In the Great Rivers

  • The monumental Gateway Arch in St. Louis
  • The scenic Shawnee National Forest and historic Fort Massac in Southern Illinois
  • Fun and colorful riverside communities and bike trails in Missouri
  • The open plains of the American West in Eastern Kansas
  • Fascinating museums that bring alive the epic adventure
  • French Colonial towns and frontier forts
  • Parks, forests, rivers and lakes, plus underground caverns deep within the earth

Get underway with your Lewis & Clark adventure in the Land of the Great Rivers!

Scroll down the page to view a comprehensive listing of must-see attractions along the Great Rivers portion of the Lewis and Clark trail.

Attractions By State

ILLINOIS

1. Equality

The Ohio River Scenic Byway Visitor Center east of Harrisburg is a good place to begin.

Visitors can get routing information there for the Byway.

2. Shawneetown

Visitors can see one of the state’s oldest brick bank buildings.

3. Shawnee National Forest

Follow Route 34 or 13 to Route 1 from Harrisburg on the Karber’s Ridge Road into to see the Garden of the Gods Wilderness Area and the Rim Rock and Pounds Hollow Recreation Areas.

The nearby upper Rim Rock National Recreational Trail is equally awesome taking visitors around and on top of rock escarpments. The lower trail is as spectacular, taking visitors to massive bottomland hardwood trees and Ox-Lot Cave, a huge rock outcropping. The areas blooms each spring in a spectacular show of woodlands flowers.

4. Cave In Rock and Tower Rock Recreation Areas

The Byway continues west paralleling the Ohio River on Route 146.

The fabled Cave in Rock on State Park Road # 1 to the Ohio River has been a hide-out for outlaws and river pirates since Lewis and Clark’s day. The famed site is the location of the Cave-In Rock State Park Lodge and Restaurant. The park offers camping and hiking plus boating on the Ohio River. The Byway heads west to nearby Tower Rock Recreation Area.

5. Rosiclare

Visitors can see the Rose Hotel Historic Site and the Civil War era Iron Smelting Furnace.

6. Golconda

The Byway continues south on Route 146 to the Golconda Marina on the Ohio.
Nearby is Dixon Springs State Park and Buel House, the two-story log home built in 1837.

7. Brookport

Visitors can see the Kincaid Archeological Site where ancient tribes built houses and temples on a large flat-topped hill.

8. Fort Massac State Historic Park

This impressive frontier fort is reconstructed to as it appeared in 1803.

Lewis and Clark reviewed the Corps here after they came down the Ohio River by keelboat on November 11, 1803. George Drouillard, famed French-Canadian hunter and scout, was also there and they quickly signed him on as their scout. Byway travelers will enjoy the visitor center, museum and artifacts collection, going biking on the George Rogers Clark Discovery Trail, going to the dock and boat ramp to fish and boat on the Ohio River, and attending special events year-round, including the Fort Massac Encampment in October.

9. Metropolis

Superman awaits at the Super Museum where visitors can take “selfies” beside the 16-foot super hero.

The nearby Metropolis Murals portray the heritage of the city. The Super Museum features the costume worn by the original TV Superman George Reeves. And to add to the fun, America’s Hollywood Museum has life-sized figures and rare celebrity collectibles, costumes, and posters.

10. Mermet Lake State Fish & Wildlife Area and Tunnel Hill State Hike/Bike Trail

North of the Ohio River Scenic Byway

11. Mound City

Leading attractions include National Cemetery and the African American Museum.

12. Fort Defiance Park

On Route 137. This site on The Great River Road Scenic Byway is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition spent six days at the Ohio’s confluence with the Mississippi.

Visitors will enjoy the great river views, once the site of the Cantonment Wilkinsonville near Cairo. The Cairo Customs House Museum, the Magnolia Manor and Riverlore Mansion are also popular.

