They are the Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, the Yanktonai, Sisseton, Wahpeton, Hunkpapa and other Dakotah/Lakotah (commonly known as the Sioux) Tribes, along with the Pembina Chippewa, Cree and Métis.
Though the individual tribes have distinct and different origins, histories and languages, Plains Indians are united by core beliefs and values that emanate from respect for the earth and an understanding of humankind’s relationship with nature.
Visitors are welcome to explore the reservations and discover the beauty of Indian culture.
Day 1
Standing Rock Nation
Story of the People
The Standing Rock Nation is part of the Lakota/Dakotah/Nakotah nation that once controlled a vast area from the James River in North and South Dakota to the Big Horn Mountains of Wyoming. When gold was discovered in 1889, Congress claimed the Black Hills and the vast country occupied by the Teton Lakota people. The area was broken into six smaller reservations including the Standing Rock Reservation, home of the Yanktonai, and Hunkpapa bands of Teton Lakota, as well as other Teton Lakota nations.
The Reservation Today
The 2.3 million acre reservation, bordered by Lake Oahe on the east, covers all of Sioux County in North Dakota, and Corson, Campbell, Perkins and Walworth counties in South Dakota. North Dakota communities on the reservation are Cannon Ball, Fort Yates, Porcupine, Solen, and Selfridge. There are about 13,900 enrolled members in the Standing Rock Tribe. The Tribe owns two casinos, Prairie Knights in North Dakota and Grand River in South Dakota, employing over 500 people. Ranching is also an important part of the economy, including a tribe-owned bison herd. www.standingrock.org
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.
On-A-Slant Indian Village
Located within Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park, four Mandan Indian erthlodges 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 of more than 200 North Dakota American Indian artists are available for purchase. www.fortlincoln.com
United Tribes Technical College
The college is located on an early 1900’s military post. During WWII, the buildings were used as an internment camp housing Japanese and German prisoners. In 1969 the site became a college for American Indian students. The college enrolls upwards of 660 students from approximately 70 tribal nations around the country. UTTC hosts the largest annual gathering of its kind on the Northern Plains, The International Pow Wow. The event attracts 25,000 participants and spectators over the four day celebration each fall.
North Dakota Heritage Center
On the Capitol Grounds, North Dakota’s most comprehensive museum features exhibits on our rich history, including dinosaurs, one of the largest exhibits of early native peoples in North America, the Lewis & Clark Expedition, Indian War period and the immigration of white settlers. www.nd.gov/hist
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.nd.gov/hist
DAY 2
Washburn
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
The entire expedition is overviewed at this comprehensive interpretive center with focus on interactions with the native peoples.
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
Fort Clark State Historic Site
8 miles Southeast of Stanton
Foundations of Fort Clark, built in 1830-31, and Primeau’s Post, built in the early 1850’s, can be seen at this site, along with archaeological remains of an earth lodge village and a large Indian burial ground. 701-328-2666
Stanton
Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site
In the early 1800s Knife River Indian Villages had a larger population than St. Louis, Missouri, and was once a major marketplace for the trade industry. It was there Lewis and Clark first met Charbonneau and his wife, Sakakawea, in 1804, while visiting the village. Today you can walk among the ground depressions, visit the museum and earthlodge where presentations are given daily. www.nps.gov/knri/
Mandan, Hidatsa, & Arikara Nations
Story of the People
The Mandan and Hidatsa, and later Arikara tribes lived peaceful lives in earth lodges along the Knife and Missouri Rivers. By 1862, diseases like smallpox wiped out entire villages, forcing survivors to band with other groups. The three tribes came together in Like-a-Fishhook Village, but maintained tribal identity. The Fort Laramie Treaty established the Fort Berthold Indian Reservation in 1851. The reservation’s 12 million acres stretched from the Missouri to beyond the Yellowstone River in Montana. Politics in the late 1800’s reduced the size of the reservation to about one million acres.
