About Lewis & Clark State Historic Site
The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site commemorates Camp River Dubois - the winter encampment for Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, and the Corps of Discovery from December 12, 1803 to May 14, 1804. It was at the Camp River Dubois that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared their Expedition across North America through training and gathering supplies.
The site’s main feature is the Interpretive Center that contains a large exhibit area, theatre, and gift shop. The 14,000 square-foot exhibit area contains six galleries that outline the background and history of the Lewis and Clark Expedition from its conception to its meaning for today’s America. Particular focus is placed on the preparations for the journey and the role that Illinois played in the ultimate success of the Lewis & Clark mission. The highlight feature is a full-scale replica of the keelboat (or barge) used by the Corps of Discovery to ascend the Missouri River. One side is cut away to show the interior space and how the vessel was carefully loaded with the tons of provisions for the journey ranging from trade goods to rations to medicine to tools. Hands-on exhibit pieces invite visitors to look deeper at the cargo and read about the preparations and journey in the soldiers' own words.
The theater provides a 12-minute video orientation presentation that uses high-impact visuals and surround sound to tell the story of Camp River Dubois and the preparations for the expedition. The space can seat up to 100 people and is also used for performances, lectures, and school programs.
The Store of Discovery provides books, videos, souvenirs, replicas, and more. Proceeds benefit site educational materials and public programs. It is operated by the Lewis and Clark Society of America.
Confluence Area
A confluence viewing area allows visitors to observe the mighty Missouri and Mississippi Rivers as they meet. The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site property sits across the Mississippi River from the mouth of the Missouri River to the west. A stone marker commemorates the Lewis & Clark Expedition. The confluence viewing area is open on days the Interpretive Center is open. At times, access to the area is limited due to flooding and inclement weather.
Accessibility Information
The following are available for a visitor to the site:
- Parking: Asphalt layout featuring four marked accessible parking spaces located 100 feet to the ramped sidewalk and 150 feet to front entry doors.
- Walkways: Level paved concrete sidewalks extend throughout the historic site property.
- Exhibits: Ramps are present in the theater and moving from the lower gallery to the upper gallery. Features include tactile elements (note: no Braille text variations available).
- Facility Access: Main museum entrance equipped with a push-button automatic door opener. Cover-protected paved picnic pavilions are fully accessible.
- Restrooms: Paved paths lead directly to fully accessible public restroom facilities.
- Trails: Wheelchair-accessible trails link directly to the Madison County Trail Network, extending from St. Louis to Grafton, IL.
- Junior Ranger Program: The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Junior Ranger program is available. Please inquire at the visitor center front desk for details.