13. Eagle Bend

North on Route 3. Visitors can enjoy great views of the mighty Mississippi at River Rock, the Thebes Overlook.

Continuing north are the Trail of Tears State Forest and the Bald Knob and Clear Springs Recreation Areas.

14. Grand Tower

Includes Devil’s Backbone Park pocked with caves where river pirates hid out until they were rousted in 1803 by troops from Fort Kaskaskia.

The LaRue Pine Hills/Oakwood Bottoms ecological area and the Mississippi River Museum Interpretive Center at Grand Tower provide insight into the magnitude of the River.

15. Carbondale

East of the Great River Road Scenic Byway on Route 149 features the Pomona Natural Bridge and the Little Grand Canyon scenic gateways.

Area attractions include the Giant City State Park and the City Arts Gallery. Lake Murphysboro State Park offers hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The Kinkaid Lake, Johnson Creek, and Turkey Bluff Recreation and Wildlife Areas on the way north to Chester are popular.

16. Chester

Visitors can meet up with Popeye the Sailor at the Spinach Can Collectible’s Museum.

The Mary’s River Covered Bridge, the Fruit Hills Nature Preserve and the Randolph County State Recreation Area are nearby.

17. Ellis Grove

Visitors will want to trek upriver to the Fort Kaskaskia Historic Site that played such an important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

The Pierre Menard House State Historic Site and the Fort de Chartres State Historic Site were constructed during the French Colonial days. Visitors can also see the Kaskaskia Bell State Historic Site with the “Liberty Bell of the West” adjacent to the Church of Immaculate Conception.

18. Maeystown

Visitors can see the nearby Kaskaskia River Fish & Wildlife area, the Illinois Caverns Natural Area, the Chatlin Bridge Historic District and the Rock Mill and Museum

19. East St. Louis

Visitors can see the Frank Holten State Park, the Gateway Geyser, Malcolm M. Martin Memorial Park, and the Greater St. Louis Air & Space Museum.

At Cahokia visitors can see the Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site. The Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site and the world’s largest Catsup Bottle are at Collinsville. Horseshoe Lake State Park is at Granite City. Belleville attractions include the Schmidt Art Center & Gallery, the Cathedral of St. Peter and the National Shrine of Our Lady of the Snows. Edwardsville features the 1820 Colonel Benjamin Stephenson House, the Watershed Nature Center, plus one hundred miles of bikeways on the Madison County Bike Trails .

20. Hartford and Wood River

Both of these nearby villages can rightfully claim their designation as Historic Site Number 1 on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Hartford is marked by the inspiring 150’ high Confluence Tower where visitors get a spectacular view of the Missouri and Mississippi River Confluence. The tower’s welcome center also serves as the gateway interpretive center for the Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway, a 33-mile stretch of the Great River Road Scenic Byway filled with natural and historic scenic wonders. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site includes the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center with a full-scale replica of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s keelboat, a re-constructed Camp River Dubois, their Winter Camp from 1803-04, and exhibits portraying the legacy of Corps of Discovery who in 1804 ventured into the vast wilderness beyond the Mississippi. Camp River Dubois is temporarily closed for repairs, but tours of the cabins are available. The Hartford area also has great scenic hiking and biking trails along the mighty rivers.
At nearby Wood River you can imagine being a member of Lewis and Clark’s Corps at an authentic full-size re-creation of Camp Dubois near the actual site of the original frontier encampment. The re-created fort provides a unique outdoor venue for groups and weekends. Wood River is rich with area history and has a fascinating Community Heritage Museum and the historic Vaughn Hill Cemetery with Revolutionary War, War of 1812 and Civil War grave sites. The entire family will also enjoy Wood River’s Aquatic Center.

21. Alton

This regional city features an array of attractions including the Melvin Price Lock and Dam, the National Great Rivers Museum, the Alton Museum of History and Art.

Trail travelers can enjoy great scenic vistas as they bike along Sam Vadalbene Bike Trail.

