Fort Clark State Historic Site

This is the location of one of the most significant Native American settlements on the northern Plains. Follow the interpretive signs to immerse yourself in life here nearly 200 years ago. Imagine a Mandan village of about 1,000 people who created a thriving riverfront trade center. In 1830, an American Fur Company employee built the Fort Clark Trading Post next to this Mandan trading hub. This post, and a later competing trading post built close by, were both successful.

In 1837, most Mandan villagers died from smallpox, and Arikaras moved into their homes a few months later. This site tells the story of the multiple cultures living and working in proximity at the fort. 

View archaeological remains of the earthlodge village, cemetery and fur trade posts

The site is open year-round, however there is no snow removal.