Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Camp Dubois)

Large keelboat inside Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Illinois.

NPS

Quick Facts

Location:

1 Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford, IL 62048

Significance:

Winter quarters for the expedition 1803-1804

Designation:

State Historic Site

MANAGED BY:

Illinois Department of Natural Resources, Division of Historic Preservation

Amenities

5 listed

Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information - Maps Available, Junior Ranger Booklet Available, Restroom

To tell visitors the story of the Camp River Dubois and the newly formed Corps of Discovery, the 14,000-square-foot visitor’s center presents the often-untold story of the Illinois portion of the expedition. Construction of the center began in October 2000 in an area similar to that of the original Camp River Dubois on the south side of the Wood River, where the men of the Corps lived from December 1803 to May 1804.

Six galleries discuss the preparation phase of the Corps, including the information and knowledge gathered about the land west of the Mississippi River, and the expectations and anticipations of the newly formed Corps. Everyone enjoys seeing the 55-foot, full-scale cut-away keelboat which demonstrates how the men handled packing the hundreds of bundles, boxes, and barrels of goods and supplies. Outside stands a small replica fort, similar in structure to the original, which gives visitors an idea of what life was like on the frontier for this small military unit. 

Lewis & Clark State Historic Site is near today’s confluence of the Missouri River, which can be best seen from the top of the nearby 180-foot-tall Confluence Tower. However, due to changes in the course of both the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers over the past 200 years, the actual location of Camp River Dubois cannot be accurately pinpointed. It’s often believed that the original site is now either under the main channel of the Mississippi, or even on the western side of the river, in today’s Missouri. 

Visitor info:

The Lewis & Clark Historic Site is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week in the summer and Wednesday through Sunday during the winter.

For more information, visit the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site (Camp Dubois) website.

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