Ft. Clark Historic Site is located in the West Region in Mercer County about 50 miles northwest of Bismarck along the Missouri River 8 miles southeast of Stanton.
The fort was built in the early 1830s by the American Fur Company who wanted to set up a center to trade for pelts the Native American tribes, among them the Mandans, brought in from their hunts.
The trading post thrived for about 20 years and then "Primeau's Post" was erected in the early 1850s as competition to the fort. In addition to the two outposts, an earthenlodge village was created for the natives.
The site is open from May 16 through September 15, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (CDT). It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays. The tour is self-guided and there are no facilities. Free.