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A Dakota Experience Tour

Visit the Dakota People of the Spirit Lake Tribe, the namesakes of two American states, in East Central North Dakota. Explore culturally significant sites on a scenic driving tour and learn about our history and land from tribal Elders. Dive into Dakota heritage with a traditional beading workshop and dance performance. The tour is a 24 hour immersive experience starting in the late afternoon and concluding before dinner the next day.

Overview

  • Make your own beaded art with a local artist

  • Eat a traditional Dakota meal

  • Learn about the history and legends of the Spirit Lake Tribe from tribal Elders

  • Visit a national game preserve

  • Visit Fort Totten to understand the region’s military and Indian boarding school history

  • Attend and learn the significance of a traditional dance performance

Highlights

Meeting Point & Time

  • 5:30 PM Dinner at The View Restaurant, Spirit Lake Casino & Resort

  • Address: 7889 Hwy 57, St. Michael, ND

Availability

  • June-September

What to bring

  • Wear comfortable clothes and footwear.

Included

  • Transportation to and from all activities

  • 1 hotel night at Spirit Lake Casino

  • Entrance fees

  • 1 breakfast, 1 lunch, 1 dinner

  • Tips for all guides

Not included

  • Airfare

  • Personal trip insurance

  • Transport to the meeting point

  • Dinner on day 2

Tour Details

The Spirit Lake Tribe, established in 1867 and formerly known as the Devils Lake Sioux Tribe, is home to the original Dakota People after which two American States are named. You will arrive in the afternoon and meet your tour guide. Then you will visit a local artist where you will learn about traditional beading and its importance in Dakota culture. You will even have the chance to make your own work of art. After dinner, spend the evening testing your luck at the games in our casino, before enjoying a restful night at our hotel, all located under one roof in our gaming facility.

In the morning, you will enjoy a wonderful breakfast at the casino buffet, and ready yourself for a full day exploring Spirit Lake. Our first stop will be White Horse Hill, a national game preserve. You will arrive in our air-conditioned bus designed for your comfort. Prepare to see buffalo, elk, deer, and the prairie dogs of a Prairie Dog Town – all while learning about the history and importance of White Horse Hill and its animals from a tribal elder. Climb to the top of the overlook for a birds-eye view of Devils Lake – (Minnewaukan-Spirit Water in Dakota), when you return, finish off the morning with an authentic traditional Dakota meal for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll head to the reservation. Our scenic tour of the reservation will take approximately one hour and will highlight the various geographical formations that shape and make up this region and its culture. How did the lake form, and why is it called “Devils Lake”? Learn about Devils Heart, Devils Tooth, and Devils Backbone and how they came to be, and of course, the Legend of the Lake Monster, said to have been responsible for the disappearance of many warriors and buffalo.

The next stop on your itinerary is Historic Fort Totten Square, North Dakota’s oldest and best-preserved military post. Learn about its history as a military fort and a Native American boarding school with certified North Dakota historic guides. You will also have the unique chance to learn from Dakota Elders about their boarding school experience and its impact on their lives and the tribe. At the end of your visit, you can learn how to play authentic Native American games. We’ll leave it up to you to decide if the best games are at the casino or on the prairie.

Agenda and Activities

Contact Us to Book a Tour

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