Western North Dakota Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

The journey to the Mandan villages (near present-day Bismarck, North Dakota) had been made in a keelboat and two flat-bottomed paddle boats called pirogues. Having heard from the Hidatsas that the Missouri River would become more shallow and swift as they continued westward, Lewis and Clark sent the keelboat back to St. Louis before leaving Fort Mandan, and continued up the Missouri River in the two pirogues and six new canoes. The captains were also told that before reaching the source of the Missouri they would come to the Great Falls, around which they would have to portage their cargo. The captains intended to cache the more cumbersome pirogues upon reaching the falls, for use on the return trip.

Native American Culture

When your road trip makes its way to the plains of North Dakota, stop on in to tour the Knife River Indian Villages where the Hidatsa Indians that Lewis and Clark were so fond of dwelled. Note the earthlodge depressions at the Sakakawea Village site where a once thriving village was alive with ceremony and trade. The “Northern Plains Indian Culture Fest” is an annual celebration in July exhibiting many of the activities that the Northern Plains tribes have been accustomed to for thousands of years. Listen to archeology talks, learn about crafts (i.e. flint knapping, beadworking, porcupine quill work, dancing, music, blacksmithing, etc.), and enjoy cultural demonstrations with childrens activities. This is a true Native American experience for history buffs and casual vacationers alike.

Salmon Fishing in North Dakota

Once you’ve gotten your fill of cultural history, head on over to Lake Sakakawea State Park where you will find one of the best vacation spots for water sports. A full-service marina with boat rentals, fishing guide services, and more are offered here. You can even park your RV and take advantage of their boat storage services. There are fishing derbies all through the summer season. Lake Sakakawea, one of the three largest man-made reservoirs in the U.S., covers a surface of approximately 368,000 acres and reaches 178 miles across to Williston, ND.

Bird Watching in the Wetlands

For those land-legged folks, the Audubon National Wildlife Refuge might serve for a better recreational visit. Marked by wetlands (called potholes), this refuge is host to an array of wildlife for your observation and enjoyment. There is an Auto Tour Route to follow through the refuge that is marked for you to easily find your way through the refuge; many visitors opt to park their cars and wander off into the prairie or follow the hiking trail. During the spring and fall migration, birdwatchers flock here for the numerous species en route. Photographers can take advantage of the photography blind on the east side of Lake Audubon bay to get that perfect sunrise or to capture the waterfowl and shorebirds in action.

Unforgettable Horseback Riding

“Mako Shika” or “where the land breaks” as it is known by the Sioux, describes the area home to Little Missouri State Park in North Dakota’s Little Missouri Breaks Country. Perfectly characterized Badlands scenes can be observed here and most of this untamed park is available only to travelers on foot or horseback. There are electrical hookups for campers and RVs, but all other accommodations are primitive. With thirty miles of trails to cover this is a great vacation spot for avid backpackers or horseback riding enthusiasts. Corrals are available for those who wish to bring their own horses and the park is supplied with artisan wells for horse watering. Horses can also be rented and guide services are offered as well.

Explore the Wilderness

Outdoors enthusiasts wanting a full palette of activities on their vacation may wish to visit the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. On a hunting trip in September 1883, Theodore Roosevelt came to this area and immediately fell in love. He bought into two cattle ranches (the Maltese Cross and the Elkhorn), and he is quoted: “I never would have been President if it had not been for my experiences in North Dakota.” Outdoor activities include: backcountry camping, bicycling, canoeing, kayaking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fishing, hiking, and horseback riding. Wildlife viewing is one of the most popular activities here as the park is populated with a wide diversity of animals and birds in a diverse ecosystem. There are 50 campground sites with picnic tables, grills, and even RV sites. The North Unit Visitor Center is located at the park entrance and features an information desk and exhibitions about the park.