22. Grafton

Great outdoor adventures await at the Pere Marquette State Park and Visitors Center.

23. Vandalia

Vacationers will be inspired by one of 12 Madonna of the Trail sculptures honoring pioneer-era mothers erected in 1928 on the historic Vandalia State House State Historic Site.

Visitors will enjoy the National Road Interpretive Center, the Fayette County Museum and the historic downtown district.
Abraham Lincoln began his political career at Vandalia, gave his first anti-slavery speeches and debated Stephan A. Douglas. The Old State Capitol houses a unique Lincoln Collection and visitors can also enjoy nearby Lincoln Park.

MISSOURI

Missouri will always be the Gateway to the West…its place in history symbolized by the soaring Gateway Arch in St. Louis. The state is universally recognized as the place where great adventures begin.

24. Charleston

The Lewis and Clark commemorative site features a map of the Trail chiseled in granite rock with flags and murals celebrating the Corp’s arrival in Missouri.

25. Cape Girardeau

The city was well established when the Corps came this way and Lewis met Louis Lorimier at the Red House in 1803.

A replica of the building serves as the visitor center and the focal point for the historic downtown area which is framed by a 1,100 foot long Mississippi River Tales Mural. Antique stores, galleries, restaurants, and historic buildings in this unique setting attract thousands of visitors. The nearby Trail of Tears State Park where the Corps camped on November 24, 1803, offers an interpretive center, lake boating, camping, hike/bike trails and playground. Other attractions include the Bollinger Mill State Historic Site, the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center, the Crisp Museum’s Crossroads Theater, Gallery and Kiosks, and Historic Fort D, one of four Civil war forts that protected Cape Girardeau from Confederate attack.

Arcadia Valley Auto Circle Tour loops out from Cape Girardeau on State Highway 72 west to Arcadia where it connects with Routes 21 and 221 and loops back to Park Hills and Farmington and the Missouri Mines State Historic Site and St. Joe State Park. The loop tour features an array of parks, forests, mountain vistas, historic sites and quaint communities. Among the many fun-filled sites is Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, the “shut-ins” being volcanic rock chutes that swimmers zip down on the cascading Black River. Equally delightful is the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, and the Elephant Rocks State Park where huge granite boulders are lined up like elephants on parade.

26. Altenburg

where Lewis and Clark mapped Tower Rock and the surrounding area as they traveled upriver.

27. Ste. Genevieve

The historic French river town is the oldest community in Missouri. Established in 1735, it boasts 25 colorful shops, delightful galleries, 10 wineries and microbreweries and antique malls.

28. St. Louis

Visitors can learn all about the Gateway to the West by visiting the iconic Gateway Arch, built to memorialize Thomas Jefferson and the Westward Expansion.

The soaring Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion and the historic Old Courthouse make up the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial, a National Park site along the banks of the Mississippi River. Those who dare to journey to the top of the Arch by tram ride and enjoy spectacular views of the city through windows inside of the Arch, the tallest U.S. monument standing 630-feet tall. Views of the Arch are also available by riverboat cruise, the Arch grounds and riverfront. The historic Laclede’s Landing entertainment district is also located along the riverfront and is the northern part of the original settlement founded by Frenchman Pierre Laclede that would become Saint Louis, named after Louis IX of France. Located just west of the Arch is the Old Cathedral. Since 1776, more than 18,000 baptisms have been performed there, including William Clark’s five children and Sacagawea’s son. William Clark is buried in Bellefontaine Cemetery located in north St.Louis.
Other places of significance in St. Louis are: the Old Courthouse where the landmark decision of Dred Scott vs. Sanford took place ultimately leading to the Civil War, and historic St. Louis Union Station that once was one of the busiest passenger rail terminals in the world and remains a must-see location for visitors to the region. Forest Park covers more than 1,300-acres and was the site of the Louisiana Purchase Exposition (1904 World’s Fair). It is actually larger than Central Park in New York City. The Missouri History Museum, Saint Louis Art Museum, Saint Louis Zoo, and Saint Louis Science Center are all located within Forest Park. The lively Loop neighborhood features the iconic Blueberry Hill Restaurant where rock ‘n’ roll pioneer Chuck Berry performs, as well as many other restaurants, unique shops and businesses. Clark’s adopted hometown pays homage to the explorer with a star and biographic plaque along the St. Louis Walk of Fame. The Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the U.S. and is listed as a National Historic Landmark.

