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Trips to Go
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The Trail of Legends
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Categories: History and Legends
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Sakakawea, Lewis & Clark, Sitting Bull, General Custer and Teddy Roosevelt; six legends make one legendary vacation. The Dakota Trail offers a rich and entertaining itinerary to experience the Lewis & Clark Trail with a hub and spoke out of Bismarck, ND. Begin your trail in North Dakota where Lewis & Clark spent more time than any other state.
Days 1 and 2
Fort Yates/Standing Rock Reservation Area
Please contact the Standing Rock Tourism Bureau for complete listing of local restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at 701-854-8500. www.standingrocktourism.com
Standing Rock/Sitting Bull Burial State Historic Site
- Learn the legend of the Standing Rock at Fort Yates and see the original Sitting Bull burial site.
Prairie Knights Casino and Resort
- Take time for fine dining and entertainment. Prairie Knights has authentic American Indian art and sculptures, a full-service casino, event center and marina. www.prairieknights.com
Bismarck-Mandan
Please contact the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau for complete listing of local restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at 800-767-3555. www.discoverbismarckmandan.com
Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park
- South of Mandan on Highway 1806, The park features the reconstruction of much of Fort Abraham Lincoln, the last command post of General George Armstrong Custer, including his home, reconstructed commissary, storehouse, granary, barracks and stables. Also visit the Fort McKeen Blockhouses and the Fort Lincoln Trolley. www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/FLSP.htm
On-A-Slant Indian Village
- Located within Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, four Mandan Indian earthlodges have been reconstructed on the site where the village noted in Clark’s journals thrived until wiped out by a smallpox epidemic. www.parkrec.nd.gov
Five Nations Arts Depot
- This historic Burlington Northern Railroad Depot on Main Street in Mandan features Native American arts and crafts. Works by more than 200 North Dakota American Indian artists are available for purchase. www.fortlincoln.com
North Dakota Capitol Building
- The 19-story art deco “Skyscraper on the Prairie” was constructed in 1932. Its architecture sets it apart from traditional dome-designed capitols.
North Dakota Heritage Center
- On the Capitol Grounds, North Dakota’s most comprehensive museum features exhibits on our rich history, including dinosaurs, early native people, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Indian War period and the immigration of white settlers. www.nd.gov/hist
Keelboat and Steamboat Parks
- Climb aboard a scale replica of a steamboat or a keelboat like those used by Lewis and Clark, or stroll the walking path along the banks of the Missouri River in Bismarck. www.bisparks.org
Lewis & Clark Riverboat
- Cruise the fabulous Missouri River aboard the Lewis and Clark, a 150-passenger riverboat. This all-weather paddlewheeler offers excursion cruises, dinner cruises, moonlight cruises, pizza cruises and family cruises. www.lewisandclarkriverboat.com
Double Ditch Indian Village
- Visible depressions remain in this large Mandan Indian earthlodge village, already deserted 25 years when noted in Lewis and Clark’s journals. www.state.nd.us/hist
Day 3
Washburn
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
- The entire expedition is overviewed at this comprehensive interpretive center with focus on interactions with the native people.
Fort Mandan Visitors Center
- Step back in time to the winter of 1804-05 and learn about Sakakawea’s role in the expedition at the fully reconstructed fort. www.fortmandan.com
Garrison Area
Lake Sakakawea State Park
- Lake Sakakawea is the largest man-made lake within one state with 609 square miles of water backed up behind Garrison Dam. The 180-mile-long lake has more shoreline than the coast of California. Garrison Dam powerhouse tours are available. www.ndparks.com/parks/LSSP.htm
Parshall
Paul Broste Rock Museum
- Located 17 miles east of New Town, Parshall houses the largest private collector’s rock exhibit, featuring rocks from all over the world.
New Town
Please contact the New Town Convention and Visitors Bureau for complete listing of local restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at 701-627-4812. http://www.newtownchamber.com/
Four Bears Casino & Resort
- Casino features live entertainment, dining room, lodging and a beautiful overlook of Lake Sakakawea. www.4bearscasino.com
Three Tribes Museum
- A heritage and culture preservation and display area of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara people. On-site interpreters and gift shop. www.mhanation.com
Four Bears Bridge
- The newly constructed bridge is named for 19 tribal chiefs of the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Indian tribes. It is the longest bridge in North Dakota, spanning nearly a mile of Lake Sakakawea.
Crow Flies High Butte
- Breathtaking views of Lake Sakakawea, Badlands bluffs and the foundations of the underwater town of Sanish. Site was used by William Clark while waiting to reunite with Meriwether Lewis.
Day 4
Williston Area
Please contact the Williston Convention and Visitors Bureau for a complete listing of accommodations, restaurants, events and attractions at 800-615-9041. www.willistonndtourism.com
Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center
- History of the area comes to life at the Confluence Interpretive Center Museum and gift store Walking trail to Fort Buford State Historic Site and Fort Union National Historic Site. www.discovernd.com/hist
Fort Buford State Historic Site
- Established in 1866 at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers, Fort Buford became a major supply depot for military field operations. Fort Buford also is the site of the legendary surrender of Sitting Bull in 1881. Take time for a stroll on the onsite walking trail. www.state.nd.us/hist
Fort Union National Historic Site
- This site was the principal fur-trading post of Jacob Astor’s powerful American Fur Company. Indians and fur traders peacefully co-existed before the great Indian wars. The Bourgeois House contains a museum and gift shop. www.nps.gov/fous
Lewis and Clark State Park
- Situated on one of the upper bays of Lake Sakakawea. Full-service state park with modern and primitive camp sites, cabins, a camp store, picnic shelters, nature trails, swim beach, fishing area, and much more. www.parkrec.nd.gov/Parks/LCSP.htm
Links of North Dakota
- No. 53 in Golf Digest's Top 100 Public Courses – 2005. In true links fashion, uneven lies and wind will challenge every aspect of your game. www.thelinksofnorthdakota.com/
Watford City Area
Please contact the McKenzie County Tourism office for a complete listing of accommodations, restaurants, events and attractions at 800-701-2804. www.4eyes.net
Long X Visitor Center and Pioneer Museum
- The Long X Visitor Center and Museum is the central location for information on the area's cultural, geological, historical and geographic attractions. The Pioneer Museum features a timeline of the history of the area and Grandma's Pantry and Books gift shop.