The Reservation Today
The Fort Berthold Reservation straddles the north and south shores of Lake Sakakawea, named after the Indian woman who guided the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Communities on the 980,000 acre reservation include Twin Buttes, White Shield, Mandaree, New Town, and Parshall. There are about 10,400 members enrolled with the Three Affiliated Tribes. Cattle ranching and farming are important to the economy, as well as some tribe-owned businesses in New Town and Mandaree. The 4-Bears Casino & Lodge employs about 400 people. www.mhanation.com
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. www.oxblue.com/fbb/
CROW FLIES HIGH BUTTE
Breathtaking view 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.
Old Scouts Cemetery
Hwy 1804, White Shield
This cemetery pays tribute to Arikara/Sanish warriors who served as scouts for General George Armstrong Custer in the battle of the Little Big Horn and also honors Arikara leaders and tribal members who served their country in times of war and peace.
Wolf’s Trading Post
Hwy 1804, 1 miles north of New Town
This old west trading post welcomes visitors with covered wagons, tipis and other fun photo opportunities. Beadwork and crafts made my local Native American artists are available for purchase. 701-627-3393
DAY 3
Trenton Indian Service Area
14 miles Southwest of Williston The Trenton Indian Community was established by the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa to support its members who relocated there in the late 1860’s. Trenton Indian Service Area (TISA) is recognized as an “Indian community”, but not a tribe. The land base is approximately 6,200 square miles which covers three counties in both North Dakota and Montana. Trenton’s service population is about 1,800 and the TISA Community is governed by an elected board including a chairperson.
Williston/Trenton Indian Service 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 is also the site of the legendary surrender of Sitting Bull in 1881. Take time for a stroll on the onsite walking trail. www.nd.gov/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
Writing Rock State Historic Site
14 ½ miles Northeast of Grenora This site, long used for worship and hunting, has two large boulders bearing many Indian pictographs. 701-572-9034
Minot Area
Please contact the Minot Convention and Visitors Bureau for complete listing of local restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at 800-264-2626 or visit www.visitminot.org
SCANDINAVIAN HERITAGE PARK
Outdoor museum honors Nordic ancestors. Visit a Norwegian house, stubbur, Danish windmill, Swedish Dala Horse, stave church, statues, picnic pavilion, and visitor center. www.scandinavianheritage.org
POINT OF VIEW WINERY
Established in 2002, Point of View Winery specializes in native fruit and honey wines including Honeywiess, Chokecherry, and Rhubarb. Sampling and wine purchase available. www.povwinery.com
THE LILLIAN & COLEMAN TAUBE MUSEUM OF ART
Located in the former Union National Bank building in downtown Minot. This beautiful building has been renovated into an incredible art gallery that hosts many traveling exhibits throughout the year. www.taubemuseum.org
DAKOTA TERRITORY AIR MUSEUM
Regional aviation display features military and civilian aircrafts dating from 1928 through present day. www.dakotaterritoryairmuseum.com
Day 4
Turtle Mountain Band of Pembina Chippewa
Story of the People
The Turtle Mountain Reservation is located in Rolette County in the wooded, rolling hills of north central North Dakota. The ancestors of the Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa migrated from the Great Lakes in the late 1400s. Drawn by the fur trade, they became middlemen serving as trappers, voyagers, guides, and caretakers of the land. The Pembina Chippewa developed lasting relationships with the Cree and French. Offspring of Chippewa or Cree Indians and French Canadians are known as Métis. North Dakota's first community, Pembina, was built by the Chippewa and Métis people. The Turtle Mountain Reservation was established in 1882.
The Reservation Today
The reservation is located on 46,000 acres in Rolette County and includes the community of Belcourt. The tribe has 29,161 members, of whom about 13,000 live on or near the reservation in Rolette County. The tribe operates several enterprises, such as Turtle Mountain Manufacturing, Uniband Data Processing and the casino, which employs over 1,000 people. www.tmbci.net or www.turtlemountainchippewa.com
Bottineau Area
Please contact the Bottineau Convention and Visitors Bureau for complete listings of local restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at (701) 228-3849 or www.bottineau.com
Bottineau County Historical Museum
Memorabilia from the region’s pioneer settlers.
