Lewis and Clark Adventure, Mandan Hidatsada Lodge (No. 723F)

Mandan/Hidatsa Earth-lodges housed the Corps when they stayed for the winter with the Mandans and prepared for further travel. These lodges were large and often separated into a number of smaller "rooms". Occasionally animals were brought in as well. A hole in the center of the top allowed smoke to escape. It was covered by a "bull boat" to keep out rain and cold when necessary. Trophies and ceremonial figures decorated the villages.The twelve-sided, inside framework of an Earth-lodge was constructed of timber. it was lashed together and covered with a layer of sod that provided much needed insulation in the northern plains.