With far less than A million residents, the 19th-largest state geographically offers numerous opportunities for groups to get away from it all, and when you consider the vibrant heritage of North Dakota's thriving Native American populace—hallmarked by a culture of gatherings and togetherness—you have a perfect recipe for a culturally rich meetings retreat.
"Groups can walk where Chief Sitting Bull and Sakakawea walked and lived. They have the opportunity to hear the stories, the history and the culture from the tribal communities," says Deanne Felchle, a spokesperson with the North Dakota Tourism Division. "Share in the celebration of a powwow and discover the importance of its traditions, and of the events that changed the lives of those on the plains—including the introduction of the horse onto the plains and where the buffalo roam now. Visitors are pleasantly surprised at [Native Americans'] openness to share their culture, history and stories of life on the prairies of North Dakota."
With this rich Native American heritage in mind, following are eight exceptional sites and experiences for your very own tribal councils.
1. On-a-Slant Village, Mandan
www.fortlincoln.com
Set inside the appealing and historically significant Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park—where General Custer's military career blossomed—the meticulously re-created On-a-Slant Village will transport visitors back in time 400 years in the blink of an eye.
"The village features six reconstructed Mandan earth lodges, and we provide interpretive tours through the site," says Scott Larkin, interpretive director for the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation. "It is the largest reconstructed earth lodge village in the world."
Earth lodges were a popular structure of Native American tribes in the upper Midwest, and comprise a clay outer shell covering an inner layer of grasses, and a ceiling of woven willow. A smoke hole was built into the center, as the middle of the earth lodge was used as a fire pit.
While the original Mandan Indians were decimated by smallpox, their remarkable hospitality—which extended to friends and enemies alike—and amazing architecture should not be forgotten, and this little village is an excellent way to savor their heritage.
Elsewhere in the 1,000-acre park, visitors can enjoy a 30-minute living history tour of the Custer House, offered every half hour; a historical museum; and a gift shop and coffee shop residing in a reconstructed commissary storehouse. In summertime, a rebuilt granary plays host to live dramatic performances performed by guides. Additionally, groups looking to "rough it" a bit will enjoy the 95 campsites, two sleeping cabins and picnic shelters.
2. Bonanzaville USA, West Fargo
www.bonzanaville.com
Bonanzaville USA is a superb opportunity for groups to immerse themselves in North Dakota's fascinating and eclectic history, showcasing aspects of its Native American culture and more.
"You could spend all day at Bonanzaville and practically get lost there with all the exhibits and historical structures," says Brian Matson, marketing director with the Fargo-Moorhead CVB. "There are Native American artifacts and exhibits, and a huge pioneer village where they've relocated structures from all over the state."
He adds that the diversity of the attraction is a huge plus as well.
"Groups will discover everything from a hangar full of aircraft to a dentist's office from the turn of the 20th century," Matson says. "And as all the structures are chock-full of authentic artifacts, each one of the dozens of structures is like its own mini-museum."
Groups wanting to tour or hold an event have plenty of options at this enclave of 40-odd structures and 400,000-plus artifacts. Tour options include a tram outing highlighted by insights and info from a knowledgeable costumed docent. And event-ready areas include Dawson Hall, which can host up to 300 and has a stage ready for musical and other acts, and Inspiration Hall, which is great for dinner events of up to 55 and offers a small kitchen as well.
3. Five Nations Arts Gallery, Mandan
www.fortlincoln.com
"Five Nations Arts is a must-see stop for anyone with an interest in Native American cultures," says Scott Larkin of the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, which operates the gallery. "The store features hand-made, one-of-a-kind artwork by Native American artists from one of the five North Dakota tribes: Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara, Sioux and Chippewa."
Housed in the Old Northern Pacific Railroad Depot in Historic Mandan, the gallery is a hugely popular stop for touring groups, particularly during summer. Whether seeking museum-quality keepsakes at a reasonable cost or just perusing the endless array of authentic items, visitors will be impressed by the detailed sculptures, intricate basketry and quillwork. Every piece is one-of-a-kind and authentic, and proceeds go toward helping the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation.
The site is also available for events and can host about 15-20 in the main gallery and many more in the adjoining outdoor courtyard.
4.Turtle Mountain Reservation, Turtle Mountain region
www.turtlemountains.org
Home to the westernmost band of Chippewa Indians, the Turtle Mountain Reservation provides visitors with the chance to bond with nature—and tribal residents.
"The reservation opens the door to first-hand cultural events," says Les Thomas, vice president of the Turtle Mountain Tourism Association, adding that rolling hills, lakes and plenty of trails in north-central North Dakota provide endless outdoor allure as well.
"Visitors can listen to storytelling, meet some of the elders, listen to drum groups," he adds. "It's different than just going to a museum. We really want to educate the world traveler about true Indian culture here in North Dakota."
