If you want to visit Wolf Point, Minnesota, you have a number of options. While the city itself is small, there are several surrounding communities that are worth visiting. For example, you can visit the Hell Creek State Park and Assiniboine Village. This historical town is also close to a number of larger towns.
Fort Union Trading Post
Fort Union Trading Post is located near the border between Montana and North Dakota. This historic trading post was once the largest outpost on the upper Missouri River. Although it was never part of the U.S. military, it was the most prosperous and longest-lived trading post in the area. In fact, Lewis and Clark visited this trading post in 1804 and described it as a “judicious position for trade.”
You can explore this 1851 fur trading post and learn more about the history of fur trading in the region. There are frequent reenactments of frontier life. The Fort Union Rendezvous is held each year and recreates the activities of fur-trapper gatherings. Among these activities are trading, talks, and competitions in wilderness skills.
For those who love history, Fort Union Trading Post is one of the most interesting places to visit in Wolf Point. Visitors can enjoy a delicious lunch at the Fort Union Trading Post. There are also a number of shops where you can buy crafts made from local wood.
Fort Union Trading Post is a great place to take the whole family. Built on the same footprint as its predecessors, this fort once traded fur, guns, blankets, and other items. Today, it is a National Historic Site that gives visitors a unique glimpse into the history of the fur trade.
For tourists, the town is also home to several attractions and museums. The Wolf Point Museum was originally located in the basement of the Roosevelt County Library but was recently moved to a larger space on Highway #2. It displays many items from early settlers and also showcases local Aboriginal culture. It also features a statue made by a local art instructor. You can also tour the Fort Peck Interpretive Center, which is located just a half-hour drive away.
Hell Creek State Park
Hell Creek State Park is a wonderful place to go fishing. This park is located in a scenic area along the Missouri River, which means that you’ll have a great view of the area while you fish. It also has excellent walleye fishing, which is perfect for those with a love of the sport. In addition to fishing, the area also has great conditions for other types of water sports. The crystal-clear waters and calm waters create a perfect environment for all water sports, including boating and kayaking. The park is also home to many wildlife species, including deer, owls, and antelope.
Hell Creek State Park attracts a variety of visitors. Birders will find many different species of birds in the area, as well as local raptors. There are also primitive trails and upland overlooks, which are perfect for biking or hiking.
The area is popular with canoeists and kayakers during spring. There are several rapids in the area, including Mother’s Delight, Blueberry Slide, Hell’s Gate, and Dragon’s Tooth. The area is also dotted with beautiful rock formations and vibrant mosses and lichens. Near Hell’s Gate rapids, you can also explore the Sandstone Quarry, which was once used to crush sandstone rock for railroad transportation.
In addition to the river, Hell Creek State Park has many amenities for families. The park features 337 acres of rolling wildlands where visitors can enjoy the natural beauty of the area. You might even be able to see a herd of deer as you walk through the park. Other sites in the park include Makoshika State Park, which has impressive rock formations and a visitor center.
Assiniboine Village
If you’re interested in Native American history, you’ll love Wolf Point. This small community is located at the confluence of the Missouri and Yellowstone rivers and is home to the Fort Union Trading Post Nation Monument. Though this was never a military or government fort, it was a trading post where seven different Indian nations traded their fur for various commodities. You can visit the museum and learn more about this important time in the region’s history.
The village was first established in 1875 by William Alderson, an Indian agent. He brought a steam engine/sawmill, as well as a crew. He then established a subagency for the Assiniboine tribe. As time went on, the village grew, with steamboats stopping by to deliver goods. However, the arrival of the Great Northern Railway brought about the end of steamboats. This meant that a depot had to be established in the village. This led to a wave of homesteaders in the area, and the village grew in size.
The town is situated near a lake and offers a variety of outdoor activities. It is home to a large reservoir, Fort Peck Lake, which is the fifth largest artificial lake in the United States. The lake is popular for fishing and has a wide variety of catchable fish.
The village’s school district has been a source of controversy in recent years. In 2013, an ACLU lawsuit was filed against the school district alleging that voting districts favored white residents and gave them control over the school. As a result, the voting districts were redrawn. Native members of the school board claim that they were shut out of decisions.
Lewis and Clark camped near Wolf Point
Lewis and Clark camped near Wolf Point during their 1805 trip through the Northwest Territory. They were accompanied by five guides. The group set out on July 3 for Great Falls, Montana, and it took eight days to reach the area. Later that same month, three of the men decided to go north to survey the Marias River. They crossed the Sun and Teton rivers, then turned west to follow the Marias River northwest to a point about 20 miles from Cut Bank.
Today, this area is home to paleontological research and Makoshika State Park. While the Lewis and Clark expedition camped near Wolf Point in 1805, it was the Assiniboine, Crow, and Sioux who used this area to live and hunt for food. In 1886, a fur trade was established in eastern Montana, which led to a population boom.
Lewis and Clark camped near Wolf Point on May 5, 1805. It was here that they encountered a grizzly bear, which they killed. The grizzly was about eight feet seven inches long and weighed 500 to 600 pounds. After killing it, the men were able to cook and eat it.
The Lewis and Clark Expedition crossed the Continental Divide on August 13, 1805. On their way, they also encountered many Indians. They hoped to find a village of Shoshoni Indians so they could find horses. However, it would take many weeks before they reached the Missouri River. To celebrate this historic event, the towns along the trail host events throughout the summer. Some of these events include a Fort Union Rendezvous and a Living History Weekend.
Lewis and Clark were also trying to identify the vicious Assiniboine band that they encountered. Assiniboine means “girl” in the language of the Nakota. Lewis and Clark interpreted the word as “Nakota Oseegah” (Little Girls). However, this was the wrong word to translate as Little Girls. Woa Seeja, the rattle snake of the Big Devils, could have been referring to the Ean To Wah.
Assiniboine Village explores traditional Assiniboine culture
The traditional Assiniboine people of the Wolf Point area were often seen as friendly and helpful by European traders. In the 17th century, the Assiniboine traded with the Hudson’s Bay Company in western Canada and Rupert’s Land. They traded for many goods including guns, beads, and cloth. By the 1780s, the Assiniboine became prosperous traders.
Assiniboine society was based on extended family structures. The headman was selected by his clan to govern the tribe and its relationships with other tribes. He was a good man who had proven his superior hunting and fighting skills. In battle, he had demonstrated leadership and kindness to his fellow men.
The Assiniboine were a powerful people who lived in the Plains. They hunted buffalo and bison, and they were active participants in the fur trade. Their territory covered much of modern-day Manitoba and Alberta.
Wolf Point was originally an Assiniboine settlement. This area was a vital trade center for local farmers. This area was also an important grain storage area. Every July, a pro-rodeo is held in the area. The Native Americans of the area competed in wild horse riding.
The Assiniboine were deeply spiritual. Their beliefs and ceremonies were important to their lives. Their traditions still survive today. However, the Assiniboin no longer participate in their traditional Sun Dance, as it was too dangerous for them to perform it in public.
The Assiniboine people originated in the Lake of the Woods area of Canada. After becoming allied with the Cree, they gradually moved westward. Their area encompassed present-day Saskatchewan, western North Dakota, and northern Canada. In the late 1800s, they were a part of the Iron Confederacy with the Cree. By the late 18th century, the Assiniboine spoke a language that is distinct from modern-day English.
