Today, we’re venturing into the heart of North Dakota, to a national wildlife refuge that’s home to an unexpected archaeological treasure. Ready for the adventure? Let’s dive in!
Nestled in the western part of North Dakota, near the quaint towns of Dunn Center and Killdeer, lies the serene Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge. This tranquil haven, teeming with diverse wildlife and offering stunning lakeside vistas, holds a secret beneath its surface.
In the late 1980s, the water level of Lake Ilo was reduced due to necessary dam repairs. This event unveiled a remarkable secret hidden in the land. If you take a closer look at the satellite image on your screen, you’ll notice faint circles scattered across the terrain. These are stone tipi rings, remnants of the prehistoric people who resided and hunted here approximately 10,000 years ago.
Fast forward to the 1990s, extensive excavations led to the discovery of an astonishing 58,000 artifacts. These relics, ranging from spearheads and pottery shards to ancient stone tools, offer a rare glimpse into the lives of these early nomadic humans who constantly migrated for survival.
Today, visitors to the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge can explore its trails and enjoy its natural beauty. While the historical sites must be preserved and left untouched, a replica of the stone circles can be viewed at the trailhead of the refuge.
Located at 489 102 Ave SW, Dunn Center, North Dakota 58626, the Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge invites you to experience a piece of history nestled in nature. For more details about the site and the trail, check out the link in the description below.
North Dakota’s landscape is steeped in history, particularly in its western region. If you’ve visited Lake Ilo or any other archaeological sites in North Dakota, we’d love to hear your stories.
The artifacts unearthed at Lake Ilo National Wildlife Refuge are a testament to our rich past. The 1990s excavations revealed a plethora of artifacts, including spearheads, pottery shards, and ancient stone tools. Many of these tools were crafted from Knife River Flint, a durable yet workable stone used by Paleo Indians to create spear points, meat cleavers, and other implements. This unique, glass-like, caramel-colored stone is found predominantly in western North Dakota, and tools made from it have been discovered as far away as New York and New Mexico. These artifacts offer invaluable insights into the lifestyle and culture of the region’s earliest known human inhabitants.
