Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center

Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center

Quick Facts

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Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center

Amenities

10 listed

Entrance Passes For Sale, Gifts/Souvenirs/Books, Historical/Interpretive Information/Exhibits, Information, Information Kiosk/Bulletin Board, Parking - Auto, Parking - Bus/RV, Restroom, Scenic View/Photo Spot, 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.

Large, mature trees cover most of the 79-acres of the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center grounds, giving guests a sense of what this western bluff above the river valley would have been like when the Corps of Discovery passed below in 1804 and 1806.  

Located outside of Nebraska City, Nebraska, the Missouri River Basin Center is a 12,000-square-foot, three-story showcase focused on the flora and fauna, and the scientific discoveries of the Lewis and Clark Expedition – the only museum or visitor center dedicated to these aspects of the Corps.  Plus, the exhibits and displays were designed with the expert advice of the University of Nebraska’s distinguished professor, Dr. Gary E. Moulton, the nation’s definitive editor of the Lewis and Clark journals, who served as the Center’s first In-Resident Scholar.

Exhibits inside the center present interesting information and displays about the animals, birds, plants, fish, boats, and medicinal practices of the journey.  A 32-minute film is shown in the Center’s theatre and provides a sense of the sights and sounds of what it would have been like to travel with the brave explorers over 200 years ago.  And outside you can explore a full-sized replica of a Plains Indian earth lodge -- imagine living in the one-room home with your extended family of three or four generations. 

Also on the grounds are numerous trails of a variety of distances where you can hike through meadows and heavily wooded hills, and even escape to an overlook of the Missouri River in the valley below. 
As you walk up to the Center’s front doors, you can’t miss the full-size, 55-foot-long replica keelboat waiting to be explored.

Throughout the year, the staff plans several special events which bring the story of the Lewis and Clark Expedition to life. Be sure to check their website for current hours, fees, and a list of upcoming events: https://lewisandclarkvisitorcenter.org.  The website also features a section especially for teachers and home-schoolers.  

Inside the Center is a large gift shop filled with books, unique gifts, apparel, jewelry, and more.  The Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is located at 100 Valmont Drive, Nebraska City, Nebraska, which is approximately 45 miles south of Omaha.