New Town lies in the heart of Lake Sakakawea. Local highlights range from views of the lake and the badlands to the area's history and the culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. There are also two very different recreational options: a public nine-hole golf course and summer cruises on the River Willow. This mix offers several ways to plan a trip. The key may be whether the stay is shaped by the landscape, history and culture, or a specific activity.
Landscape and History at Crow Flies High Butte
From Crow Flies High Butte, you can take in views of Lake Sakakawea, the badlands cliffs, and the foundations of the flooded town of Sanish. The view thus brings together striking landscape features and traces of the former town. Those interested in history will find another point of reference at the same site: Crow Flies High Butte served as a lookout point for William Clark while he waited to reunite with Meriwether Lewis. Landscape and historical memory stand side by side here, without telling the same story. The view takes in the lake, cliffs, and Sanish; the history adds a connection to Clark and Lewis to the panorama.
Four Bears Bridge: Scale and Cultural Dedication
Four Bears Bridge is the longest bridge in North Dakota and stretches for almost a mile. Its design honors 19 tribal chiefs of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. The bridge can be viewed from two perspectives: its length conveys its scale, while its design carries a specific cultural dedication. This offers a different connection to the region's history than Crow Flies High Butte. There, the focus is on William Clark's lookout point; at the bridge, it is the tribute to the tribal chiefs. Together, these motifs show different historical connections without combining them into a single story.
Culture and Heritage of the Three Tribes
The Three Affiliated Tribes Museum is a heritage center that presents and preserves the history and culture of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara. It focuses on the three peoples themselves, complementing the historical connections found in the landscape and the bridge. Those who want to explore New Town primarily through its culture and history can make the museum a focus in its own right, alongside the views and Four Bears Bridge. The themes are related, but not interchangeable: the museum is devoted to the history and culture of the three peoples, the bridge honors 19 of their tribal chiefs, and the butte is associated with William Clark's stay.
Golf Course or Summer Cruise
Edgewater Golf Course is a public nine-hole golf course. The details “public” and “nine holes” offer two specific points of reference for anyone considering golf as part of their trip. River Willow offers a different kind of outing: every summer, it runs cruises under the theme “Gaming on the Lake.” River Willow also has a 360-degree observation deck with views of Lake Sakakawea. While the golf course is described by its number of holes, River Willow combines a seasonal activity with panoramic views from the boat. Since the cruises are a summer offering, it is a good idea to check the specific dates before your trip.
There are several different ways to choose what to experience: views and historical connections at Crow Flies High Butte, the cultural dedication of Four Bears Bridge, the history and culture at the museum, or an activity such as golf or a summer cruise. Lake Sakakawea features both in the description of New Town's location and in the views from the butte and River Willow. This makes it possible to shape your stay around a particular theme without treating landscape, culture, and recreation as interchangeable.
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