota, but with the new NPS app you can download content ahead of time for offline use including information on operating hours and seasons, things to do, self-guided tours, weather and more.

The free app can be downloaded through the App Store and Google Play. Follow Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site on Facebook and Instagram for more helpful information.

8. Explore the Area - Knife River Indian Villages NHS isn’t the only park in the region. There are three National Park units in North Dakota. Within two hours you can reach either the North or the South Units of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. We are located about three hours from Fort Union National Historic Site. If you enjoy following Lewis and Clark’s journey along the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail we are located 11 miles from Fort Clark and 23 miles from the North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn. If you would like to follow more of the history and current story of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara (MHA Nation) we are 127 miles away from the MHA Nation Interpretive Center in New Town. Don’t forget to check out other public lands in North Dakota as well.
   

9. Ask a Ranger - Wondering if there any current programs going on or upcoming? Not sure what trail is right for you? Want to watch the movie? Can’t find the bathroom? Looking for recommendations on things to do or see in the area? Interested in becoming a Junior Ranger? Ask a ranger! Our staff is here to help you make the most of your time at Knife River Indian Villages and beyond.

10. Leave No Trace - A good rule of thumb no matter where you’re recreating. Make sure to pack out whatever trash you bring with you and stay on the trails. Help us preserve the past: examine, photograph, but do not touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts, rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them. Here are other ways you can recreate responsibly.
    

Need more tips?

If you want to dive deeper into Knife River Indian Villages National Historic site , then head to our website. Heading to more parks? Check out other "Ranger Top Tens" across the entire National Park Service.