The site was a major Native American trade center for hundreds of years prior to becoming an important market place for fur traders after 1750.
Photo: NPS photo
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Earthlodge people hunted bison and other game, but were in essence farmers living in villages along the Missouri and its tributaries.
- LocationStanton, ND
- Entrance No fee listed
- HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
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Weather now55°F Overcast
- Alerts No active alerts
Overview
Topics
- Animals
- Archeology
- Architecture and Building
- Arts
- Explorers and Expeditions
- Grasslands
- Indigenous and Native Warrior
- Military
7 more topics
- Native American Heritage
- Prairies
- Scenic Views
- Schools and Education
- Thickets and Shrublands
- Trails
- Women's History
Things to Do
1 experience from the National Park Service, plus every activity offered in the park. Check details on NPS.gov before you go.
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Walk the Village Trail
Walk down the Village Trail (1.3 mi/2.1km) and see the remains of the Awatixa Xi'e Village (Lower Hidatsa Site) and Awatixa Village (Sakakawea Site). There is a loop at the second village site that…
Learn more about Walk the Village Trail on NPS.gov (opens in a new tab)
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Activities in the park
Pick one to find other parks that offer it.
Facilities & Services
Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.
Other Visitor Services
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Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site Visitor Center
Facility
The Visitor Center is located off Highway 37 just north of the city of Stanton, ND. The Visitor Center’s entrance is in the shape of a giant eagle welcoming visitors…
564 County Road 37, Stanton, ND (701) 745-3300 Directions
Details
The Visitor Center is located off Highway 37 just north of the city of Stanton, ND. The Visitor Center’s entrance is in the shape of a giant eagle welcoming visitors. Once inside, visitors can view the movie, tour the exhibits or shop in our bookstore. Outside and behind the Visitor Center is a reconstructed earthlodge (furnished with replica artifacts in the summer) and the beginning of one of the three trails located at the park.
Plan Your Visit
Hours
Daily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM · Standard Hours
Hours details
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Standard HoursDaily, 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site is open from sunrise to sunset, every day of the year. Even when visitor center is closed, the park itself remains open.
Monday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Tuesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Wednesday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Thursday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Friday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Saturday 9:00AM - 5:00PM Sunday 9:00AM - 5:00PM
Entrance fees
No entrance fees listed.
Address
564 County Road 37Stanton, ND 58571
Contact the park
Weather & conditions
55°F
Overcast · feels like 43°
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Today
65° 35°
Overcast10% rain
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Tomorrow
64° 55°
Sunny57% rain -
Sunday
62° 50°
Sunny2% rain
Updated 4 hr ago
What to expect by season
Summers are warm and sunny with temperatures occasionally reaching 100 degrees F and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Winters are invigorating, with extremely cold temperatures as low as -35 degrees F. High winds and sunny skies are common in winter. Snow is sporadic in the relatively dry climate, but blizzards are common.
Photos
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Winter Earthlodge — NPS Photo -
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Getting There
Stanton, ND 58571
Plane: Closest Commercial Airports are Bismarck (60 miles) Minot (85 miles) Dickinson (102 miles). Hazen, ND (15 miles from site) has an airport for small planes.
Full directions
Car: One-half mile north of Stanton, ND on County Road 37. One hour northwest of Bismarck, ND and one and a half hours southwest of Minot, ND. Public Transportation Charter and tour bus parking available at Visitor Center parking lot.
Mailing address: P.O. Box 9, Stanton, ND 58571
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