Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: North Dakota
📘 Park Overview
Earthlodge people hunted bison and other game, but were in essence farmers living in villages along the Missouri and its tributaries. 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.
🌤 Weather Information
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.
🚗 Directions
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. 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.
Images
Summer view of Earthlodge
Credit: NPS photo
Interior View of Earthlodge
Credit: NPS photo
Winter Earthlodge
Credit: NPS Photo
Garden
Credit: NPS Photo
Sakakawea Village
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Wednesday, Feb 4
Overcast
High: 41.7°F | Low: 25.5°F
Humidity: 89%
Wind: 12.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.3
Sunrise: 08:08 AM
Sunset: 05:54 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (95%)
Visibility: 4 mi
Dew Point: 29.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Thursday, Feb 5
Overcast
High: 36°F | Low: 29.5°F
Humidity: 93%
Wind: 16.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 08:07 AM
Sunset: 05:55 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (89%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 31.8°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Friday, Feb 6
Overcast
High: 31.6°F | Low: 28°F
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 16.1 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 0.4
Sunrise: 08:05 AM
Sunset: 05:57 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (82%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 29.4°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Moccasin Making Workshop
Call 701-745-3300 for reserving as the class will be limited to only the first 15 participants.
On Saturday, January 24th, join Park Ranger Darian Kath for a moccasin making workshop at Knife River Indian Villages NHS.
This program will provide an overview of Native American footwear styles with a focus on plains side-seam moccasins. Participants will be provided with materials and instruction to create their own moccasins.
The program will start at 12:30 pm CST and will be in the Visitor Center.
It is FREE of charge and all supplies will be provided. Duration will be approximately 3 hours.
This event is part of Vinterfest with our friends at Northern Plains National Heritage Area!
Location: 564 County Rd 37 Stanton, ND 58571 Class will be at the Knife River Indian Villages Visitor Center
Date: Jan 24, 2026 12:00am to Jan 24, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hands-On Workshop: Parfleche for Beginners
Come learn step-by-step instructions on designing and completing a small parfleche envelope. Creating a design, coloring and sewing together will be done with the materials provided. The event is free but will be limited only to the first 15 reserved in advance. To reserve for the event, call (701) 745-3300.
Location: The event will take place in our visitor center.
Date: Feb 21, 2026 12:00am to Feb 21, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Moccasin Making Workshop
Location: Lewis & Clarks Fort Mandan (2576 8th St SW, Washburn, ND 58577 )
Date: Mar 14, 2026 12:00am to Mar 14, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
564 County Road 37
Stanton, ND 58571
🏤 Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 9
Stanton, ND 58571
📞 Voice Phone: 7017453300
📞 Fax Phone: 7017453708
✉️ Email: KNRI_Information@nps.gov