The Lewis and Clark Expedition arrived at the Mandan-Hidatsa Indian villages on the Upper Missouri River on October 25, 1804. They found the Mandan people very hospitable and decided to remain at this wintering site until the spring thaw when they would resume their up-river journey. On November 3, William Clark made a simple entry in his journal, "We commence building our cabins." These cabins formed part of an enclosure that was christened Fort Mandan in honor of their hosts. As it turned out, Fort Mandan was occupied longer than any of the three winter posts used by the expedition.

At Fort Mandan Lewis and Clark met Sakakawea, the Indian woman who would be essential to the success of the expedition. For more than five months, Fort Mandan was the site of considerable activity. During this time, preparations were made to head west to the Pacific Ocean. Lewis and Clark interviewed Indians who had been west and sketched maps. This was all critical to the next leg of their journey. The Mandan-Hidatsa villages were a center of intertribal trade and this figured into Lewis and Clark's efforts at diplomacy.

Reconstructed Fort Mandan rests in the riparian forests of the Missouri River. The refurnished rooms of this full size replica depict the equipage of the Lewis & Clark Expedition and provide the realistic setting for a grand learning experience. On-site interpreters provide programs and year-round tours of Lewis & Clark's 1804-1805 wintering post.

The Headwaters Fort Mandan Visitor Center, inspired by a Mandan earthlodge, provides modern restroom facilities, a welcoming orientation area, gift shop and classroom Center complements the cottonwood bottomlands near Fort Mandan.

Click here for more information on Headwaters or the coal combustion products used to construct this building.

Location:
2 miles west of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center on McLean County Highway 17, Washburn, North Dakota.

Hours of Operation:
Fort Mandan and the North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center are open all year. Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m; remainder of year 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. , Sundays Noon to 5 p.m.

Admission to Fort Mandan and Interpretive Center:
Adults $7.50
Students (K-College) $5.00
Foundation members free.

School Tours:
To arrange a school field trip to the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, call (877) 462-8535. Student admission for prescheduled school tour groups is $3.00 per person.

Group Tours:
To arrange a group tour to the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, call (877)462-8535. Group tour admission is $6.00 per person.