Lewis & Clark Interpretive Experience

Quick Facts

Location:

Helena, MT

MANAGED BY:

Great Northern Town Center

Amenities

5 listed

Cellular Signal, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Trailhead

Lewis and Clark NHT Visitor Centers and Museums

This map shows a range of features associated with the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, which commemorates the 1803-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition. The trail spans a large portion of the North American continent, from the Ohio River in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to the mouth of the Columbia River in Oregon and Washington. The trail is comprised of the historic route of the Lewis and Clark Expedition, an auto tour route, high potential historic sites (shown in black), visitor centers (shown in orange), and pivotal places (shown in green). These features can be selected on the map to reveal additional information. Also shown is a base map displaying state boundaries, cities, rivers, and highways. The map conveys how a significant area of the North American continent was traversed by the Lewis and Clark Expedition and indicates the many places where visitors can learn about their journey and experience the landscape through which they traveled.

Journey back to the early 1800s and retrace the footsteps of Lewis & Clark as they journeyed through Montana. See what the Corps of Discovery saw as they traveled by foot over scenic mountains and by boat through the clear waters. Follow an etching of the Missouri River along one side of the pedestrian plaza and the Yellowstone along the other side, experiencing several of the journey’s highlights along the way.

This permanent outdoor exhibit located at the Great Northern Town Center is a cooperative project with Lewis & Clark Trail Commission. Visitors to this exhibit will enjoy and learn about 19 historical sites from Montana’s Lewis & Clark Trail such as the Gates of the Mountains, Pompeys Pillar, Great Falls/Portage and the Three Forks of the Missouri. Enormous boulders, for example, form the Interpretive Exhibit’s version of Pompeys Pillar, complete with bison prints and a replica of Clark’s signature. The easy interpretive signage will guide you on your journey of Lewis & Clark’s Montana Experience.

The outdoor exhibit is surrounded by restaurants, a carousel, a coffee shop, a children’s science museum, a cinema, shopping and the Best Western Premier Great Northern Hotel.