North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

8 a.m.-5 p.m. on Monday through Friday. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday.

701-328-1476

The North Dakota Heritage Center & State Museum was built to meet Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Silver Standards, a set of rating systems for the design and maintenance of green buildings and neighborhoods.Below the main entrance parking lot are 170 wells that are 250 feet deep. These geothermal wells keep the water temperature at about 55 degrees, so cooling and heating is less expensive.North Dakota fly ash from Great River Energy is a component in all of the concrete.

lat: 46.819224 long: -100.7788113

The State Museum at the North Dakota Heritage Center offers exhibits which encompass the geology, archaeology, culture, traditions, and peoples encountered during the Corps of Discovery Expedition. Exhibits in the Early People’s Gallery inform visitors about the fur trade, cultures and sites of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara peoples, Sakakawea, river transportation methods, bison, and more. Visitors will discover engaging in-depth information and artifacts to add knowledge to their overall experience. The State Museum also provides additional North Dakota history from 600 million years ago up to today’s innovations. We serve as a statewide hub to provide information and send people out to the state’s fascinating historic sites and tourism destinations.

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Innovation Gallery: Early Peoples – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Mastodon at the State Museum – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Mastodon at the State Museum – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Northern Lights Atrium at the State Museum – State Historical Society of North Dakota

Northern Lights Atrium at the State Museum – State Historical Society of North Dakota

State Historical Society of North Dakota

State Historical Society of North Dakota

State Historical Society of North Dakota

State Historical Society of North Dakota

Nearby Attractions

Sakakawea Statue – Bismarck, North Dakota

Sakakawea Statue – Bismarck, North Dakota

Sakakawea Statue, East Boulevard Avenue, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.12 mi (straight line)

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LC Features Outdoor Experiences

North Dakota State Capitol

North Dakota State Capitol

600 E Boulevard Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.25 mi (straight line)

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Stonehome Brewing Co.

Stonehome Brewing Co.

1601 N 12th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.37 mi (straight line)

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Fireflour Pizzeria & Coffee Bar

Fireflour Pizzeria & Coffee Bar

1802 N 12th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.45 mi (straight line)

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Walrus Restaurant

Walrus Restaurant

1136 North 3rd Street, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.46 mi (straight line)

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Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

Former Governors’ Mansion State Historic Site

320 East Avenue B, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.68 mi (straight line)

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General History

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

Bismarck Parks and Recreation District

1200 N Washington St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
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The Firepit

The Firepit

307 N 3rd St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
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Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art

Magic Photo Art, North 5th Street, Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 0.94 mi (straight line)

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Bismarck Art Alley

Bismarck Art Alley

117 N 5th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.95 mi (straight line)

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Pirogue Grille

Pirogue Grille

121 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.95 mi (straight line)

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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: 0.97 mi (straight line)

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Food and Drinks

The Capital Gallery

The Capital Gallery

109 N 4th St, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.98 mi (straight line)

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Brick Oven Bakery

Brick Oven Bakery

112 N 4th St, Bismarck, North Dakota 58501, USA
Distance: 0.98 mi (straight line)

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Dakota Stage

Dakota Stage

412 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 0.99 mi (straight line)

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Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, North Dakota

Bismarck, ND, USA
Distance: 1.04 mi (straight line)

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Cultural Districts

Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

Laughing Sun Brewing Co.

1023 E Front Ave, Bismarck, ND 58504, USA
Distance: 1.07 mi (straight line)

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Food and Drinks Bars Breweries and Distilleries

Camp Hancock State Historic Site

Camp Hancock State Historic Site

101 E Main Ave, Bismarck, ND 58501, USA
Distance: 1.12 mi (straight line)

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General History

LCTE Travel 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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Download and explore our APP! Check it out if you

Download and explore our APP! 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.

Check out our digital Travel Magazines! Today’s

Check out our digital Travel Magazines!

Today’s Feature, The Inaugural Issue: https://publuu.com/flip-book/561309/1367654

In this issue you can find interesting historical anecdotes from the trail, key sites to see while traveling, and business/ park/ state travel information to help you along on your journey!

Click the link above for this issue or see this link for the full catalogue of available magazines: https://lewisandclark.org/travel-magazine/

Site of the Week: Travelers’ Rest Step Into His

Site of the Week: Travelers’ Rest

Step Into History at Travelers’ Rest State Park!

Located in western Montana, Travelers’ Rest State Park is the only confirmed campsite of the Lewis and Clark Expedition with physical evidence. The Corps of Discovery stopped here twice—first in September 1805 before crossing the Bitterroot Mountains and again in June 1806 on their return journey. Archaeologists have uncovered fire pits and traces of mercury from the expedition’s medical supplies, confirming this as a key location on their route.

During Lewis and Clark’s time, the area was an important meeting place for Indigenous tribes, with open meadows, dense forests, and the nearby Lolo Creek providing fresh water and resources. Today, the landscape remains much the same, offering visitors a glimpse into the past.
Fun fact: During the summer of 2002, archaeologists unearthed a trench latrine containing traces of mercury, fire hearths, and remnants of lead used for firearm maintenance and production. This discovery established Travelers’ Rest as the only known campsite along the Lewis and Clark Trail with physical proof of the expedition’s stay.

Visitors can explore a museum, hiking trails, and interpretive programs, where they can learn about the expedition and the Native peoples who shaped this region’s history. If you love history and nature, Travelers’ Rest is a must-visit!
Have you been there? Share your experience below!

All photos courtesy of Cait Clark

Discover History at the Nez Perce National Histori

Discover History at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center!

The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Idaho offers a deep look into the history and culture of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people, who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1805, after a grueling journey through the Bitterroot Mountains, the Corps of Discovery arrived in Nez Perce territory, starving and exhausted. The Nez Perce provided food, shelter, and guidance, helping Lewis and Clark continue their journey westward.

Back then, the area was home to vast prairies, towering pine forests, and winding rivers—landscapes that remain largely unchanged today. The visitor center, set against this breathtaking scenery, offers exhibits, artifacts, and stories that highlight the Nez Perce’s enduring legacy.

Fun fact: The Nez Perce not only aided Lewis and Clark but also introduced them to their expertly crafted Appaloosa horses, known for their speed and endurance.
Visitors can explore museum exhibits, watch cultural demonstrations, and walk interpretive trails. Nearby, the Lolo Trail offers a chance to experience part of the same route Lewis and Clark traveled.

For history lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, the Nez Perce National Historical Park is a must-visit!

All photos credited to Cait Clark.

Step Into History at the Lewis and Clark Interpret

Step Into History at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa!!

Located along the Missouri River, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers an in-depth look at the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition and its impact on the region. This site is especially significant as it honors Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the expedition to die during the journey. His passing in 1804 near present-day Sioux City remains an important chapter in expedition history.

During Lewis and Clark’s time, this area was an untamed wilderness of rolling prairies and towering cottonwood trees. Today, it is home to a modern interpretive center surrounded by beautiful riverfront landscapes, parks, and monuments, including the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a 100-foot obelisk marking his burial site.
Fun fact: The center features life-sized animatronic figures of Lewis, Clark, and Floyd, bringing history to life in an engaging way!

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and educational programs. The nearby riverfront trails and parks offer a perfect place for walking, biking, and reflecting on the expedition’s journey. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a must-visit!

All photos credited to Cait Clark