Page Feedback

Fort Mandan

Fort Mandan

Information

April 1st - September 30th: Open daily from 9:00 am - 5:00 pm
701-462-8535
The Fort Mandan Visitor Center is free of charge
lat: 47.2982483 long: -101.0876224

What was once the winter home of the Lewis and Clark expedition from 1804-1805 has now been fully reconstructed for visitors to explore. Today the furnished quarters invite sightseers to imagine the lives of the Corps of Discovery struggling to survive the North Dakota winter more than 200 years ago. Also on site is a visitor center, picnic area, and cross country skiing trails for winter use. Along with a visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center just a few short minutes to the east, visitors have the opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes glimpse of what life was truly like on the Lewis and Clark expedition.

On November 2, 1804, the expedition came to the place where they built their winter quarters. Lewis wrote, “This place we have named Fort Mandan in honour of our Neighbours.” Clark “fixed on a place for to build a fort and Set to work.” As described by Gass, “the huts were in two rows, containing four rooms each, and joined at one end forming an angle. When rasied about 7 feet high a floor of puncheons or split plank were laid, and covered with grass and clay; which made a warm loft. The upper part projected a foot over and the roofs were made shed-fashion, rising from the inner side, and making the outer wall about 18 feet high. The part not enclosed by the huts we intended to picket. In the angle formed by the two rows of huts we built two rooms, for holding our provisions and stores.”

The historic site of Fort Mandan is located on privately-owned land along the northeast banks of the Mis­souri, about 12 miles west of the city of Washburn. The exact location is unknown and may be partially sub­merged by the river. A modern reconstruction of Fort Mandan and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, managed by the North Dakota Department of Parks and Recreation, is located about ten miles downriver.

Exhibits in the Fort Mandan Visitor Center reveal that winter in greater depth, while a children’s play area allows young visitors to discover history with costumes, camp supplies, and more. Our museum store offers a great selection of souvenirs, beverages, and snacks.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (North Dakota)
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center (North Dakota)

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, 8th Street Southwest, Washburn, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 2.16 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

View Listing
Washburn
Washburn

Washburn, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 2.82 Away

Cultural Districts

View Listing
Cross Ranch State Park
Cross Ranch State Park

1403 River Rd, Hensler, ND 58530, USA
Distance: 7.15 Away

RV and Camping Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

View Listing
Fort Clark State Historic Site
Fort Clark State Historic Site

7P3F+7V Stanton, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 9.33 Away

Forts

View Listing
Smith Grove Wildlife Management Area
Smith Grove Wildlife Management Area

5278+6J Center, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 10.54 Away

Outdoor Experiences

View Listing
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, County Road 37, Stanton, ND, USA
Distance: 14.16 Away

Outdoor Experiences Tribal Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

View Listing
Garrison Dam
Garrison Dam

Garrison Dam, Coleharbor, ND 58531, USA
Distance: 19.56 Away

Viewpoints Guided Tours

View Listing
Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery
Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery

Garrison Dam National Fish Hatchery, Hatchery Road, Riverdale, ND, USA
Distance: 20.12 Away

Walks and Hikes Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge
Audubon National Wildlife Refuge

Audubon National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, Coleharbor, ND, USA
Distance: 20.71 Away

Outdoor Experiences Museums and Interpretive Centers

View Listing
Lake Sakakawea State Park
Lake Sakakawea State Park

Lake Sakakawea State Park, Pick City, ND, USA
Distance: 23.19 Away

Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

View Listing
Harmon Lake Recreation Area
Harmon Lake Recreation Area

3244 Harmon Lk Rd, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Distance: 25.10 Away

RV and Camping Fun and Sports

View Listing
Fort Stevenson State Park
Fort Stevenson State Park

Fort Stevenson State Park, 41st Avenue Northwest, Garrison, ND, USA
Distance: 25.73 Away

RV and Camping Museums and Interpretive Centers Forts Lodging Outdoor Experiences

View Listing

Instagram Feed