Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site — Attraction in Stanton

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in Stanton, ND is a gem—especially for anyone interested in Native American history and culture.

From the moment you enter the visitor center, you’re immersed in the world of the Hidatsa. The museum exhibits are thoughtfully curated and include a moving 15-minute film narrated in the voice of Buffalo Bird Woman (Waheenee), offering firsthand insight into her life and Hidatsa culture 

The reconstructed earth lodge is impressive, giving a real sense of how families lived. Walking the Village Trail, you’ll see the remains of the Awatixa Xi’e and Sakakawea (Awatixa) villages—sites where life once flourished and where Sacagawea lived before joining Lewis & Clark 

Across the park, earthen depressions mark where Hawi­t­sa villages once stood. These were significant trade and agricultural hubs, maintained by generations of Hidatsa women like Buffalo Bird Woman—who managed gardens producing corn, beans, squash, and sunflowers—central staples known as the “Three Sisters” 

One of the highlights is learning about Buffalo Bird Woman’s legacy. Born around 1839 at Knife River, she later preserved the traditional farming methods of her people through detailed interviews captured by anthropologist Gilbert Wilson. Her work, “Buffalo Bird Woman’s Garden: Agriculture of the Hidatsa Indians,” remains a vital record of Indigenous lifeways 

Tips for visitors: • Watch the orientation film first—it frames everything with her personal stories. • Explore the garden area near the earth lodge to see crops planted just as she described. • Take the Visitor Center to Hidatsa Village trails (1.3 mi Village Trail or longer North Forest and Two Rivers Trails) for scenic, historic walking paths 

Overall, the site offers a rare opportunity to step into the past through the lens of a remarkable Hidatsa woman whose stories still resonate today. Highly recommend for families, history lovers, and anyone hoping to understand Indigenous perspectives...

This is an incredible place to visit. A set of villages of the Mandan group of tribes makes this a truly remarkable area for Indian lore, culture and spiritual awareness.

There are several village groupings along the river that are shown on the ground by the humped up circles where the lodges were located. This was when the tribes were down a bit in population, but were still very strong and had a lively and fruitful life within the village territory.

When you get a chance to look at the lodge that was built under the direction of a very old descendent of the 19th century, some years back, you can hear the laughter, the chants during dancing festivities and religious ceremonies.

With the very knowledgeable and friendly guides at the Visitor's Center, you have all the information you could possibly process in one visit.

A highlight of my visit was watching to lrge bull snakes mating during a remarkably cold day where the temp was about 46-48 deg F. Yet it didn't stop them.

What an a great place to stop for an hour or two to learn about the Mandan group of tribes that lived here in the...

Very interesting. It was hot when we visited. The earth dwelling was very cool inside and quite spacious. It was remarkable the temperature difference on the inside compared to the outside. I could live there. I wonder what it is like in the winter.

The animal skin covering over the entry way opening was very heavy.

The two rangers at the visitor center were very knowledgeable. I explained that we have been to Angel Mounds and Mounds State parks in Indiana. I asked them what the difference was between the earth dwellings (maybe primarily for living) and mounds (maybe primarily for ceremonial or burial). They were not familiar with the parks in Indiana and looked them up on their computers. They said they would have to do additional research. I appreciated their honesty and willingness to research...