Explore the Middle Missouri with Lewis and Clark

The Lewis and Clark Expedition spanned 8,000 miles and three years from 1804-1806. Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led the Corps of Discovery through the uncharted American interior down the Ohio River, up the Missouri River, across the Continental Divide, and to the Pacific Ocean. Throughout their journey Lewis, Clark and the Corps of Discovery stopped along various places that are now within the borders of the Missouri National Recreational River. Today you can experience and explore the Missouri through the footsteps of the Corps. You can trek the trail a number of ways-by bike, by car, by canoe, kayak or boat- and get a glimpse of what Lewis and Clark discovered on their journey west. 

Lewis and Clark historical sites within the Missouri National Recreational River include:

• Ionia Volcano (closed to the public but can be viewed from a distance)
• The mouth of the Vermillion River (then known as the White Stone River)
• Spirit Mound
• The White Chalk Bluffs near St. Helena, Nebraska
• Bow Creek
• Calumet Bluff near Fort Randall Dam
• Gavin’s Point
• Bon Homme
• The Niobrara River Confluence
• “Old Baldy” also known as The Tower (closed to the public but can be viewed from a distance such as from Utopia Road)

Some sites are able to be explored by foot while others are not open to the public by can be viewed from a distance. 

Details

Activity

Self-Guided Tours - Auto

Pets Allowed

Yes

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Reservations

No

Season

Year Round

Accessibility Information

Accessibility will depend on which site you are at visiting. Ionia Volcano and Old Baldy are not open to the public but can be viewed from the roadside. Spirit Mound has a gravel trail that is ADA accessible. Bow Creek Recreation Area has a gravel parking lot and mowed grass trail that is approximately two-to-three feet wide. Mulberry Bend Overlook contains a paved trail that is approximately four feet wide and leads to two overlooks. There is also a 0.75 dirt nature trail that is approximately two feet wide and is moderate to strenuous.