The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a place where visitors can learn more about the time the famous explorers spent in North Dakota during their Expedition. Fort Mandan was constructed as the winter post for the Corps of Discovery from 1804 to 1805. During their time at the fort, Lewis and Clark interviewed the people of the Mandan-Hidatsa villages nearby to gain information to plot maps, as well as plan their expedition's new phase towards the Pacific Ocean.
Today, the recently remodeled Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center features interactive state-of-the-art exhibits that highlight an interesting artifact collection. It also includes a new exhibit that honors family farms in North Dakota, as well as several other new exhibits. Along with the Interpretive Center, visitors are welcome to explore Fort Mandan to learn more about the history of Lewis and Clark, as well as the area's history. It's a memorable experience for both first-time visitors and experienced explorers alike .
The Lewis and Clark Gallery at the Interpretive Center features several exhibits that immerse visitors in the adventure of the Lewis and Clark Expedition through interactive displays and sound. New exhibits at the center include more than one hundred items that represent those used during the expedition from the John Fisher Collection. Among these items is one of just six air rifles still in working condition in the world. The Fort Clark exhibit highlights the story of Native American culture and the early fur trade in the region of the Upper Missouri River after the expedition of Lewis and Clark left the area.
The Prince Maximilian and Karl Bodmer Exhibit at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center was added in April of 2013. The new exhibit shares the tale of Swiss artist Karl Bodmer and the German Prince Maximilian who journeyed through the frontier of America between the years of 1832 and 1834 to record the lives of Native Americans. A collection of aquatints of Karl Bodmer, one of four found in the world, is also display on display at the Interpretive Center. Visitors can also create their souvenir aquatints of their own at the interactive art kiosk.
Guests can learn about the agrarian heritage of North Dakota at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, starting with the area's first farmers up to agriculture of the present-day. The exhibit preserves the farming history of the state through a newly-installed kiosk, featuring a constantly updated, searchable database of North Dakota's Centennial Farms. After exploring the Interpretive Center, visitors can stop by the Museum Store. The store offers an extensive selection of North Dakota made items, books, artwork, clothing, home décor, unique jewelry and much more.
The nearby Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center provides student with learning experiences designed to appeal to a variety of learning styles. The Lewis and Clark Fort Mandan Foundation offers bus and group tours special rates as well if they schedule their visit to the fort in advance. Highly trained staff are able to adjust programming to meet the needs and interest of any group.
2576 8th Street SW, Washburn, North Dakota, Phone: 877-462-8535
