A bit of north North Dakota

I followed some more of the Lewis & Clark trail to the Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site.

Inside a Mandan earth lodge

Mandan and Hidatsa people visited Fort Mandan often to trade corn, beans, and squash and share information.  Toussaint Charbonneau, a French Canadian who lived and traded with the Hidatsa, came to the fort with his wife, Sakakawea, seeking work as an interpreter.

 Lake Sakakawea

Northern North Dakota was much prettier than I expected; green and hilly.  Except for the heat/humidity, it was very nice.  It is on "schedule" for me to return in July/August 2021 so I imagine I'll experience the full summer impact of the state at that time.

On my way to Manitoba, I wanted to stop at the International Peace Garden but my GPS had me cross the border at the wrong crossing - easiest border crossing I have ever had! - but then I had to cross down into North Dakota again to get into the Garden.  It is a lovely park and I ended up spending the night.  Although it was not yet in full bloom, it was still lovely.  It takes crews of dozens, both Canadian and American, to plant and maintain the gardens.

The Garden is located in the geographical center of North America.  It is supported by both Federal Governments and donations/admission.  Since 1932 it has served as a living monument to the ideals of friendship and cooperation among nations and an example to the world.

There were swarms of dragonflies; I did not realize they were so large, or these were just big ones, but they were cool to watch.  I wish I could have gotten some pictures as there were kazillions.