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. Visit a National Game Preserve that is home to bison, elk, deer, prairie dogs and several species of birds, all native to the area. 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.
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 head to visit with a local artist, learn about traditional beading and its importance in Dakota culture. You will even have the chance to make your own art work. 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 – (Mni Wakan-Spirit of the Water in Dakota language), when you return, finish off the morning with an authentic traditional Dakota meal for lunch.
After lunch, we’ll head further to explore the reservation. This 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 it's called “Devils Lake”? Learn about Devil's Heart, Devil's Tooth and Devil's 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.
5:30pm 7:00pm Dinner at Spirit Lake Casino
7:00pm 9:00pm Beading and Parfleche workshop
9:00pm --- Evening on your own