# Fort Totten State Historic Site

> Fort Totten was established in 1867 as a military post; in 1868 brick buildings made from locally produced brick replaced the earlier log fort.

Source: https://camping-spirit.com/places/fort-totten-state-historic-site/

One of the best-preserved frontier army posts in the Dakotas, with brick buildings arranged around a large parade ground beside Devils Lake. Walk the grounds and visit the interior displays; summer is the main season for tours.

Fort Totten was established in 1867 as a military post; in 1868 brick buildings made from locally produced brick replaced the earlier log fort. The original buildings now house exhibits. From 1890 the site served as a boarding school for Native American children, at times with more than 400 students, and a school operated here until 1959. That year the Bureau of Indian Affairs transferred the property to the tribe (the Spirit Lake Nation). It has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1971.

From late May (Memorial Day weekend) through Labor Day in September the site is open daily; at other times tours and events are by appointment only, though the grounds are open Monday through Friday (as of October 2026). It is best to come in summer; allow one to two hours for the buildings and grounds. The site is on Devils Lake in North Dakota.

- **Nearest town:** Fort Totten, ND
- **Category:** History & culture
- **GPS:** 47.9753, -98.9870

## Good to know

**Best time to go:** The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. Cold, short days in November–March. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

## Sources

- [Fort Totten State Historic Site (State Historical Society of North Dakota)](https://history.nd.gov/historicsites/totten/)
- [Fort Totten State Historic Site (Wikipedia)](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fort_Totten_State_Historic_Site)

## Nearby

- [Geographical Center of North America](https://camping-spirit.com/places/geographical-center-rugby/) – 54 mi
- [National Buffalo Museum and World’s Largest Buffalo](https://camping-spirit.com/places/b19-buffalo-museum/) – 76 mi
- [International Peace Garden](https://camping-spirit.com/places/international-peace-garden/) – 85 mi
- [Lake Metigoshe State Park](https://camping-spirit.com/places/lake-metigoshe-state-park/) – 93 mi

## FAQs

### Where is Fort Totten State Historic Site?

Fort Totten State Historic Site is in Fort Totten, ND, at GPS 47.9753, -98.9870. It is about 75 mi from Jamestown.

### Can you camp near Fort Totten State Historic Site?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Primitive Campground, about 6 mi away; within 25 mi there are 7 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

### What is there to see near Fort Totten State Historic Site?

Places worth a stop nearby: Geographical Center of North America (54 mi), National Buffalo Museum and World’s Largest Buffalo (76 mi), International Peace Garden (85 mi) and Lake Metigoshe State Park (93 mi).

### When is the best time to visit Fort Totten State Historic Site?

The most pleasant months are usually May–June and September. Still fine, with some compromises, in July–August. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)