Fort Mandan

Fort Mandan was the winter encampment of the Lewis and Clark Expedition during 1804-1805, located beside the Mandan villages on the Missouri River in what is now North Dakota. It served as the Corps of Discovery’s base for wintering, trading with local Indigenous nations, and preparing for westward travel.

Today the site is interpreted with a reconstructed fort and museum displays that explain the construction of the stockade, interactions with the Mandan and Hidatsa peoples, and expedition logistics. The replica and interpretive programs provide seasonal living-history activities and educational exhibits.

The original fort was erected by members of the expedition under Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark; after the expedition departed the structure did not survive long-term. The modern reconstruction and interpretive facilities were developed to commemorate the expedition’s winter at Mandan.

The reconstructed site and interpretive center are located near Washburn, North Dakota, on the banks of the Missouri River in central North Dakota.

• Historical role: The original Fort Mandan was the Corps of Discovery's winter camp for 1804-1805 and was located near the Mandan villages on the Missouri River.
• Visitor location: A modern replica and interpretive displays are located near Washburn, North Dakota, for public education and seasonal programs.

What to See #

• Replica fort: A reconstructed blockhouse-style fort that interprets the winter quarters built by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804-1805.
• Interpretive center: An adjacent interpretive center and outdoor exhibits providing context about the Mandan and Hidatsa villages and Corps of Discovery activities during the winter of 1804-1805.