Dakota Zoo - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Summer Hours - late April to September 10:00am - 6:00pm daily (weather permitting) Winter Hours - October to late April 1:00 - 5:00pm Friday thru Sunday (weather permitting)

(701) 223-7543

No Pets are permitted on the zoo grounds. Bona fide sevice animals for persons with disabilities are permitted. Exotic species, therapy or emotional-support animals are not permitted at Dakota Zoo. Guests that have service animals are asked to alert the staff at the admissions window that they are here with a service animal.

lat: 46.7994838 long: -100.8067539

The Dakota Zoo offers 125 species of birds, reptiles, insects, and mammals and is just steps from downtown Bismarck. Opened in 1961, the Dakota Zoo today welcomes more than 100,000 visitors a year to its expansive grounds which house Bengal tigers, whitetail deer, bald eagles, and Texas longhorns, to name a few.

For those interested in the history of the Lewis and Clark, many of the animals on the display are the same species as those that were encountered on their expedition. Make sure to visit our website to find a list of animals to keep an eye out for as you venture through the grounds.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

Super Slide Amusement Park

Super Slide Amusement Park

Super Slide Amusement Park, Riverside Park Road, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.15 Away

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The Paddle Trap

The Paddle Trap

2500 Pirates Loop Southeast, Mandan, ND 58554, USA
Distance: 0.73 Away

Food and Drinks

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Camp Hancock State Historic Site

Camp Hancock State Historic Site

101 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.87 Away

General History

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Turtle Effigy

Turtle Effigy

Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.95 Away

Tribal Experiences

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City of Bismarck, North Dakota

City of Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.99 Away

Galleries and Venues Food and Drinks Outdoor Experiences

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Raging Rivers Waterpark

Raging Rivers Waterpark

Raging Rivers Waterpark, 46th Avenue Southeast, Mandan, ND, USA
Distance: 1.05 Away

Outdoor Experiences Fun and Sports

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Brick Oven Bakery

Brick Oven Bakery

112 N 4th St, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501, USA
Distance: 1.06 Away

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The Capital Gallery

The Capital Gallery

109 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.08 Away

Galleries and Venues

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Dakota Stage

Dakota Stage

412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.10 Away

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Pirogue Grille

Pirogue Grille

121 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.10 Away

Food and Drinks

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Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar

Peacock Alley American Grill and Bar

422 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.12 Away

Food and Drinks

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Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art, North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 1.13 Away

Galleries and Venues

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Sign Up for the Lewis & Clark Trail Experience Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

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Site of the Week: Pompey’s Pillar National Monum

Site of the Week: Pompey’s Pillar National Monument

William Clark christened the rock formation “Pompey’s Tower” on July 25, 1806, as he and his party descended the Yellowstone River. Clark gave the huge monolith the nickname that he himself had fondly bestowed upon Sacagawea’s young son, Jean Baptiste Charbonneau. Nicholas Biddle, as he edited the journals upon Lewis and Clark’s return, changed the name to “Pompey’s Pillar.”

Pompey’s Pillar is known for being the only site with visible physical evidence of Lewis and Clark’s journey: Clark carved his name and the date onto the rock’s face. Now covered by a clear panel, the signature is protected from the elements while still being visible to visitors willing to climb up the steps to see it. Visitors can continue up the steps to the top of the rock where they can enjoy a 360-degree view of the landscape surrounding the site. There is also a highly informative and very well-designed visitor’s center at the base of Pompey’s Pillar, along with several outdoor educational structures and hiking trails.

Photos credited to Cait Clark.

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #pompeyspillar #Montana #pompeyspillarnationalmonument

Check out our YouTube Channel! We have some great

Check out our YouTube Channel!

We have some great content being posted there every Saturday - you’ll see videos related to personal stories and adventures on the trail, special reports on various trail locations, and much more!

