Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

An earth mound at Knife River

"Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site" by Jasperdo is licensed under CC BY-NC-ND 2.0

Quick Facts

Location:

Stanton, ND

Amenities

32 listed

Accessible Rooms, Accessible Sites, Assistive Listening Systems, Audio Description, Automated External Defibrillator (AED), Benches/Seating, Braille, Captioned Media, Cellular Signal, Entrance Passes For Sale, Fire Extinguisher, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Information - Ranger/Staff Member Present, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Internet/WiFi Available, Low-Vision Access, Parking - Auto, Parking - Boat Trailer, Parking - Bus/RV, Picnic Shelter/Pavilion, Picnic Table, Restroom, Restroom - Accessible, Scenic View/Photo Spot, Trailhead, Trash Dumpster, Trash/Litter Receptacles, Wheelchair Accessible, Wheelchairs Available

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

Visitor Centers (shown in orange), High Potential Historic Sites (shown in black), and Pivotal Places (shown in green) along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

One of the most significant areas in the history of the Lewis and Clark expedition, the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is situated to the west of the Missouri River just north of Stanton, North Dakota. The Knife River Indian Villages are spread out over 1,758 acres of land where the Knife River winds its way north before cutting back southwest. Here, at the confluence of the Missouri and Knife Rivers, was the home of the Corps of Discovery during the winter of 1805. It was at this location that Meriwether Lewis and William Clark first met Sacagawea and Toussaint Charbonneau, central figures to the expedition as it headed west in the spring of 1806. But while this area is significant to the history of the Corps of Discovery, the land has a long and rich history of its own.  

With a Native American history dating back to at least 1300 CE, the land is home to the Mandan and Hidatsa people. Evidence of their long history is still visible in the site’s three villages. The southernmost of these villages, called the Awatixa Xi’e Village (also known as the Lower Hidatsa Site), is just a short distance (quarter mile) north from the Knife River Indian Village Visitor Center. Visitors can see the site of what once was home to 50 earth lodges, set out upon about 10 acres of land. Not too far north is the second village, called Awatixa Village, a stone’s throw from the Knife River itself. Of particular note to those interested in the history of the Corps of Discovery is that this village was the home of Sacagawea; in fact, it’s referred to as the Sacagawea Site. Originally, the site consisted of around 60 earth lodges, but today only 31 lodge sites are still visible. Awatixa Village is under threat from the river itself as nature gradually erodes the banks and edges closer to the lodge sites. But the erosion does allow for a unique experience along the walking trail: the chance to see artifacts from the village itself, buried between layers of earth that are gradually eroding, revealing the history below.  

The largest, and newest village (established around 1600 CE), is the Hidatsa Village (also known as the Big Hidatsa Village). This is the northernmost site of the Knife River villages and also sits near the Knife River. At one time, the 15.5 acres contained over 100 earth lodges and, at its designation in 1964 as a National Historic Landmark, its remaining constructions were considered among the best examples of Native American earth lodges.  

Before heading out on the trail to explore the Villages, be sure to stop by the Visitor Center and step inside a modern earth lodge construction, built in 1995 by the National Park Service. Here visitors can get an idea of the varied uses and complexity of these lodges. The earth lodge is available to visitors during regular park hours. In addition, the Knife River Indian Villages website offers more extensive history about the earth lodges and a helpful schematic of what the lodges looked like.  

Admission to the site, its museum, and visitor center is free for all. The site is seasonal, so be sure to check with the visitor center to plan ahead. Keep in mind that the weather also varies in the extremes, from -35 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter, to upwards of 100 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer.  

While there is no camping on the Knife River Indian Villages NHS grounds, there are trails of different length throughout the site that link up and loop around all three villages. As you snap photos along your hike, be sure to share them on the iNaturalist app! This app helps the Knife River Indian Villages NHS research and study the plants and animals found throughout the park. Instructions on how to get and use the app are available through the Knife River Indian Villages NHS website.  

No food is sold at the visitor center, but hikers are permitted to bring their own food and picnic at designated picnic tables along the trails. In addition to the Indian Villages, there are ample natural sights and wildlife to see. If you are planning to visit the site over multiple days and would like to camp, the Stanton City Park (located at 501 Harmon Avenue, Stanton) is open to campers.  

Before your visit, check out the Knife River Indian Villages website where you can read up on the history of the area and download a checklist for wildlife viewing. Kids can join the Junior Park Ranger program on the site, as well. If visiting during the summer months, kids are welcome to join the kids camp (free to all) where they can learn about Native American history and partake in canoeing, fishing, crafts, Native American games, and hiking.   

To get the latest on hours of operation, or to find out more, call the Knife River Indian Villages NHS at [phone].