KNRI Pin

The Hidatsa lived in earth and wood structures called “awahte” or earthlodges.  Because of their successful mastery of agriculture, this tribe was able to maintain a relatively non-migratory village life.  Villages of up to 120 earthlodges were constructed on the terrace above the Missouri and Knife Rivers.  These permanent dwellings were owned and maintained by the women of the tribe.  The site, a unit of the National Park System, was established by Congress in 1974.