Fans can watch the St. Louis Cardinals play at Busch Stadium and experience the Ballpark Village entertainment venue. Anheuser-Busch Brewery is headquartered in St. Louis and offers tours of the “King of Beers” campus. The nearby Soulard neighborhood is one of the oldest communities in St. Louis and is the host for many major festivals, events and nightlife. The Grand Center Entertainment District is considered the cultural heart of St. Louis and features the Fabulous Fox Theater, Powell Hall home to the St. Louis Symphony, St. Louis University and many other museums, restaurants and performance venues.

Located near West Alton is the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park. This is where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers merge, and where Lewis and Clark set off on their journey up the Missouri. Interpretive panels and a walking trail portray the challenges faced by the Corps. The park is a great place to see waterfowl, including bald eagles and raptors.

29. St. Charles

Downtown St. Charles is a nationally registered historic district where for over 200 years its residents have been hosting travelers headed up the Missouri, including the men of the Corps of Discovery who were cheered as they pushed off on their date with destiny on May 21, 1804.

A full-size replica of the Corps’ keel boat and pirogues are in the Lewis and Clark Boat House, Museum and Nature Center at a scenic city park on the Missouri. A larger-than-life statue of Lewis and Clark and a statue of Daniel Boone are nearby. The downtown area includes the first Missouri State Capitol and historic homes and buildings housing one-of-a-kind antique shops, restaurants and art galleries. The Foundry Art Centre features rotating exhibitions and 20 working art studios.

30. The Katy Trail State Park Hike/Bike Trail

Begins at St. Charles and follows the former Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad right-of-way for 240 miles along the scenic bluffs of the Missouri to Clinton.

31. Defiance

Daniel Boone was over 70 years old when Lewis and Clark passed by his home, now restored.

The Home and Heritage Center portrays life on the Missouri frontier.

32. Washington

The Fort Charrette Village and Museum is a restored 1790s trading post.

The Gary R. Lucy Gallery features paintings from the times of Lewis and Clark. The John Colter Memorial Museum, the Washington Historical Museum and the Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Factory (the only one in the U.S.) help bring alive fascinating chapters in Missouri’s history. Scenic wineries and vineyards make Washington a popular destination.

33. Eureka

Located off I-44 in west St. Louis County, Eureka is the home of Six Flags St. Louis amusement park that is also known as the “Coaster Capital of Missouri.”

34. Sullivan/Stanton

Off of I-44 into St. Louis. The underground wonders of Meramec Caverns in Stanton, the 40 caves at Meramec State Park at Sullivan, and the new zip line across the Meramec River can thrill the boldest of adventurers. The Jesse James Museum at Stanton adds to the fun.

35. Hermann

Attracts Trail Travelers to its many antique shops, wineries, gift shops, and inns.

The Hermann Inn has displays of famed mountain man John Colter who joined Lewis and Clark and went to the Pacific.

36. Jefferson City

Is named for the nation’s third president whose vision sent Lewis & Clark and the Corps of Discovery on their quest to find a route to the Pacific Ocean.

