STANTON Experience and explore winter life at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site and join others for a day of activities and learning on Feb. 11. The Winter Adventure Heritage Outbound program is sponsored by the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation, the State Historical Society of North Dakota, and the North Dakota Geological Survey.
The main event of the Heritage Outbound winter adventure begins with a shared meal with fellow adventurers at the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation at noon. The Foundation's building is located just south of the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton.
Next, spend the afternoon snowshoeing the trails through the Hidatsa villages with State Historical Society of North Dakota staff Erik Holland and Timothy Reed, and John Hoganson of the North Dakota Geological Survey. Share a traditional trail snack while learning about Hidatsa village life and the Knife and Missouri Rivers through the lenses of archaeology, geology, history and oral tradition.
The experience includes an evening gathered around a huge roaring fire in an earthlodge, where a traditional buffalo feast will be served. An unforgettable evening continues with traditional storytelling and Matt Schanandore playing American Indian flute music and stories taught to him by his grandmother.
Registration is $60 per person. The fee includes two meals, use of snowshoes, all activity supplies, and presentations. To register, contact Erik Holland at the State Historical Society of North Dakota at 328-2792. The registration deadline is Feb. 6 and is limited to 25 people, on a first-come, first-served basis.