The public is invited to join the 2023 Twilight Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site in Washburn on Saturday, Sept. 16, from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. The free tour will be hosted by nationally certified interpreters who will guide participants from the Fort Mandan Visitor Center along the trail beside the Missouri River. 

Visitors will have the opportunity to light the path using candles and lanterns provided by staff who will relate stories about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, the men’s journey up the Missouri River, their interactions with the Mandans and Hidatsas, and their need to choose a fort site. At Fort Mandan, participants will have a guided tour through the fort, bringing the Corps of Discovery’s experiences to life. The rooms will be illuminated by fireplaces and punched tin lanterns to demonstrate how the men would have lived during the dark and cold winter evenings.

“The tour allows the public to see Fort Mandan from a different perspective,” said Interpretive Coordinator Ashli Laducer. “We give tours during the day, but the fort is rarely seen at night. Our staff enjoy getting into character and hosting this event.” Interpreters will dress in clothing similar to what would have been worn by the men of the expedition during their winter stay. Program participants will have the opportunity to try on period clothing. 

Fort Mandan is a state historic site managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The site is open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, contact Ashli Laducer, 701.462.8535. Find additional upcoming educational programs sponsored by the State Historical Society at history.nd.gov/events.