Thomas Jefferson’s imposing statue at the Missouri State Capitol and the Lewis and Clark Statue at Trailhead Plaza on the Capitol grounds remind visitors just how important the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is to Missourians and all Americans. Displays in the State Museum inside the Capitol and the Thomas Hart Benton masterpiece mural in the House Lounge emphasize that pride. Jefferson Landing is only a block away with a unique museum in the historic 1839 Lohman Building and the 1855 Union Hotel and its Rozier Gallery are nearby. Hike/bike travelers on the Katy Trail have access to Jefferson City’s attractions including the Runge Nature Center trails and wildlife exhibits, the Museum of Missouri Military History and the Cole County Historical Museum.

37. Columbia

Is home to the University of Missouri and has a number of cultural, historic, and entertainment venues.

The State Historical Society Art Galleries showcase Thomas Hart Benton and George Caleb Bingham paintings. Bluestem Missouri Crafts features the work of over 300 artists and craftspeople. Columbia’s vibrant downtown district includes the North Village Arts District plus an array of dining and entertainment venues. The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial at Battle Gardens features plaques from the famed Civil Rights leader. Finger Lake State Park north of the city has lakes for swimming and boating and trails for off-road biking.

38. Fulton

The National Churchill Museum commemorates the historic appearance of World War II Prime Minister Winston Churchill who made the world aware of the “Iron Curtain” falling over Europe.

39. Boonville

Experience the Katy Bridge and the Missouri River overlook at Harley Park with a view of Boone’s Lick Country where Daniel Boone’s sons originally had a salt business.

Missouri’s popular Katy Trail State Park runs right through Boonville. Right next to the trailhead is the Boonville Visitor Center and the River, Rails and Trails Museum. The museum houses a half-scale replica of the Lewis and Clark Expedition’s keelboat along with other memorabilia from Lewis and Clark, Boonville’s early pioneers, steamboats and railroad history.
There you can arrange a tour at the Mitchell Antique Motorcar Museum, or pick up the Boonville Walking History Tour which includes over 20 historic places including the Old Cooper County Jail and Hanging Barn. Also nearby is Warm Springs Ranch, Budweiser’s premier breeding facility for their famous Clydesdales.

40. Arrow Rock

A National Historical landmark west of the city marks the site where the Santa Fe Trail began.

Its visitor center features exhibits on both the Santa Fe Trail and the Lewis and Clark Trail. The one-mile Lewis and Clark Trail of Discovery and the Arrow Rock Walking Tours lead to the J. Huston Tavern, the George Caleb Bingham House and Sappington Museum.

41. Marshall

The Marshall Civil War Driving Tour includes the Dennis Brothers Monument honoring one brother who fought for the north and the other brother who fought for the south.

42. Lexington

Homes and businesses dating back to the 1830s reflect Lexington’s pioneer past.

The Civil War Battle of Lexington was fought here and visitors can still see a cannon ball stuck in the Courthouse wall.

43. Fort Osage

In Sibley. Lewis and Clark believed the overlooking hillside would be a great location for a frontier outpost.

Clark returned to the site in 1808 and built Fort Osage. Today, the reconstructed stockade is a prime heritage tourism site.

44. Independence

The Harry S. Truman Library and Museum and the National Frontier Trails Museum are two of western Missouri’s most popular attractions.

The Trails Museum portrays the histories of the Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe, Oregon, Mormon and California National Historic Trails. The Truman Museum features a replica of Truman’s Oval Office in the White House, Truman exhibits and an eternal flame at his grave site.

Western Missouri has many Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area historic sites. For more information, visit: www.FreedomsFrontier.org

45. Kansas City, MO

The Missouri River takes in the eastward flowing Kansas River before it turns north.

