The Northern Plains National Heritage Area sits astride an 80-mile length of free-flowing Missouri River between Lake Sakakawea in the north and Lake Oahe to the south. It is the setting for a fascinating and poignant story of our country’s expansion across the continent. It is a uniquely spacious, quiet, and scenic landscape of river and farmland and prairie and sky. The rich history of the Northern Plains is apparent in the numerous historic and cultural properties that dot the landscape of the Missouri River.

In the late fall of 1803, Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery ascended the Missouri seeking trade with the Mandan for the coming winter. The Mandan helped them survive their five-month stay, a quarter of the duration of their expedition. It was here they met Sakakawea (also known as Sacagawea), the legendary young Indian guide who with her infant led the crew on the next leg of their journey. Read more about the Corps of Discovery’s time in the Northern Plains here.