Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site protects the land where Hidatsa and Mandan people lived for hundreds of years. You can still see round dents in the earth where their homes once stood.
It is famous as the home of Sakakawea, the young woman who helped the Lewis and Clark expedition. Visitors love walking through a full-size earthlodge and imagining life along the river long ago.
Native history
This was a busy trading center where the Hidatsa and Mandan grew corn, beans, and squash. Their villages were full of life for hundreds of years.
Sakakawea's home
The brave guide Sakakawea lived near here before joining the famous journey west. Learning her story helps kids connect with a real American hero.
Step inside
A full-size earthlodge lets you walk in and see how families cooked, slept, and stayed warm. Gentle trails lead to the river and to the old village sites.