Washburn - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Washburn is always open

701-462-8558

lat: 47.28916 long: -101.0290346

Named in honor of General Cadwallader C. Washburn, a prominent general in the union army during the American civil war, Washburn was founded in 1882 and is now home to just over 1200 inhabitants. Most notable attractions in the area are the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center on the town’s northern side and Fort Mandan (A replica of the encampment that Lewis and Clark built during their wintering between 1804-1805) a few minutes drive to the west along the Missouri River.

Not to be forgotten are Washburn’s other deserving sites such as the McLean County Historical Museum, which contains a variety of exhibits including Lewis and Clark history, a riverboat display, coal industry history, Native American artifacts, and more. You can also visit the Cross Ranch State Park and the Sioux Ferry if you are looking for something other than a museum. With its scenic location on the Missouri river, outdoor activities abound, as well picturesque river parks and downtown cafes, visitors are sure to discover the delights of Washburn that continue to reveal themselves. So why not come and discover the beauty of Washburn, North Dakota whil along the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

The Sioux Ferry

The Sioux Ferry

Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Distance: 0.00 Away

Galleries and Venues

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Joe Taylor Cabin

Joe Taylor Cabin

Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Distance: 0.00 Away

General History

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Washburn Public Library

Washburn Public Library

705 Main Ave, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Distance: 0.03 Away

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McLean County Museum

McLean County Museum

602 Main Ave, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Distance: 0.04 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers

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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: 1.02 Away

Museums and Interpretive Centers LC Features

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Fort Mandan

Fort Mandan

Fort Mandan State Historic Site, 28th Avenue Southwest, Washburn, ND, USA
Distance: 2.82 Away

Forts Walks and Hikes Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences LC Features

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Painted Woods Golf Course

Painted Woods Golf Course

1156 U.S. 83, Washburn, ND 58577, USA
Distance: 4.28 Away

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Cross Ranch State Park

Cross Ranch State Park

1403 River Rd, Hensler, ND 58530, USA
Distance: 5.41 Away

RV and Camping Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes

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Smith Grove Wildlife Management Area

Smith Grove Wildlife Management Area

5278+6J Center, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 8.97 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Falkirk Mine

Falkirk Mine

2801 1st Street Southwest, Underwood, ND, USA
Distance: 9.56 Away

Outdoor Experiences

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Fort Clark State Historic Site

Fort Clark State Historic Site

7P3F+7V Stanton, North Dakota, USA
Distance: 11.81 Away

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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: 16.97 Away

Outdoor Experiences Tribal Experiences Walks and Hikes LC Features

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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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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