The Lewis & Clark Expedition

The National Park Service invites you to explore stories, places, and the people involved in Lewis & Clark Expedition.  Their voyage covered more than 8,000 miles in less than two-and-a-half years.  It had resounding effects throughout American science and history, and disrupted the lives of countless Native Americans throughout North America.

Explore more Discover our Shared Heritage Travel Itineraries and learn about our diverse heritage by visiting Telling All Americans' Stories.

map produced by william clark
Trip Idea: Travel Lewis & Clark!

Would you like to follow in the Corp of Discovery's journey? Check out sites that you can visit along the way!

stamp commemorating lewis & clark expedition
Preparing an Expedition

Discover how the Lewis & Clark Expedition came to be, and how they prepared for the journey West

1871 photograph of Nez Perce in Montana
The Journey

Learn about how the Expedition unfolded, and how Native peoples helped the Corps of Discovery reach their destination

portrait of meriwether lewis
Meriwether Lewis

Meriwether Lewis was selected by Thomas Jefferson to lead the Expedition. Learn more about his life and his impact on American history

portrait of william clark
William Clark

William Clark was selected by Meriwether Lewis to help lead the journey West. Learn more about his life and role during the Expedition

harpers ferry sign interpreting lewis's time there
West Virginia: Harpers Ferry

Learn why Meriwether Lewis spent over a month in Harpers Ferry, and how the town contributed to the Expedition

historic photo of the arch's construction
Missouri: Jefferson Expansion Monument

Learn about the important role that St. Louis played in the Lewis and Clark's Expedition

photo of tipis on nez perce land
Nez Perce National Historical Park

Learn about where - and the people who helped - the Corps of Discovery prepare for the final leg of their trip to the Pacific

Last updated: November 6, 2017

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