Missouri’s largest city is filled with history, and served as the embarkation point for upriver and overland travelers. A monumental bronze statue of Lewis, Clark, York, Sacagawea and her son Baptiste overlook the Missouri River at Clark’s Point in Case Park. The Alexander Majors Historic House and Museum on State Line Road is the home of the bold visionary who organized the Pony Express and Overland Stage routes. Kansas City’s Westport district was a primary trailhead for the Santa Fe, California and Oregon pioneer trails. Visitors today can enjoy a walking tour of the historic area that today houses unique restaurants, boutiques and hot nightspots. At the historic Westport district you’ll find Kelly’s Westport Inn, once owned by the grandson of Daniel Boone. Right beside Kelly’s is a building that was once owned by Jim Bridger. You can still get a cool one there.
As the song goes, “Everything is up to date in Kansas City.” Visitors can enjoy and take in an array of cultural events and activities, including the ambiance of the Country Club Plaza, whose fountains, fine dining and shopping destinations are known far and wide. You can see memorable performances by the Kansas City Symphony and the Kansas City Repertory Theatre. You can also experience and enjoy the American Royal Horse Show and Rodeo, the Kansas City Royals, and the legendary showroom at the Blue Room in the American Jazz Museum. Priceless paintings, sculptures and historic artifacts are displayed at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art and at the Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art. Families and children can have a grand time at the Kansas City Zoo and the LEGOLAND Discovery Center, or they can ride on the wild side at the Worlds of Fun theme park. For those who like to make their money count, there’s the Money Museum with fun and interactive exhibits, and the good times are rolling across town at classic Kansas City barbecue establishments.

46. Parkville

Visitors will enjoy the 1850s buildings, River’s Bend Gallery, and the Parma Woods Wildlife and Conservation area.

47. Platte City

The Ben Ferrel Museum features Civil War exhibits and artifacts.

48. Weston

Is the location where overland and trail travelers boarded upriver sternwheelers heading west.

The city has over 100 pre-Civil War buildings on the National Register of Historic Places.

49. St. Joseph

The Pony Express National Museum is the starting point of the legendary Pony Express.

A 60-foot diorama portrays the entire route from St. Joe to Sacramento. St. Joseph’s role in the opening of the American West comes alive in the Patee House Museum. Once the headquarters for the Pony Express, the historic hotel building is recognized by True West magazine as one of the top 10 western museums. Its interior contains an authentic 1860s train, a vintage carousel, a train depot, sheriff’s office and jail, general store, blacksmith shop and more. The Jesse James Home has been relocated next door. And there are even more attractions to fascinate and entertain visitors including the Albrecht Kemper Museum of Art, the Glore Psychiatric Museum, the 1840s era Robidoux Row Museum, the Black Archives Museum, Fort Smith Park, the St. Joseph Doll Museum, and the St. Joseph Parkway.

 

KANSAS

50. Kansas City, KS

Kaw Point Park, an inspiring historic site at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, is where Lewis and Clark and the Corps of Discovery camped and recovered after their exhausting journey against the rising currents and a strong headwind on June 26, 1804.

Today, the park offers walking and biking trails, an education pavilion, open-air encampment theater and outstanding views of downtown Kansas City. Murals and signage recognize the area’s history and Native American tribes. Kansas City, KS is home to Schlitterbahn Waterpark Kansas City, Kansas Speedway, Sporting KC and an array of exciting attractions, unique-themed restaurants and shopping experiences. The Village West area boasts 400 acres of shopping. Find big bargains at Legends Outlets Kansas City, Cabela’s and Nebraska Furniture Mart. History comes alive at the Wyandotte County Museum, Grinter Place, National Agricultural Center & Hall of Fame, Quindaro Overlook, Old Quindaro Museum, John Brown Statue, Underground Railroad Museum, and the Strawberry Hill Museum and Cultural Center. Veterans are remembered at several memorials including the Rosedale Arch, Korean-Vietnam War Memorial and the World War II Bomber Builders Monument.

Eastern Kansas has many Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area historic sites. For more information, visit: www.FreedomsFrontier.org

51. Shawnee

Re-created Shawnee Town helps visitors experience life on a farm in the old days.

The Wonderscope Children’s Museum opens young minds to the future.

52. Overland Park

Spark your child’s imagination at Deanna Rose Children’s Farmstead where they can be hands-on with the best outdoor experiences!

