The Northern Plains Heritage Foundation is the local coordinating organization for the Northern Plains National Heritage Area. The Northern Plains Heritage Foundation is the non-profit 501(c)3 organization that functions as the coordinating entity for the Northern Plains National Heritage Area. The Northern Plains National Heritage Area celebrates the important natural, cultural, and historic sites tied to the Missouri River in central North Dakota. For centuries, the river has shaped the lives of the people here. The interconnected stories of Native Americans, explorers and settlers, and farmers and ranchers on the Northern Plains are historically significant and contribute to our nation’s diverse heritage. The Northern Plains National Heritage Area encourages residents and visitors to discover the heritage of the Missouri River by exploring its many points of interest.