Thomas also expressed enthusiasm for a new addition to the reservation, a campground known as Sky Chief Park, or "Ogimaa Gizig"—literally translating into "Chief of Sky" in Ojibwe—offering four seasons of fun for groups wanting to savor North Dakota's unspoiled outdoors.
Seventeen teepees were added in July, purchased for a special section of Sky Chief Park called Chief Black Duck Village. For groups that don't mind roughing it a bit, this is a unique opportunity to experience what it must have been like for Indian tribes of centuries past.
Groups seeking modern comfort—and gaming fun—can head for the Sky Dancer Hotel Casino, with 97 guest rooms and a large and lively casino area.
5. Red Trail Vineyard, Buffalo
www.redtrailvineyard.com
Nestled just south of the historically prominent Old Red Trail, this inviting vineyard is a fine locale for groups to enjoy a tasting, experience the Fargo area's Native American and pioneering heritage, or host an event.
"They've really grown and are doing lots of events, including an annual Wine and Grape Festival that always draws a crowd," says the Fargo-Moorhead CVB's Matson. "Wine is really catching on in our area, and this a great way to literally get a taste of North Dakota."
Countless Native American artifacts have been discovered along the Old Red Trail—one of the early byways for pioneers heading west through North Dakota—and many are displayed prominently at the vineyard. A tasting room and gift shop are open on weekends, with other days available for visits or event-hosting by advance appointment.
Large events and tented affairs for up to about 400 can be arranged on the grounds, and the vineyard has a permanent indoor space handy for more-intimate affairs.
"It can hold up to about 20 if everyone's in love with each other," jokes proprietor Rodney Hogen.
The CVB's Matson adds that a mini "wine-hop" could even be done in conjunction with nearby Maple River Winery, which showcases unique wine offerings ranging from rhubarb wine to apple-jalapeno pepper wine.
6. Knife River Indian Villages, Stanton
www.nps.gov/knri
Set along the riverbank in Mercer County, Knife River Indian Villages shows off unspoiled outdoors, awesome wildlife viewing and a revealing look at the ancient heritage of the Plains Indians.
"If you're interested in Native American culture and history, it's the perfect place to go," says Wendy Howe, executive director for the Minot CVB. "This is where they had their huts and homes, and the ground is still untouched where their earth lodges stood."
Impressions of former dwellings can be seen in the ground, and artifacts are still being discovered at the site. Groups can step inside a reconstructed earth lodge, take ranger- or self-guided tours of the 1,700-plus acre park, and enjoy a visitor center highlighted by a museum, orientation film and crafts created by descendants of Indian Village.
Birdwatchers and wildlife lovers will also have a field day at the site, with feathered friends ranging from white pelicans to wild turkeys frequently making a stop, as well as coyotes, porcupines and scary-but-harmless bull snakes also on view.
The site is home to an annual celebration each year during the last full weekend of July, the Northern Plains Indians Culture Fest.
7. United Tribes International Powwow, Bismarck
www.unitedtribespowwow.com
When it comes to events authentically illustrating the past and present culture of the state's Indian heritage, none can surpass the electrifying United Tribes International Powwow held the second weekend of September at United Tribes Technical College in the state capital of Bismarck.
"It's just a wonderful event and a nice way to showcase our Native American culture," remarks Sheri Grossman, director of sales for the Bismarck-Mandan CVB, describing the extravaganza as a competition and celebration of top dancers and drummers from all over the U.S. and Canada.
She notes that the popular group tour destination has been named one of the top 100 events of the year by the American Bus Association, and that the shindig presents plenty of other diversions in addition to the colorful dancing and drumming events.
"There are booths selling authentic artwork and plenty of food vendors offering Native American fare," she says.
Grossman adds that the powwow also brings in a renowned dancer from a different country each year to perform special exhibition dances showing off their own culture.
8. Fort Mandan/Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn
www.fortmandan.com
Fort Mandan, enhanced by the nearby Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, is a fun and fascinating site that was host to a key moment in America's westward expansion. This is where Lewis and Clark spent 142 nights on their journey west—and met and befriended Sakakawea, the squaw who would be an invaluable guide on their historic expedition.
"Groups love visiting this full-size, exact replica of Fort Mandan," says the Minot CVB's Howe. "And the Interpretive Center and gift shop are just a mile down the road."
While touring the beautifully reconstructed fort, visitors can learn from detailed tours and learning programs, and the Interpretive Center is a superb stop in its own right. Galleries, exhibit areas and an orientation film tell the tale of Lewis and Clark's magnificent expedition, and indoor meeting space is available as well.
Picnic facilities are available at the fort, and it's hard to top the setting along the Missouri River—lush with cottonwood trees and teeming with a variety of wildlife.