Four Chaplains Monument
Dedicated to four chaplains who lost their lives in World War II
Mystical Horizons
The "Stonehenge" of the prairie offers a breathtaking view overlooking the farmland west of the Turtle Mountains and was designed so that visitors can view the summer and winter solstices and the equinox. www.turtlemountains.org/
Lake Metigoshe State Park
Nestled in the scenic Turtle Mountains on the shores of Lake Metigoshe, the state park is one of the most popular year-round vacation spots in North Dakota. Visitors can rental canoes and kayaks in the summer and fall, or snowshoe and cross-country ski in the winter. www.parkrec.nd.gov/parks/LMSP.htm
Turtle Mountain Scenic Byway
Fifty-three mile byway, traveling through the Turtle Mountains, visitors can enjoy beautiful lakes surrounded by pine and aspen, wild flowers and wildlife, and a wide variety of outdoor activities.
Dunseith
International Peace Garden
A more than 2300 acres botanical garden commemorating the peace between the United States and Canada welcomes visitors from around the world. See the 150,000 varieties of flowers, a floral clock, a 120 foot Peace Chapel and 9/11 Memorial, and the International Music Camp. www.peacegarden.com/
Turtle Mountain Community College Anishinabe Wellness and Culture Center
2 miles North of Belcourt
The center features a mixture of traditional and contemporary Ojibwe culture. The living park features a functioning ceremonial arbor, wigwam, Metchif log cabin, tipi village, trading post, walking trails, and traditional gardens. 701-477-2600
Sky Dancer Hotel Casino
4 ½ miles West of Belcourt on Hwy 5 Nestled in the heart of the beautiful Turtle Mountains, Sky Dancer Hotel and Casino is the perfect respite from the road. The first-class Vegas-style casino offers slot machines, blackjack tables, 5 live poker tables, simulcast racing, hotel, Jacuzzi and dining. Shop for authentic Native American goods here. 877-475-9367 www.skydancer.com
DAY 5
Spirit Lake Nation
Story of the People
This is one nation with several different language dialects but only slightly differing cultures. The tribe migrated to the Great Plains from near Lake Superior and by the early 1800’s dominated the northern plains. In 1867, a treaty established about 245,000 acres for the Fort Totten Reservation in Benson, Nelson, Eddy and Ramsey Counties.
The Reservation Today
Many Dakota/Lakotah people, including Sisseton, Wahpeton, and Yanktonai, now live at Fort Totten near the south shore of Devils Lake. There are about 4,900 members enrolled in the Spirit Lake Tribe. The tribe owns two companies, Sioux Manufacturing and Dakota Tribal Industries, each employing about 125 people. Other important employment includes the casino and bingo hall and a member-owned grocery store in Fort Totten. www.spiritlakenation.com
Devils Lake/Fort Totten Area
Please contact the Devils Lake Convention and Visitors Bureau for a complete listing of restaurants, accommodations, attractions and events at 800-233-8048. www.devilslakend.com
FORT TOTTEN STATE HISTORIC SITE
Military post built in 1867 and used continuously as a military reservation until 1890 when it became a boarding school for American Indian children. Original buildings house museum exhibits. www.nd.gov/hist
LAKE REGION PIONEER DAUGHTERS MUSEUM (Located at Fort Totten State Historic Sites)
Museum includes frontier, military and American Indian displays and artifacts.
SULLYS HILL NATIONAL GAME PRESERVE (13 miles southeast on Highway 57)
This 2/1/2 square mile refuge is home to many wildlife species including a prairie dog town, bison, and elk. The site has a visitor center, outdoor amphitheater featuring environmental, cultural and historical programs, a hiking and nature trail with interpretive stops and a self-guided auto tour route available for wildlife viewing.
Spirit Lake Marina
7 miles South of Devils Lake on Hwy 57
Whatever recreational pursuits you enjoy in the great outdoors, it's all conveniently located on the south shores of Devils Lake at Spirit Lake Casino & Resort. Spirit Lake Marina is your fishing and hunting headquarters in the Lake Region. 800-946-8238
Spirit Lake Casino & Resort
7 miles South of Devils Lake on Hwy 57
This casino features 57, 600 plus slots, table games, bingo, poker, live entertainment 124 rooms, 16 Jacuzzi suites, atrium-style pool with two-story slide, daily buffet, fine dining, full-service marina and RV camping. 800-946-8238 www.spiritlakecasino.com
Jamestown (96 miles east of Bismarck on Interstate 94)
Please contact Buffalo City Tourism for a complete listing of accommodations, restaurants, events and attractions at 701-251-9145. www.tourjamestown.com
FRONTIER VILLAGE & WORLD’S LARGEST BUFFALO
The Frontier Village is home to a 60-ton concrete buffalo, buffalo herd and a pioneer village.
