Washburn, North Dakota Area

When the Mandan nation relocated, they settled further north along the Knife River near the Missouri. It was then that the Mandans and Hidatsas became neighbors and allies. Lewis and Clark met the Mandans when they reached the Knife River in 1804. Lewis and Clark made the decision to spend the winter near the two nations, and they named their fort “Fort Mandan” in honor of their neighbors. Throughout the bitter cold winter they were visited by, traded with, and hunted with the Mandan and Hidatsa people. The Knife River Indian Villages Park, Fort Mandan, and a Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center are located near present day Washburn, North Dakota.

Knife River Indian Village

The Knife River Indian Villages Park tells the story of the Mandan people, their history, their economy, and their contact with the French, British, and American people. 

In addition to exhibits in the Knife River Indian Villages Visitor Center, the park also presented an authentic replica of a Mandan lodge.

Lodge Storage

Lodge Games

Three Sisters Garden

The grounds include a three sisters garden in which squash, bean, and corn are grown as well as sunflowers and a drying rack used to preserve food.

Sunflower Seeds, Squash, Beans, and Corn
 are Preserved for Winter Food and Trading

Fourth Graders Learning

When we arrived, a class of fourth graders was also visiting, and the Visitor Center staff were engaging them in building a lodge.

Fort Mandan

Fort Mandan is a reproduction of the Fort built by the Corps of Discovery, which was largely destroyed by the time the members of the expedition returned in 1806.




The guided tour of the fort provides interesting facts about the time the members of the expedition stayed there including that the Corps of Discovery would make or repair metal weapons and tools in exchange for corn and that Lewis tended to medical needs during the winter including the delivery of Sakakawea’s baby. In looking at the fort, it is hard to comprehend over 35 men (and one woman and an infant) living in such a confined area. I’m sure there must have been an outbreak or two of cabin fever.

What Lewis' Work Area May Have
Looked Like

What Clark's Work Area
May Have Looked Like

Entertainment Center

Sleeping Quarters 

The Workroom/Blacksmith Shop

A Favorite Weapon Design
of the Mandans

Lewis' Dog Seaman

Seaman is Honored

A key feature of the Fort Mandan Site is a sculpture in honor of Lewis’ Newfoundland dog, Seaman.

Now there's the good boy!

 North Dakota Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center 

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Washburn is a comprehensive museum telling the story of the expedition with a focus on the time spent in North Dakota. Inside is an impressive collection of artwork and artifacts. Outside is a sculpture depicting Captain Lewis, a Mandan, and an interpreter in conversation.