Be sure to subscribe and share with friends as well!

https://www.youtube.com/@lewisandclarktrailalliance

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Here’s a summary of a recent video you can find there:

“The phrase "Point of Departure" originates from Captain Meriwether Lewis himself. On May 14, 1804, he wrote in his journal: "The mouth of the River Dubois is to be considered as the point of departure." That spring day, as the Lewis and Clark Expedition set out from what is now Wood River Creek, they embarked on a journey that would reshape the future of the United States.

After more than a year of preparation, the Expedition launched from Camp River Dubois on May 14, 1804. The crew included Captain William Clark, Clark’s enslaved servant York, interpreter George Drouillard, Seaman the dog, 34 enlisted men, and several French engagés—all traveling in a barge and two large pirogues. Their destination: uncharted territory up the Missouri River, starting with a stop in St. Charles where Captain Meriwether Lewis joined them after traveling overland.

Preparation began in December 1803, with winter quarters built at Camp River Dubois, across from the Missouri River’s mouth. Lewis gathered intelligence from St. Louis traders and secured supplies and gifts for diplomacy with Native nations. Meanwhile, the soldiers trained under strict military discipline, preparing for the immense challenges ahead.

A pivotal moment came in March 1804, when Lewis and Clark witnessed the transfer of Upper Louisiana from Spain to France—and then, just one day later, to the United States. This marked the dawn of a new American frontier, and the Expedition was ready to set forth into the unknown.”

(https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yvhg1Gs3cvs)

Site of the Week: Knife River Indian Villages Nati

Site of the Week: Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

The Knife River area, according to archaeological studies, has been inhabited by people for over 11,000 years. For hundreds of years it was a significant place of trade for the local tribes, a characteristic that would eventually be used to the advantage of fur traders starting in 1750. It remained a place of trade and mixing cultures until a smallpox epidemic decimated the population in 1837. Following this, the local Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara moved north and established another village.

During the time of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the Knife River villages were flourishing, providing a booming trading economy in what is modern-day North Dakota. It was from one of these villages that a young woman by the name of Sacagawea would emerge and take her place in the history of the expedition. She was Shoshone and had been taken captive by the Hidatsa during a raid against her tribe before she was won or otherwise purchased by French Canadian fur trader Toussaint Charbonneau.

Today, Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Park has a visitors center as well as a rebuilt earthlodge which holds replica artifacts in the summer months. Knowledgeable park rangers are available for tours, and there are multiple trails of varying lengths that are available to hike. There are birding checklists available in the visitors center, so make sure to pick one up so you can keep an eye out for the various bird varieties that are present at the site.

https://www.nps.gov/knri/index.htm

Photos credited to Cait Clark

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #kniferiver #kniferiverindianvillagesnationhistoricsite #nationalparkservice #northdakota

Are you close to the Lewis and Clark Trail in the

Are you close to the Lewis and Clark Trail in the Cincinnati area? Do you need to hike off some of those Thanksgiving pounds? Check out the California Woods Nature Preserve!

California Woods, located in the California neighborhood east of Cincinnati, contains 113-acres of forest and year-round education programming for all nature lovers! The park features 53 species of trees, more than 200 species of herbaceous plants and is adjacent to the Magrish Preserve, which has been designated as an Important Birding Area. Lick Run Creek passes through this preserve, and is home to kingfishers, snapping turtles, small fish, a myriad of invertebrates and the occasional visit from grebes, mallards, wood ducks, and even beavers.

Take a hike on one of California’s trails, and be on the lookout for pileated woodpeckers and perhaps you’ll also spot a great horned owl among the tall sycamores. There is also a beautiful butterfly and hummingbird garden located directly in front of the nature center.

https://www.lewisandclark.travel/listing/california-woods-nature-preserve/

#lewisandclark #history #adventure #travel #californiawoodsnaturepreserve #cincinnati #ohio

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you

Our new APP is now available! Check it out if you haven’t yet to bring the adventure and magic of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail on your mobile device. Scan the QR code here or find it on your app store.