For hundreds of years, the Knife River area was home to a group of Native American peoples called the Hidatsa, among other folks. The earliest-known villages of the Hidatsa were established as far back as the 13th century and, for centuries, they were the primary residents of the area. They built plentiful earth-lodge dwellings, among other things, and today, you can explore the remains of what once was a vibrant native community via a fascinating trail that will lead you on an epic adventure filled with history and culture. The Knife River Indian Village in North Dakota offers visitors not only a wonderfully scenic and interesting hike but an entire history lesson on the intriguing lives of people who called this region home.

The Knife River Indian Village in North Dakota was designated as a historic site in 1974.

NPS.gov

And the best news is this: you can explore what remains of this ancient society to this day by paying a visit to the site and taking a quick, easy hike through the area.

Chris Prudhomme/AllTrails The Village Trail is a 1.6-mile, nice and easy, mostly flat trail that leads you through the ruins of what was once the Hidatsa people’s villages.

The trail will lead you through remains of two villages: those of Awatixa Xi’e (also known as the Lower Hidatsa Site) and the Awatixa (also known as the Sakakawea Site).

Chris Prudhomme/AllTrails Along the way, you’ll encounter a recreated earth-lodge, complete with inner decor and plenty of historical significance.

The process used by the Hidatsa people to build these lodges was meticulous and sacred, and you’ll learn all about it while onsite.

David Platt/AllTrails

Upon entering the lodge, you’ll be enveloped in a special kind of intrigue that can only be satisfied by learning as much as you can about your surroundings.

Xerxes2004/Wikimedia Thankfully, the Knife River Indiana Village Historic Site has plenty of history and information at the ready, and you’ll leave with a broader, more complete understanding and appreciation for ancient people and societies, as well as their way of life.

The trail will also bring you to a traditional Hidatsa garden growing the exact same vegetables once grown by the people who lived here.

David Platt/AllTrails Once you’ve finished the trail (which, as we’ve mentioned, is pretty short), you’ll want to explore the rest of the preserve, too. You can watch a quick educational film, explore the nearby museum, and embark on yet another educational hike that will take you to a third Hidatsa village.

For more photos of the Village Trail as well as a complete map and instructions, visit the official AllTrails page.

Tom Fazio/AllTrails For lots more information on the Hidatsa people, the area, and the preserve, make sure to visit the official Knife River Indian Villages historic area website, which can be found by clicking here.

The Knife River Indian Village in North Dakota is a truly fascinating place with plenty to see, do, and learn. It’s one of our favorite hikes in North Dakota, and we are thrilled to share it with you. Craving more scenic North Dakota hiking trails? Take a look at this list of 8 wonderful hikes you’ll want to take ASAP.

NPS.gov

Chris Prudhomme/AllTrails

The Village Trail is a 1.6-mile, nice and easy, mostly flat trail that leads you through the ruins of what was once the Hidatsa people’s villages.

Along the way, you’ll encounter a recreated earth-lodge, complete with inner decor and plenty of historical significance.

David Platt/AllTrails

Xerxes2004/Wikimedia

Thankfully, the Knife River Indiana Village Historic Site has plenty of history and information at the ready, and you’ll leave with a broader, more complete understanding and appreciation for ancient people and societies, as well as their way of life.

Once you’ve finished the trail (which, as we’ve mentioned, is pretty short), you’ll want to explore the rest of the preserve, too. You can watch a quick educational film, explore the nearby museum, and embark on yet another educational hike that will take you to a third Hidatsa village.

Tom Fazio/AllTrails

For lots more information on the Hidatsa people, the area, and the preserve, make sure to visit the official Knife River Indian Villages historic area website, which can be found by clicking here.

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Address: 564 County Rd 37, Stanton, ND 58571, USA