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Knife River Indian Villages summer operating hours and events to begin

Submitted Photo Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton begins summer operating hours on May 26. This is the Visitor Center at the park. A number of events are planned at the park this summer.

STANTON – New operating hours will be in effect for the summer at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site near Stanton beginning Sunday, May 26.

The park Visitor Center and the earthlodge will be open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CDT. Guided tours of the earthlodge will be offered throughout the summer. The Visitor Center also has exhibits on life in the Hidatsa villages and a 15-minute movie. Trails in the park are open daily from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. The park has about 12 miles of hiking trails. Maps of the trails are available at the Visitor Center.

Upcoming summer events at the park include:

– May 31-June 6: Archeologists will be conducting geophysical investigations at Sakakawea Village. Ranger guided tours and visits with the archeologists will be offered daily. Call for more information and tour times. 701-745-3300.

-June 22: Hands on History-Pottery Workshop from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Instructor Derek Stewart will give an overview of Native pottery history and techniques. Participants will have their own opportunity to give it a try using clay provided. No registration required and all ages welcome.

– July 6: Hands on History-Beading Workshop from 2-4 p.m. Staff will provide instructions on the basics of setting up and using a bead loom. Participants will have an opportunity to craft their own bracelet using the beads and materials provided. No registration required and all ages welcome.

– July 16 and Aug. 13: Kid’s Camp Day from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Join park rangers on a day filled with adventure with games, crafts, and exploring the park. Lunch and snacks will be provided by the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation. Call 701-745-3300 for registering children ages 6-12 (space is limited).

– July 20: Hands on History: Music from 2-3 p.m. Join Native flutist and storyteller Keith Bear as he shares his music and experiences of over two decades playing around the world. He will demonstrate the techniques of Native flute playing through the many flutes he has crafted himself over the years. No registration required and all ages welcome.

– July 23-Aug 1. Archeologists will be conducting excavations at the Sakakawea Village. Join a ranger guided tour to learn more about the investigations.

– Aug. 17:Photography-Wet Plate Ambrotypes from 3-5 p.m. Ambrotypist Shane Balkowitsch explains his process and creation of a modern take on wet plate photography. On display will be many of his works featuring Native American portraits. No registration required and all ages welcome.

– Aug. 24: Language Summit from 1-5 p.m. What would you hear at the Villages? Join Native linguists as they speak Mandan, Hidatsa, Arikara and Plains Indian sign language. Each segment will cover the origins, formations/pronunciations, and common words. Refreshments will be provided by the Knife River Indian Heritage Foundation. No registration required and all ages welcome.

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