WASHBURN — Fort Mandan State Historic Site, Washburn, will offer free interactive learning programs for all ages this summer. Participants will learn new skills and create hands-on projects centered on the themes of recreation in June, naturalism in July, survival in August and agriculture and ecology in September. Programs are offered throughout the day.

The schedule includes:

– June 1-5, Native American Sports and Games. Discover leisure activities the members of the Lewis and Clark Expedition learned from the Mandans and Hidatsas during their time at Fort Mandan.

– June 6-7, Paper Boat Challenge. Build a boat to transport goods up the river for the fur trade.

– June 8-12, Card Games Among the Fur Traders. Learn card games popular with French Canadian fur traders during the time of the expedition.

– June 13-14, Sun Prints. Design beautiful art using the sun and items found in nature.

– June 15-19, Card Games Among the Fur Traders.

– June 20-21, Bubble Art. Create colorful bubble art on a postcard, or bring white T-shirts, blankets or towels from home to decorate.

– June 22-26, The Fur Trade Game. Put your business sense to the test in this Fort Clark fur trade game.

– June 27-28, Papermaking. Learn the basics of papermaking and make a unique paper creation to take home.

These programs are part of the ND250 commemoration celebrating America’s 250th anniversary.