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Expedition A - Bismarck/Mandan
   
Tour the North Dakota State Capitol Building, a 19-story skyscraper and focal point of the city. The building's Art Deco interior features a unique blend of natural materials from around the world. 1-701-328-2000
Browse the North Dakota Heritage Center. Located on the capitol grounds, it is the state's official archives and has an extensive library on North Dakota topics. This museum contains one of the world's largest collections of Plains Indian artifacts and exhibits on North Dakota's diverse history. 1-701-328-2666
Cross the Missouri River and stop at Five Nations Arts, 401 West Main in Mandan, Bismarck's sister city. This store features works from five Indian nations of the Northern Plains. You will find jewelry, dream catchers, original oil paintings, and exquisite sculptures. Artists are encouraged to use traditional techniques and natural materials to produce works evocative of their heritage. 1-701-663-4663
Lunch in Mandan
Take a short drive on ND Highway 1806 to Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, located on the Missouri River banks seven miles south of Mandan. Three hundred years ago, a large settlement of Mandan Indians lived here; in the late 1800s it was the site of a military garrison where General George Armstrong Custer's Seventh Cavalry was billeted before their final campaign. 1-701-663-9571
Visit the Park's Visitor Center and Museum containing a nice collection of memorabilia and a 20-minute slide show about the history of the Missouri River and the people who once inhabited the area.
Walk through the reconstructed earthlodges of the On-A-Slant Indian Village. Guided tours and two furnished earthlodges present the story of the Mandan people. Lewis & Clark stopped here on their adventure ascending the Missouri River.
View the wide expanse of the Missouri River Valley from the same vantage point that the infantrymen of Dakota Territory had when they defended Fort McKeen Block Houses.
The next stop is the Custer House. Although it was part of the military garrison, the home of George and Libbie Custer far exceeded the army standard. Living history guides in period costumes are on duty from April through October. It was at this location that Libbie Custer heard the news of the Battle of Little Bighorn.
Schedule a return trip to the Port of Bismarck on the 160-passenger Lewis
and Clark Paddlewheel Riverboat
. Options for a lunch, dinner or evening cruises are available.
1-701-255-4233
   
Bismarck-Mandan Convention & Visitors Bureau
1600 Burnt Boat Drive
Bismarck, ND 58503

1-800-767-3555
www.bismarckmandancvb.com
 

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