Looking for a place to take the family and guests during the holiday season? Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site, a unit of the National Park System, is open year-round. The Visitor Center and the earthlodge are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., but will be closed on December 25 and January 1. The 14 miles of trails and historic village sites are open daily from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m.
At the Visitor Center, you can enjoy the park movie, a reconstructed earthlodge, exhibits and a bookstore with lots of books and craft items suitable for holiday gifts.
Currently the center has a temporary exhibit, until Dec. 17, celebrating the 35th anniversary of Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site. Also, young folks between ages 3-12 can become Junior Rangers or Knife River Explorers.
Come walk the trails to view the wildlife, especially the thousands of geese and ducks that are gathering on the Knife and Missouri Rivers. The Awatixa Parking Area (locally called the “Fishing Hole") is closed for the winter but visitors are welcome to park at the gate and walk in. All other parking areas remain open.
For more information, call 701-745-3300. #
Source: U.S. Department of the Interior, National Park Service
