Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation

Our Mission

Treasures of the Trail

Tourism Impact

Membership Information

“I know this great story, and so do millions of others, from across the country and around the world. They are going to be coming to Washburn and the rest of North Dakota to see where this story was played out. The good folks at the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation are leading the charge to make sure that happens. Their passion, their commitment to accuracy, has impressed me greatly. And the sheer magnitude of what they have already accomplished is astounding.”
—Stephen E. Ambrose, Author, Undaunted Courage

“The North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the Fort Mandan replica offer remarkable interpretations of this profoundly important story, bringing it alive not just for North Dakotans but for hundreds of thousands of visitors who will soon be retracing the Corps of Discovery's footsteps. In making a PBS documentary, writing two books about the expedition, and taking my family along the explorer's route, I've traveled the trail many times, and can tell you that the Center and the Fort are true treasures of the trail right in your own backyard.”
—Dayton Duncan, Co-Producer PBS'S Lewis & Clark “The Journey of the Corps
of Discovery”

“As North Dakota transforms itself in the new century, it is important that we remember where we have been. Lewis & Clark's Corps of Discovery represent something larger than a historical romance to North Dakotans. It represents a willingness to explore new territory, to test new waters, to probe new opportunities. That is precisely the attitude we are seeking today-a confident willingness to embrace the future. Our State's partnership with the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation is a key factor in achieving our goals for the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial and beyond.”
—The Honorable John Hoeven, Governor, State of North Dakota

“As you know, I am an avid supporter of the Lewis & Clark bicentennial projects, including the Interpretive Center at Washburn. I believe the Bicentennial celebration will be an outstanding opportunity for the entire country to come to North Dakota to commemorate our history, and the Interpretive Center at Washburn will play a critical role in the upcoming celebration.”
—The Honorable Kent Conrad, United States Senate

“I consider the upcoming Bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Corps of Discovery a wonderful opportunity for North Dakota. The additional facilities you plan to develop will be vital. I believe such projects are necessary in terms of current visitation, but more importantly for the expected increase during the Bicentennial years of 2003 through 2006. The Interpretive Center is an important part of our state's tourism industry and also is a great educational resource for North Dakota as well as visitors from around the world.”
—The Honorable Byron L. Dorgan, United States Senate

“I applaud the efforts of the Foundation to improve and enhance the
Lewis and Clark experience for young and old alike in North Dakota and
beyond. With the approach of the Bicentennial, the Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation has stepped up to meet the challenge posed
by this historic celebration. We must continue to build upon the
Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan to not only meet the increasing
visitor demands, but also to further disperse the rich heritage of the
area.”
—The Honorable Earl Pomeroy, United States House of Representatives

“The National Park Service recognizes Fort Mandan and the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center as real gems of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail. We are proud to have played a part in assisting the Lewis & Clark Foundation in reaching your ambitious goals, including both the Center and Fort Mandan. The Foundation's vision and passion for accuracy are hallmarks of the Trail, and we are proud to be considered partners in your success. You are truly leading the way for North Dakota and the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial.”
—Gerard Baker, NPS Superintendent, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail