We’ve fitted time in for Lewis and Clark, who jointly led an expedition ordered by President Jefferson, to explore, map and trade in the lands along the Missouri river. At least we could empathise with them over the mosquito problem and the hardships and portages. Theit winter fort has been rebuilt and filled with clothing and artefacts from the time and a museum set up.

The Hidatsa were friends with Lewis and Clark, they traded with them and in return the military men helped protect them from Sioux raids. We visited the knife river Indian villages NHS where the summer and winter homes were located for the Hidatsa, a sedentary tribe. Surprisingly a little gem as they have built a summer house and this 40ft long room constructed of wood and earth made you want to stay. The whole site is so tranquil and a fitting memorial to the gentle Hidatsa people almost wiped out by the European disease, smallpox, which killed them in devastating numbers.
Another little gem was ‘Meeting with the Roosevelts’, a group of 3 actors playing the president, his wife and son, in a park, where they talk about their lives and play Victorian games. Theodore found being president easier than managing his daughter Alice. The whole Medora experience was charming.
We also took a side trip to visit the ‘Enchanted Road’, a series of large metal sculptures, including the largest welded sculpture in the world, ‘Flying geese’.