Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
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Learn about the Native Americans who lived along the Knife River in North Dakota by visiting the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. At the confluence of the Knife River and the Missouri River near Staton, this site includes three Indian villages: the Awatixa Site, Sakawea Site, and Hidatsa Village. As you leave the visitor center, the first village you come to is the Awatixa Site, also referred to as the Lower Hidatsa site, which was the home to approximately 1,000 people from 1780 to 1785, although it may have been established as early as 1525. Follow the path further to the north, and you will arrive at Awatixa Site, also called the Sacagawea Site, which was occupied from 1790 when a smallpox epidemic forced the inhabitants out of the Awatixa Site until 1834 when a Sioux Indian raid burned the 60 earth lodges to the ground. Follow the Two Rivers Trail further north to arrive at the Hidatsa Village, which was possibly established as early as 1600 and was occupied until about 1840; this village that contained about 100 earth lodges is the best-preserved property at this site.
Things To Do Near Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Start your visit to Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site by visiting the museum and watching the visitor center's films. Then, follow the short path to see the first two villages. Hop in your car and drive to the Hidatsa Village or hike there by following the Two Rivers Trail. Then, walk further north to visit the historic village remains. End your day by fishing in the Knife or Missouri Rivers.
Hiking Trails
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Village Trail
Follow this trail from the visitor center to see the first two villages. Then, follow the loop back along the Knife River.
Location
Visitor Center, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
Length
1.3 mile
Intensity
Easy
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Two Rivers Trail
The Two Rivers Trail starts at the Village Trail's northern edge and runs by the Hidatsa Village. The scenery from the end of this trail is stunning because you can see where the Knife River meets the Missouri River.
Location
Near Hidatsa Village, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
Length
3.3 miles
Intensity
Easy
Sightseeing
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Awatixa Village
Sacagawea lived at Awatixa Village when Lewis and Clark convinced her to join their expedition. Erosion has cut the number of earth lodge depressions at this site to 31. Hike along the nearby trail to see a cross-section of the village created by this erosion.
Location
North of Visitor Center, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
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Earth Lodge
Tour the earth lodge next to the visitor center. The National Park Service constructed this lodge using traditional building materials and techniques. Up to 40 people lived in each earth lodge, and they were usually family members.
Location
Visitor Center, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
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Hidatsa Village
You can hike or park in the parking lot at Hidatsa Village. This location is the best-preserved village at this historic site. It was visited by David Thompson in 1795, Lewis and Clark in 1804 through 1806, George Catlin in 1832, and Karl Bodmer in 1833 and 1834. You can see the indents left by the earth lodges and hike along the Knife River.
Location
North of North Dakota Highway 18, Knife River Indian Villages, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
Museums
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Knife River Indian Village Museum
Learn the story of Buffalo Bird Woman's lifestyle at the Knife River Indian Village Museum. Visit a garden and see how the women grew plants. This museum is also a great place to see Northern Plains Indian artwork.
Location
Knife River Indian Villages Museum Knife River Indian Villages, 564 County Road 37, Stanton, North Dakota 58571
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Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
Learn more about how the Lewis and Clark expedition overwintered at this site in 1804 and 1805. See reconstructed Fort Manda that they originally built during that time. Explore how they met Sacagawea, Toussaint Charbonneau, and Sheheke-Shote and how those people impacted their expedition.
Location
2576 8th Street Southwest, Washburn, North Dakota 58577
Nearby Shops and Restaurants
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Teresa's Grocery & Bakery
Stock up on supplies for a picnic or cookout at Teresa's Grocery & Bakery. This store is also a great place to get fresh bakery goods.
Location
10 Main Road East, Pick City, North Dakota 58545
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Artmain
Get all types of art supplies at Artmain. They also do custom framing. Select women's clothing from their fabulous collection.
Location
13 Main Street South, Minot, North Dakota 58701
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Little Bar & Grill
Little Bar & Grill is a family-friendly restaurant that is a great place to get homemade pizzas. They also offer outstanding filet mignon and other choices. This establishment is open for lunch and dinner.
Location
154 East Main Street, Pick City, North Dakota 58545
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Dam Bar & Steakhouse
If you want a great hamburger made to order, then head to Dam Bar & Steakhouse. They also serve all your favorite steaks, pork chops, and chicken. You can get great pizza at this restaurant as well.
Location
35 East Main Street, Pick City, North Dakota 58545
How To Get To Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Start your visit to Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site at the visitor center. You can get to this location from Bismarck by taking Interstate 95 West to Exit 147. Turn right on North Dakota-25 North. Then, turn right on 28th Avenue Southwest. Turn left on North Dakota 200 Alternate West. Turn right on North Dakota 31 North, which becomes County Road 37. Continue until you reach your destination.
Address
564 County Rd 37, Stanton, ND 58571
Fee: Entry fee $0
Learn more about the Northern Plains Native Americans by going to the Knife River Indian Village near Staton, North Dakota. Explore the three sites where these Native Americans lived as late as 1850. Learn how Lewis and Clark met Sacagawea at this site. Then, fish the Knife and Missouri Rivers. There's plenty of small towns to explore nearby. Especially since this site is so isolated, you will want to bring your RV to make it easier to get around. If you do not have an RV, rent one on RVshare.com. Then, you will be covered by 24/7 roadside assistance. You will find several different choices of RVs available, so choose the one that meets your needs the best.
