Huff Indian Village

Interpretive signs provide information about this large riverbank village and National Historic Landmark. Mandan people built this well-planned community in the mid-1400s and occupied it for 20 to 30 years. Look for remains of more than 100 rectangular homes, which appear as oval or rectangular sunken depressions. Note where a ceremonial lodge and open plaza stood near the village’s center. Ceremonies were held inside, while other events happened in the plaza.

As you walk along, imagine gardens covering up to 400 acres. Surplus food was stored in underground cache pits and used for trade. The massive fortification system surrounding the settlement is a classic example of civil defense against potential attack.

Must See and Do

• Find the ceremonial lodge and plaza.
• Observe the community layout and ponder how more than 100 lodges were arranged roughly in rows here.
• Follow the fortification system that surrounds the 12-acre village.
• Enjoy the beautiful Missouri River views.