The modern adage "build it and they will come" appears to be applying to the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center, the reconstructed Sixth Infantry barracks of Fort Buford and Fort Union this summer for the bicentennial of the Lewis & Clark expedition.

Local economic development advocates' predictions that thousands would be pouring in from throughout the country to follow the explorers' trail has proven true.

In the 11 1/2 months since the confluence center has opened, it has drawn about 23,000 visitors. Most also visit nearby Fort Buford and Fort Union.

"We had between 100 and 125 per day in June and July. In May, there 3,586 visitors that were counted, in June, 3,249 and July, 3,480," said Kim Syth, who manages the book store at the confluence center. "We've had them come from all over the United States, and 91 from foreign countries."

In fact, a world atlas above the counter shows registered visitors state by state and according to country. An open house, celebrating the first anniversary of the Missouri-Yellowstone Confluence Interpretive Center will be held 7 to 9 p.m. Aug. 23. There will be free admission, musical entertainment, door prizes and the screening of the video "Splendid Isolation."

Mike Casler, ranger at Fort Union, and Genia Hesser, site supervisor at Fort Buford, agree there has been a steady stream of visitors from all over.

"We're in the ballpark. Two-dollar gas could be hurting tourism. We are seeing a lot of internal visitors from the state, but we are identifying many people following the Lewis & Clark Trail.

Casler said about 11,000 Amtrak passengers have participated in the local Trails and Rails program this summer. Several return visitors are doing follow-up visits because of information they received when passing through on previous years.

"I talked to a lot of folks from Trails and Rails who are following the Lewis & Clark Trail," he said.

He said many people are asking how to find the two historic sites and the confluence center. "They are not blindly following the Lewis & Clark Trail. They want to visit all of the sites along the route.

"So many people are pleasantly surprised about how much fun they had and what we have. They're pleased to see there is a reconstructed Fort Union instead of just a sign," Casler said.

Hesser agreed. "They like the wilds of North Dakota and are impressed with our exhibits and hospitality," she commented. "We've seen all 50 states represented and a number of foreign visitors (at Fort Buford) since the beginning of the year."

The guests ask thorough questions, focusing on Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, where the confluence is and how much the river has changed, Hesser said.

"I get questions about the Native Americans and the fur trade, how business relations developed with the Indians, about the fur trade was spurred by Lewis and Clark, history questions, what it's like here in the winter and 'Is it always this cold?'" Casler said.

Hesser speculates the draw here may be attributed to this area being like undiscovered country. "It's a natural beauty, an uninterrupted space."

Casler said they are seeing a lot of return visitors from other parts of the country. Many are finding vacationing inexpensive compared to other vacation options.

"We have people from France, Norway and Germany - a lot of Europeans," he said.

A new bike/walking path complements the view below the confluence center. Greg Hennessy, president of the Friends of Fort Union/Fort Buford, said easements are still being worked out to finish more of the path along the three historic sites.