Huff Archeological Site

Huff is a Mandan settlement spanning twelve acres with 103 rectangular structures arranged in rows along the riverbank. The site features a defensive system with a ditch running along its perimeter and ten bastions positioned at strategic points.

The settlement was established in the 15th century and reflects how the Mandan people developed defensive architecture during that era. The structures show their response to external threats through careful planning and construction.

The homes here display the building skills of the Mandan people through central hearths and storage pits that reveal details of daily life. These features show how inhabitants organized their living spaces and food storage.

The site can be explored on marked paths with interpretive signs explaining the village layout and structure. Visitors should wear comfortable shoes as the ground is uneven and visibility of structures varies with the season.

The houses display an unusual pattern where nearly all face southwest, away from the river, with just one exception. This consistent orientation likely reflects cultural or practical reasons that researchers continue to study.