Summer view of Earthlodge
Summer view of Earthlodge NPS photo

Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

National Historic Site · North Dakota · National Park Service

Earthlodge people hunted bison and other game, but were in essence farmers living in villages along the Missouri and its tributaries. The site was a major Native American trade center for hundreds of years prior to becoming an important market place for fur traders after 1750.

Plan your visit

Trails & hiking

Hiking

Know before you go

Phone
7017453300
Official site
www.nps.gov
Managed by
National Park Service

Getting there

Things to do

Highlights: Architecture and Building · Archeology · Arts · Explorers and Expeditions · Military · Indigenous and Native Warrior · Native American Heritage · Schools and Education · Women's History · Animals · Grasslands · Prairies · Scenic Views · Thickets and Shrublands · Trails

Activities & features: Arts and Culture · Craft Demonstrations · Cultural Demonstrations · Live Music · Compass and GPS · Geocaching · Fishing · Freshwater Fishing · Food · Picnicking · Guided Tours · Self-Guided Tours - Walking · Hands-On · Citizen Science · Arts and Crafts · Junior Ranger Program · Wildlife Watching · Birdwatching · Park Film · Museum Exhibits · Shopping · Bookstore and Park Store

Nearby parks

Parks of North Dakota

Guides for the trip

All guides →

Sources: National Park Service, Google Places · updated 2026-08-12