NATIONAL BUFFALO MUSEUM & WHITE CLOUD & BUFFALO HERD
This museum houses artifacts, many original art works and has an observation point for the live buffalo herd, which includes “White Cloud,” a rare albino buffalo.
WALK THE TRAIL OF LOUIS L’AMOUR
Self-guided walking tour of Louis L’ Amour’s hometown.
STUTSMAN COUNTY MEMORIAL MUSEUM
Beautiful mansion built in the early 1900’s. View the outside of the Stutsman County Courthouse State Historic Site, the oldest courthouse in North Dakota.
JAMESTOWN/PIPESTEM RESERVOIRS
North of Jamestown, the twin reservoirs are full-service, season resort areas.
DAY 6
Valley City (32 miles east of Jamestown on Interstate 94)
Please contact the Valley City Chamber of Commerce for a complete listing of accommodations, restaurants, events and attractions at 1- 888-462-8530. www.hellovalley.com/valleycity
BARNES COUNTY HISTORICAL MUSEUM
This museum features permanent and changing exhibits relating to the history of Barnes County.
HISTORIC BRIDGES TOUR
Involves eight unique bridges. Valley City was founded in 1872 and is built around the winding Sheyenne River. The Hi-Line Bridge is the longest, also one of the highest bridges, 126 feet high; and is on the former Northern Pacific Railway.
MEDICINE WHEEL PARK
Constructed from local rocks, the 28 spokes radiating from the center represent the lunar cycle. Unique American Indian astronomy.
VALLEY CITY STATE UNIVERSITY PLANETARIUM
The planetarium has a special projector that makes it possible to view the daytime and nighttime sky inside a 24-foot dome roof. 800-533-8293
SHEYENNE RIVER VALLEY NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAY (63 miles, from Lake Ashtabula, north of Valley City, south to Lisbon along Barnes County Highway 21)
North Dakota’s only nationally recognized Scenic Byway. In a state known for its endless horizon, the tree speckled valley of the Sheyenne, with snaking river and winding roadway, is a welcome variation.
Fort Ransom (On the Sheyenne River Valley National Scenic Byway, 30 miles south of Valley City) www.hellovalley.com
FORT RANSOM STATE HISTORIC SITE
The site marks the location of a 200-man military post built in 1867 by General Alfred Terry and named for Civil War General Thomas Ransom. The post was active from 1867 to 1872. www.nd.gov/hist
FORT RANSOM STATE PARK
The Park is situated in the scenic Sheyenne River Valley. A scenic overlook on a park road high on the valley slope affords a spectacular view of the area. Sodbuster Days celebrations with demonstrations are held twice annually in the park. www.ndparks.com/parks/FRSP.htm
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Tribe
Story of the People
The Sisseton and Wahpeton Bands are subdivisions of the eastern or Dakotah Indians. Within the three major divisions of the Dakota-Lakota-Nakota Nation, there are seven major bands, which are referred to as the Seven Council Fires. At the time of initial contact in the mid-1700s with European traders and missionaries, the Sisseton Wahpeton bands resided in villages extending from Manitoba, Canada, to the present homelands here on the Lake Traverse Reservation, and further south in Minnesota and northern Iowa.
