Podcast 12 - Stop 8 - Bismarck, ND

Days 13 through 16 anchor us in Bismarck, North Dakota, where the original Corps of Discovery hunkered down to survive the freezing winter of 1804–1805. It was here, among the Mandan and Hidatsa villages, that the expedition built Fort Mandan and made one of their most crucial decisions: recruiting French-Canadian trapper Toussaint Charbonneau and his Shoshone wife, Sacagawea, whose presence and skills would prove vital for the journey ahead.During this four-day stop, travelers will dive into immersive, hands-on experiences that bring the frontier to life. Highlights of this leg include:Fort Mandan: A guided tour of a full-sized replica of the expedition's triangular winter fort. History truly comes alive here as the "Missouri Muzzle Loaders" join the group to reenact the winter campout, allowing guests to fire antique guns, practice hatchet-throwing, and sample authentic food cooked over an open fire.The North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center: A world-class facility highlighting the region's long history as a Native American trading hub. The center also features a comprehensive gallery of the famous Karl Bodmer aquatint prints, visually documenting the Upper Missouri landscape and its peoples.Fort Abraham Lincoln and On-a-Slant Indian Village: An exploration of a 400-year-old Mandan earthlodge community where the Corps once observed the ruins. The park also features the reconstructed 1876 home of General George Custer.North Dakota Heritage Center and State Capitol: A guided motorcoach tour taking guests through the state's deep geological and cultural history, paired with a visit to North Dakota's striking 19-story art deco Capitol building.