Take a stroll through the beautiful Museum at Prairiefire, the only location outside of New York to house American Museum of Natural History exhibitions. Get an adrenaline rush at iFly! Their 120 MPH wind tunnel allows you to experience free-fall conditions as you skydive indoors. Explore Overland Park Arboretum and Botanical Gardens or the Nermen Museum of Contemporary Art for a more cultural experience. Overland Park’s charming downtown is home to eclectic shops and local restaurants….all just 20 minutes from Kansas City.

53. Lawrence

Attractions include the exhibits at the Dole Institute of Politics, the Booth Family Hall of Athletics and the University of Kansas Natural History Museum.

54. Topeka

Visitors won’t want to miss the historic State Capitol.

The Kansas History Museum features a Cheyenne Tipi, a Wichita Grass Lodge, an 1880 Steam Locomotive and exhibits and displays.

55. Leavenworth

The city’s major attraction, historic Fort Leavenworth, is the oldest (1827) continually operating U.S. Army base west of the Mississippi.

The Frontier Army Museum at Fort Leavenworth features a Lewis and Clark exhibit and houses one of the best collections of 19th century military weapons and equipment. The inspiring Buffalo Soldier Monument memorializes the African American officers and troops who helped bring peace to the frontier. The Fort cemetery is one of the first 14 national cemeteries established by President Abraham Lincoln. An audio driving tour leads visitors to 10 different historic sites in the area. The Leavenworth Landing Park Walking Trail includes sculpture displays and wayside tour exhibits along the waterfront.

56. Atchison

Lewis and Clark and members of the Corps celebrated the Fourth of July, 1804, and fired off the keelboat’s cannon at their encampment on Independence Creek, accessible at the end of a 10-mile hike/bike trail from the Lewis and Clark Riverfront Pavilion.

A keelboat replica play area, river overlook, and boat ramps area are also located here. A Kanza Lodge that would have housed Kanza Indians is near the encampment site.
The Atchison County Historical Museum and Santa Fe Depot feature exhibits on Lewis and Clark. The life of famed Atchison native Amelia Earhart and the history of the legendary Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroads are presented at the Atchison Rail Museum. The Amelia Earhart Birthplace Museum and the one-acre perpetual portrait of the brave pilot will fascinate Trail Travelers.

57. White Cloud

The Lewis and Clark Pavilion and Viewing Platform overlooking the Missouri River near the Iowa Indian Reservation provides an inspiring view of the Missouri.

KANSAS AUTO TOUR 1

Includes Kansas City, Kansas, Kaw Point, the Glacial Hills Scenic Byway, Hiawatha, Sac, Fox and Iowa Tribe Indian Reservations, the Hollenberg Pony Express Station State Historic Site, Tuttle Creek Lake and the Potawatomi Indian Reservation. Segments of the Lewis and Clark, Pony Express, Oregon and California National Historic Trails are also included in this auto tour.

KANSAS AUTO TOUR 2

Includes segments of the Lewis and Clark and the Santa Fe National Historic Trails, the Chisholm Trail, the Flint Hills National Scenic Byway, the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, plus Clinton Reservoir State Park, Tuttle Creek Reservoir State Park, Riverwalk hike/bike trail, Tallgrass Prairie National Preserve, Konza Prairie Preserve, Fort Riley Military Reservation, Flint Hills National Wildlife Refuge, the Prairie Trail Scenic Byway, the Native Stone Scenic Byway and Gage Park.

58. Manhattan

Manhattan is home to Kansas State University. Adjacent to the university you’ll find Aggieville, a 125-year old shopping district offering unique eateries, bars and restaurants.

The Flint Hills Discovery Center in downtown Manhattan offers fascinating interactive exhibits for visitors of all ages. The Riley County Historical Museum showcases the area’s pioneer heritage. The Konza Prairie Biological Station features buffalo in their native prairieland. Walk on “the wild side” at the Sunset Zoo. The Wildwood Outdoor Adventure Park offers 7 thrilling zip-lines. Tuttle Creek Lake provides great outdoor adventures and is located 5 miles north of Manhattan on US Highway 24.

