Lewis and Clark Trail Museum – Alexander, North Dakota

Lewis and Clark Trail Museum – Alexander, North Dakota

It really all began years ago, but in 1969 the museum was actually dedicated to tell the story of the Lewis and Clark Trail.

Not only is the story of the trail told here but some of the other things you will be interested in seeing are the artifacts of the last lynching in North Dakota.  They are on display for you to see.  This lynching involved a man called Charles Bannon.  He was arrested for the murder of a family of six in 1931 and put in jail to await trial.  Before the trial took place an angry mob tore down the jail door (which you can see) and took him out and hung him.

You will also be able to see a school room from the pioneer days when one room schools were the norm.  Here you will see the complete furnishing and be able to vision what it was like to be a student learning in that environment.

In the Lewis and Clark Room you will see displays of various early-day animals and a scale model of Ft. Mandan which is where Lewis and Clark spend the winter of 1804-1805.

There are antique cars, machinery, saddle shop, blacksmith’s shop, printing press and camera display that are also in the museum for you to see.  Often things like these are spread around to different museums, here you will be able to see them all in one place.

Have you ever seen the Yellowstone River?  How would you like to have to cross it before modern transportation avenues were available?  You will be able to see the Fairview Bridge model which will show you how both trains and vehicles crossed the river.  One traversed this unique bridge through the only tunnel in North Dakota.  A watchman signaled vehicle traffic when it was safe to cross and not come face to face with an oncoming train.

On the second floor of the museum is the Hall of Fame Room where display cases are purchased by individuals and decorated with their memorabilia.  There is also a County Store, Post Office and Shoe Repair shop for you to see.

On the third floor you will be able to visit the Pioneer Room, Millinery Shop, Days of the Week Room, Children’s Room and a Beauty Shop.

Along with everything else you will want to see the Sheepherder’s Wagon, the Cook Car (where local gals prepared the food for the threshing crew).  This kitchen is something you can be glad you don’t have to work in today, not a modern appliance to be seen, no air conditioning and crowded.  Not what you would think would be a great way to spend your day cooking three to five meals per day!

There is also the John and Elizabeth Novak Building which has more old equipment plus a horse drawn wagon and stagecoach.  Then go on to the Boy Scout Cabin, the flower garden and the Log Cabin.

Phone: 701 828 3595 in the summer “open” time and
701 828 3157 the rest of the year.

You can leave messages at either number.

Email:  landc@rtc.coop
Lewis and Clark Trail Museum
PO Box 22
Alexander ND 58831