Winter Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site

WASHBURN, N.D. – The public is invited to join the Winter Hike at Fort Mandan State Historic Site in Washburn Saturday, Jan. 20 from 2 to 3:30 p.m. The free hike will be hosted by nationally certified interpreters who will guide participants from the Fort Mandan Visitor Center along the trail beside the Missouri River.

During the hike staff 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 warm up next to the fire, enjoy a cup of coffee and engage in conversations bringing the Corps of Discovery’s experiences to life.

“The event allows the public to see Fort Mandan from a different perspective,” said Interpretive Coordinator Ashli Laducer. “We give tours during the summer and fall, but the fort really showcases their winter quarters when there is some snow on the ground, we build the fires, and our staff are dressed in period clothing.” Program participants will have the opportunity to try on capotes, hunting frocks and bison hides.

Participants are expected to dress accordingly for the temperature. In the event the temperatures are not favorable for an enjoyable hike staff will lead visitors directly to the fort, and conversations about the expedition will be conducted there. The event will be cancelled only if temperatures fall below zero.

For more information, contact Ashli Laducer at 701.462.8535. The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan State Historic Site are managed by the State Historical Society of North Dakota. The Interpretive Center is open Monday-Saturday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Fort Mandan State Historic Site is open for guided tours that leave the Interpretive Center.