59. Salina

The Rolling Hills Zoo is home to 418 animals and 118 species, and their wildlife museum creates a “trip around the world” through lifelike dioramas and animatronic figures.

The Smoky Hill Museum chronicles the history of this region with both permanent and changing exhibitions. Don’t miss their children’s area – The Curiosity Shop – new in 2017! Sculpture Tour Salina is an outdoor exhibition of artwork in downtown Salina on loan from museums across the country, which changes each May.

NEBRASKA AND IOWA

When Meriwether Lewis served as President Jefferson’s personal secretary and they were planning the route of the expedition up the Missouri River, they knew that the Mouth of the Platte River in present-day Nebraska would be the embarkation point into the vast frontier. The Otoe Indian tribe claimed the lands south of the legendary Platte, the Omaha tribe claimed the north side while the mighty Sioux claimed all the lands to the Mandan villages in present-day North Dakota.

60. Indian Cave State Park, NE

The ancient Native American campsite features a viewing platform high above the river and a trail leading to a tribal historic site where petroglyphs can be viewed.

The 3,000-acre state park has miles of hike/bike trails and provides both tent and camper site.

61. Brownville, NE

Historic river town, Spirit of Brownville Riverboat.

Brownville Riverside Park features Meriwether Lewis Dredge Museum; boat ramp & dock, camping, and picnic shelters.

62. Nebraska City, NE

The imposing Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center on the timbered bluffs high above the Missouri provides a sweeping view of the river.

Inside are dioramas and display areas that showcase mounted wildlife, bird and fish specimens, including a majestic bull elk, a snarling grizzly bear, Rocky Mountain goats and bighorn sheep. The center also has a re-created Lewis and Clark keelboat display and historic re-enactments. Nebraska City is also the home of Arbor Day. The stately Lied Lodge complex is across the valley from Arbor Lodge State Historic Park and Arboretum and the Arbor Day Farm Tree Adventure brings alive the beauty, fun and benefits of trees.

The Loess Hills Scenic Byway – Iowa Trail travelers can enjoy the forested hills, valleys and plains shaped by the last Ice Age.

63. Waubonsie State Park, IA

Near Sidney where visitors can camp, picnic and follow great hike, mountain bike and equestrian trails.

64. Glenwood, IA

Features Glenwood Lake Park, the Glenwood Archeological Preserve and Pony Creek Park.

65. Plattsmouth, NE

The fabled Platte River terminates its 906 mile course from the Rocky Mountains to the Missouri River just east of Plattsmouth’s Main Street Historic District. The Cass County Historical Museum tells of the colorful yesterdays.

66. Eugene Mahoney State Park and Platte River State Park, NE

Along the Platte River are upriver from Plattsmouth. Both attract thousands of trail travelers, vacationers and outdoor recreationists. The nearby Wildlife Safari Park gives visitors an opportunity to see live buffalo, elk, antelope, deer, wolves and bear in natural settings.

This program is sponsored and funded in part by the National Park Service Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, the Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation; Illinois: the Greater Metropolis Convention and Visitors Bureau, Friends of Fort Massac, the City of Vandalia, and Illinois Ohio River Scenic Byway; Missouri: Cape Girardeau Convention and Visitors Bureau, St. Charles Convention and Visitors Bureau, Washington Chamber of Commerce, Columbia Convention and Visitors Bureau, Jefferson City Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the City of Boonville; Kansas: the Freedom’s Frontier National Heritage Area, the Kansas City Kansas Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Salina Chamber of Commerce, the Manhattan Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Atchison Area Chamber of Commerce, the Leavenworth Convention and Visitors Bureau, Visit Overland Park and the Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism.

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