Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail


	Courtesy of EatStayPlay.com

In 1803 President Thomas Jefferson commissioned Meriwether Lewis and William Clark to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. The men set out in 1804 by boat from today's Wood River. The voyage of was made up of 45 men, a keelboat, two pirogues, and a dog. They departed from Camp Wood located in what was to become Illinois.

Most of the trail follows the Missouri & Columbia Rivers. Much has changed in 200 years but trail portions remain intact. At 3,700 miles in length, Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail is the second longest of the 23 National Scenic & National Historic Trails in the United States. It begins at Hartford, Illinois & passes through portions of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, & Washington.

Many people follow the trail in their vehicles; others find adventure in the sections that encourage boating, biking, or hiking. Visitors can still see the White Cliffs in Montana as Lewis and Clark did. They may stand where they stood looking over the rolling plains at Spirit Mound in South Dakota. Visitors might meet the descendants of the people who hosted Lewis & Clark all along the trail. It remains for discovery.

Facilities: There are over 60 visitor centers located all along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Reservations: Reservations are not needed or accepted for Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.

Best Time To Visit: Lewis and Clark National Trail Headquarters in Omaha, Nebraska is presently an administrative office only. It is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 A.M. to 4:30 P.M., closed on Weekends. There are many Visitor Sites along the trail - please check with each site for current information

Fees: Fees are charged according to the site's managing organization. Please call ahead for more information.

Accessibility: Most buildings at federal and state sites generally meet American with Disabilities Act (ADA) accessibility standards. Some trail segments in urban areas may be accessible to all. However, many of the more rural trail segments are located along rivers and may not be appropriate for wheelchair use. Because of the varied character of the many sites and trail segments, it is best to inquire locally about accessibility when contacting specific sites about your visit.

Rules: Unknown

Directions: The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail is 3,700 miles long and crosses eleven states. It begins in Hartford, Illinois and ends in Oregon at the Pacific Ocean.

Address

Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Office

601 Riverfront Dr.

Omaha, Nebraska 68102

Phone
General: (402) 661-1804

Website

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