McKenzie County Heritage Park
- Original trapper’s log cabin, homestead shack, one-room school and original 1915 Schafer Law Office. Mammoth fossil bones discovered in the area.
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - North Unit
- The north unit of the national park features popular vistas and wildlife viewing. Prairie dog towns and buffalo in their natural habitat make for great pictures. Self-guided nature trails are marked with interpretive signs. www.nps.gov/thro/
Days 5 and 6
Grassy Butte
Old Grassy Butte Post Office
- Nationally registered historic site built of logs and sod in 1912. Now serves as a unique museum housing exhibits from the 1800s and early 1900s.
Little Missouri National Grasslands
- Largest and most diverse of the 19 grasslands found in the western United States covers more than 1 million acres, including both Theodore Roosevelt National Park units. The only stand of limber pine in the state is just north of Marmarth and the only natural Ponderosa Pine Forest in the state is located west of Amidon. www.fs.fed.us/r1/dakotaprairie/
Killdeer
Killdeer Mountain Battlefield State Historic Site
- Commemorates a battle fought on July 28, 1864, between 2,200 troops commanded by General Alfred Sully and 6,000 Sioux Indians.
Little Missouri State Park
Offers a wilderness experience in the picturesque North Dakota Badlands. Horse rental and guide services if you want to explore the extensive trail system. http://www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/lmbsp.htm
Medora Area
Medora
- Medora is the gateway to the South Unit of Theodore Roosevelt National Park. This authentic Old West cow-town was founded in 1883 by the Marquis de Mores and named for his wife. Medora offers a musical extravaganza, trail rides, mountain biking, hiking, museums, many gift shops and restaurants are bustling during the summer season.
Chateau De Mores State Historic Site
Doll House Museum
Bully the Play
Pitchfork Fondue
Medora Musical
- Broadway-style musical show in spectacular Burning Hills Amphitheatre. The surrounding hills resound with music and laughter at this fast-paced, song-and-dance professional extravaganza. http://www.medora.com/musical/
Theodore Roosevelt National Park - South Unit
- Scenic splendor in the savagely beautiful North Dakota Badlands, named for the 26th President of the United States and managed by the National Park Service. This beautiful national park has three units, all offering distinctly different views. Named for the 26th President, it memorializes his contribution to conservation. www.nps.gov/thro/
Bully Pulpit Golf Course
- Ranked America's Best New Affordable Public Course by Golf Digest in January 2006. Located just 3 miles south of historic Medora, this 18-hole course is set in the beautiful North Dakota Badlands. http://www.medora.com/bully-pulpit/
North Dakota Cowboy Hall of Fame
- Center for Western Heritage and Cultures, Native American, ranching and rodeo, trail drivers, homesteading and the sport of rodeo. It includes the impact of the horse on the development of the life on the plains. www.northdakotacowboy.com
Billings County Courthouse Museum
- History of Billings County along with frontier farm/ranch memorabilia, extensive barb wire collection, restored pioneer days courtroom/jail.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
- Trail rides through the Badlands on the marked trails or the Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Mountain bike through the Badlands on the Maah Daah Hey Trail
- Hike along trails through the Badlands to see nature and wildlife
- Canoe through the Theodore Roosevelt National Park on the Little Missouri River.
DAY 7
Dickinson
Dakota Dinosaur Museum
- Museum features 14 full-scale dinosaurs, minerals, mammals, fossils and sea life. Life-size Triceratops and Pachycephalosaurus outside the entrance. www.dakotadino.com
Joachim Regional Museum
Prairie Outpost Park
- Several historic buildings, including a general store, post office, church. Germans from Russia stone house, Norwegian stabbur and veterans’ chapel.
Ukrainian Cultural Institute
- Featuring Ukrainian cultural exhibits, folk arts, religious display, research library and is home to the Ukrainian Cultural Institute's cheese button factory. Visitors are welcome and special demonstrations upon request. www.ukrainianculturalinstitute.org
Richardton
Assumption Abbey
- Visible by the twin spires of St. Mary's Catholic Chuch built in 1909. Bavarian Romanesque structure, vaulted ceilings, original paintings, 50 large stained glass windows, the Abbey library, gift shop, wine cellar and shop are open by request. www.assumptionabbey.com
Gladstone
Enchanted Highway
- Giant metal sculptures include "World's Largest Tin Family," "Teddy Rides Again," "Pheasants on the Prairie," "Grasshoppers in the Field," "Geese in Flight," and "Deer Crossing." Gift shop in Regent has miniatures of each statue. www.enchantedhighway.net
Hettinger County Historical Society Museum
- Located at the end of the Enchanted Highway, this four-building museum features Doc Hill's office, a drugstore, pioneer town and home.
Return to Bismarck…
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