Lewis & Clark Fort Mandan Foundation

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Treasures of the Trail

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North Dakota Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan

Before You Arrive: In order to ensure that your school group has a safe, enjoyable and educational trip to the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan, we ask that you prepare for your visit in the following ways:

1. Be familiar with the sites. If possible, visit the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan and explore for yourself before bringing your class.

2. Plan the trip ahead of time. Introduce the story of Lewis and Clark in class prior to your visit. Use the activities located here to assist in your preparation.

3. Ask for suggestions from your students. What do they expect to see and do? If they can help design it, and have an investment in it, their visit will be more memorable.

4. Divide large groups into 25-30 students. This will help maximize their exposure when touring and viewing exhibits. We recommend one teacher or chaperone accompanying every 10-12 students. Plan to actively participate in your students' educational experiences and help monitor their presence in our gift shops.

5. Groups should schedule a minimum of one hour and 15 minutes at the Interpretive Center and 45 minutes at Fort Mandan.

6. Picnic shelters are available for you to use for lunch breaks. Food and drink are not allowed in exhibit areas.

Reservation Procedure: Reservations are honored based on availability, so call early to avoid disappointment. To make a reservation and receive a discount on admission:

1. Call toll free (877) 462-8535
2. Provide the following information:
	a. Date of visit and arrival time
	b. Number in group and grade level
	c. School's name, address and phone number and tax exempt ID number
	d. Name of contact person
	e. Any special needs of the group or picnic shelter use

Cost: School groups and their chaperons are offered a reduced rate of $3.00 per person for visits scheduled in advance. This fee covers your entrance to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan.

Arrival: Please check in at the reception area of the Interpretive Center or Fort Mandan Visitor Services Center. You should arrive shortly before your scheduled time so that you can purchase passes and your group can use the restrooms. Since daily scheduled can become quite tight, late arrival could result in additional delay of your tour. If paying upon arrival, please have all funds collected from students so a single payment can be made.

Tours: Your group will be guided through the exhibit areas of the Interpretive Center and Fort Mandan by our friendly and informative interpretive staff. While at the Interpretive Center you will visit the Lewis & Clark exhibit and discover the expedition's purpose, route, and see American Indian artifacts from many of the tribes they encountered. Our staff will point out the historical documentation of the Northern Plains Indian Cultures through the paintings of Swiss artist Karl Bodmer in the Bergquist Gallery. Students and teachers will experience the influence of fur trade era supply and demand and the importance of knowing what the consumer wants by visiting the Fort Clark exhibit. While at Fort Mandan, interpreters will guide you through the fully
furnished reconstruction of Lewis & Clark's winter quarters.

Additional Programming: Many additional learning experiences are available from our interpretive staff. If you are interested in spending additional time and learning more, please ask for availability of special opportunities when making your reservation. A variety of programs relating to the Lewis & Clark Expedition are available and can be adapted to any group's size, age or interest.