The Reservation Today
The Sisseton-Wahpeton Lake Traverse Indian Reservation, and its headquarters at Agency Village, is located primarily in South Dakota. The Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate has an enrollment of approximately 11,300 members. Over 110,000 acres span North and South Dakota, including glacial lakes, coteau hills and several state parks. As a sign of respect for the alliance of the Seven Council Fires, the Sisseton and Wahpeton Bands have erected seven torches in front of Dakota Magic Casino. Each torch represents a band of the Dakota-Lakota-Nakota people and the seven district council communities on the Reservation. 605-698-3911 www.earthskyweb.com/sota.html
Hankinson (17 miles southeast on the Sheyenne Valley National Scenic Byway, 24 miles south on Hwy 32, 38 miles east on Hwy 11)
Dakota Magic Casino and Hotel
60 miles South of Fargo on I-29
More than 700 slot machines, craps, roulette, blackjack, hotel, golf course, buffet, steakhouse, convenience store and convention center await you at this casino. Shop for authentic Native American goods here. 800-325-6825 www.dakotamagic.com
Wahpeton Area
Please contact the Wahpeton Breckenridge Area Chamber of Commerce for a complete listing of accommodations, restaurants, events and attractions at 1-800-892-6673. www.wahpetonbreckenridgechamber.com
BAGG BONANZA FARM
Mooreton (1 mile off Interstate 29 at exit 23)
One of the last remaining bonanza farms in the U.S., includes restoration of 29 buildings. The centerpiece of the 15-acre farm is a fully restored 21-bedroom main house. National Historical Landmark. This farm is in Mooreton , which is. P
RAIRIE ROSE CAROUSEL
Twenty hand-crafted wooden horses and two chariots transport you back in time on this fully restored and enclosed 1926 Spillman Carousel. This is one of only 150 operating antique carousels in the United States. www.wahpetonbreckenridgechamber.com/visitor_carousel.htm
FORT ABERCROMBIE STATE HISTORIC SITE
(6 miles west of Wahpeton on Highway 13 and 13 miles north on old Highway 81, take a right which will take you through downtown Abercrombie to the fort)
Fort Abercrombie protected the northwestern frontier and became a link to the chain of military posts from St. Paul to the Montana gold fields. Reconstructed fort and museum. www.nd.gov/hist
ANNUAL POW WOWS AND OTHER EVENTS
Mid-Winter Pow Wow
New Town New Year's Eve Day (701-627-4781)
White Shield Annual Pow Wow
White Shield 2nd weekend in June (701-743-4244)
Cannonball Pow Wow
Cannonball 1st weekend in June (701-854- 7560)
Twin Buttes Annual Pow Wow
Twin Buttes 3rd weekend in June (701-627-4781)
Porcupine Pow Wow
Shields 4th weekend in June (701-854-7560)
Sisseton-Wahpeton Oyate Pow Wow
Agency Village S.D. 4th of July weekend (605-698-3911)
Fort Union Trading Post Rendezvous
Williston 3rd weekend in June (701-572-9083)
Mandaree Annual Pow Wow
Mandaree 3rd weekend in July (701-627-4781)
Northern Plains Indian Culture Fest
Stanton, 4th weekend in July (701-745-3309)
Fort Totten Days Pow Wow
Fort Totten 4th weekend in July (701-766-1225)
Standing Rock Pow Wow
Fort Yates 1st weekend in August (701-854-7560)
Little Shell Pow Wow
New Town 2nd weekend in August (701-627-4781)
Nue’ta (Mandan) Corn Festival
Mandan Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park 3rd weekend in August (701-663-4758)
Nux-Bah-Ga Pow Wow
Parshall 3rd weekend in August (701-627-4781)
United Tribes International Pow Wow
Bismarck 2nd weekend in September (701-255-3285)
Turtle Mountain Annual Pow Wow
Belcourt Labor Day weekend in September (701-477-2600)
For More Information Contact:
North Dakota Tourism Division, Bismarck, ND 701-328-2525 www.ndtourism.com
North Dakota Indian Affairs Commission, Bismarck, ND 701-328-2428 www.health.state.nd.us/ndiac
Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara Nation, New Town, ND 701-627-4781 www.mhanation.com
Sisseton-Wahpeton Sioux Oyate Agency, Village, SD 605-698-3911 www.earthskyweb.com/sota.html
Spirit Lake Tribe, Fort Totten, ND 701-766-4626 www.spiritlakenation.com
Standing Rock Tribe, Fort Yates, ND 701-854-7201 www.standingrock.org
Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, Belcourt, ND 701-477-2600 www.tmbci.net or www.turtlemountainchippewa.com
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