Pretty much everyone who has taken a US history course at some point in their life has heard of Lewis and Clark. This famous duo set out to find what lied in the west and if it ever reached the ocean. They encountered many people along the way, including the famous Sakakawea (or Sacagawea), who helped translate and guide them the rest of the way to the coast. What a lot of people don’t know is just how much time Lewis and Clark spent in North Dakota, and that they met Sakakawea within the state. In fact, they spent more time in this state than any other during their expedition. Today, you can explore this fascinating history at Fort Mandan in North Dakota – and everyone should visit it at least once.
Whether you’re a history buff, a parent of kids needing an idea for a fun yet educational activity, or just enjoy seeing cool places, a trip to Fort Mandan in North Dakota is absolutely worthwhile.
Lewis & Clark’s Fort Mandan/Facebook
This recreation area includes the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center with a museum full of interesting information.
Lewis & Clark’s Fort Mandan/Facebook
It also includes a full-scale replica of Fort Mandan, the fort that the famous expedition stayed at for the winter of 1804-1805.
Bill Houghtaling/Google
You can take a tour of Fort Mandan and see exactly how Lewis, Clark, and the rest of their team lived through the winter and most of their expedition.
Lewis & Clark’s Fort Mandan/Facebook
The fort is full of carefully selected and well-researched items that would have been used more than 200 years ago while it was occupied.
Bill Houghtaling/Google
It’ll make you feel like you’ve stepped back in time!
Bill Houghtaling/Google
Depending on when you stop by, you might even get to see reenactments and other cool activities that make the experience that much more memorable.
Fort Mandan State Recreation Area/Google
Step into the shoes of the Corps of Discovery and learn all about the history of North Dakota, the people within it, and the expedition, and you definitely won’t regret it.
Fort Mandan State Recreation Area/Google
Tours can be self-guided or lead by an interpreter. There is more information on the museum, fort, and park on this website.
Lewis & Clark’s Fort Mandan/Facebook
Bill Houghtaling/Google
Fort Mandan State Recreation Area/Google
Take a different kind of trip to the past when you see some of the earliest photos taken in North Dakota. Though many are still a good 70 or so years after Lewis and Clark stopped by, it’s still incredible to see photographs that are more than 100 years old now.
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Address: Fort Mandan State Historic Site, 838 28th Ave SW, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
