Lewis and Clark MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Lewis and Clark, Missouri.
1. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is the centerpiece of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial commemorating the westward expansion of the United States. Standing as the tallest monument in the United States, this 630-foot stainless steel arch dominates the St. Louis skyline. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River, or explore the museum beneath the arch with exhibits about the Lewis and Clark expedition.
2. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
WINTER CAMP RECONSTRUCTION
The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site marks the location where Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1803-1804 preparing for their expedition. Visitors can explore reconstructed buildings from the winter camp, known as Camp River Dubois, which has been designated as a National Historic Landmark. The site features an interpretive center with exhibits about the expedition, including clothing, tools, and other artifacts used by the Corps of Discovery.
3. Missouri History Museum
LEWIS AND CLARK EXHIBITS
The Missouri History Museum houses significant artifacts and exhibits related to the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The museum's collection includes original journals, maps, and equipment that tell the story of this historic journey. Visitors can immerse themselves in the challenges and discoveries of the Corps of Discovery through interactive displays and educational programs.
4. Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site
HISTORIC OVERLOOK POINT
Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site preserves the location where William Clark climbed and observed the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers on June 2, 1804. A short trail takes visitors past two American Indian mounds mentioned by Clark in his journals to an overlook showing where he stood over 200 years ago. The site offers visitors a chance to walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition and experience the same views that guided their historic journey.
5. Fort Belle Fontaine
HISTORIC MILITARY OUTPOST
Fort Belle Fontaine was the first U.S. military installation west of the Mississippi River and an important stop for Lewis and Clark. The explorers visited this fort multiple times, including on their return journey in 1806. Today, visitors can explore the historic grounds featuring stone ruins, walking trails, and interpretive displays explaining the fort's significance to westward expansion.
6. National Frontier Trails Museum
WESTWARD EXPANSION HISTORY
The National Frontier Trails Museum tells the comprehensive story of America's western trails, including the route taken by Lewis and Clark. The museum houses original artifacts, journals, and interactive exhibits that bring to life the challenges faced by these early explorers. Visitors can follow the footsteps of pioneers through detailed maps and learn about the cultural impacts of these historic expeditions.
7. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a village that was established shortly after Lewis and Clark's journey through the region. The site features more than a dozen historic structures, including the Old Courthouse, Dr. Sappington's house, and the J. Huston Tavern which has been serving travelers since 1834. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about frontier life and how the Lewis and Clark expedition influenced settlement patterns in the area.
8. Bellefontaine Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Bellefontaine Cemetery serves as the final resting place for William Clark, who died in 1838, nearly 35 years after his famous expedition with Meriwether Lewis. The cemetery features an impressive monument marking Clark's grave, honoring his contributions to American exploration and mapping. Visitors can take self-guided or organized tours to learn about Clark and other notable historic figures buried in this beautifully landscaped 314-acre cemetery.
9. Trail of Tears State Park
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Trail of Tears State Park commemorates the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation and provides context to the changing landscape that Lewis and Clark documented. The park features 3,415 acres of beautiful forests, scenic overlooks of the Mississippi River, and a visitor center with exhibits explaining this tragic period in American history. Hiking trails throughout the park offer visitors opportunities to experience the natural environment similar to what the explorers would have encountered during their journey.
10. Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum
EXPEDITION VESSEL REPLICAS
The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum houses full-sized replicas of the boats used during the famous expedition. The museum features detailed exhibits chronicling the journey, including maps, tools, clothing, and other artifacts that help visitors understand the challenges faced by the Corps of Discovery. Educational programs and special events throughout the year bring the history of the expedition to life for visitors of all ages.
11. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
EARLY GOVERNMENT LANDMARK
The First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site preserves the building that served as Missouri's first seat of government from 1821 to 1826, in the region explored by Lewis and Clark. The restored buildings include the original legislative chambers and offices used by Missouri's first lawmakers. Guided tours take visitors through the historic rooms where exhibits explain the development of the state following the Lewis and Clark expedition and how their discoveries influenced Missouri's early growth.
12. Katy Trail State Park
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile rail trail that follows much of the same route along the Missouri River that Lewis and Clark traveled during their expedition. The trail passes through many historic sites and small towns that developed in the wake of the Corps of Discovery's journey through the region. Visitors can hike, bike, or horseback ride along sections of the trail while enjoying interpretive signage that connects the modern landscape to the one documented by Lewis and Clark in their journals.
13. Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site
COLONIAL-ERA JUSTICE CENTER
The Cahokia Courthouse State Historic Site preserves one of the oldest surviving buildings in the Midwest, built in 1737, and visited by members of the Corps of Discovery. This French Colonial structure served as a courthouse, community center, and home to the region's first United States court after the Louisiana Purchase. Visitors can tour the building to learn about the legal system in place during the time of Lewis and Clark and how their expedition helped establish American authority in the newly acquired territory.
14. St. Louis Old Courthouse
HISTORIC LEGAL LANDMARK
The St. Louis Old Courthouse is a historic courthouse building that stands as part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial alongside the Gateway Arch. William Clark served as the Superintendent of Indian Affairs in this building after completing his famous expedition. Visitors can explore the beautifully restored courtrooms and exhibits that chronicle the building's significance in American history, including its connection to the Corps of Discovery and subsequent westward expansion.
15. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
RIVER CONFLUENCE POINT
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area preserves the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, a critical navigation point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The 4,318-acre conservation area features hiking trails, river access points, and an observation platform where visitors can view the meeting of these two mighty rivers. Interpretive displays throughout the area explain the significance of this confluence to the Corps of Discovery and how it influenced their journey westward.