In 1804, explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark set out on a monumental expedition across the western frontier at President Jefferson’s request. Their mission? To traverse the Louisiana Purchase and find an overland route to the Pacific. Along the way, they made invaluable scientific discoveries, interacted with native tribes, and strengthened America’s foothold out West.
Over 200 years later, their awe-inspiring journey remains an important piece of U.S. history. For adventurous travelers, retracing the Lewis and Clark Trail provides the perfect epic road trip across striking landscapes from Missouri to Oregon. Whether you’re a history buff, outdoor enthusiast, or simply love Americana culture, navigating sections of their route offers immersive perspective into the nation’s formative early expeditions.
From traversing a Missouri River passage by canoe to camping at places like Fort Mandan, following Lewis and Clark’s footsteps blends education, appreciation for nature’s beauty, and adventure. In this article, we’ll map out key expedition stopovers ideal for a modern road trip itinerary, plus tips for understanding the terrain, people, and history that shaped their arduous yet fulfilling passage into uncharted territory.
An Itinerary for A Historical Tour of the Lewis and Clark Trail
St. Louis: The Journey Begins
St. Louis, Missouri is where it all started for Lewis and Clark's Corps of Discovery expedition to the Pacific. As the gateway to the country's newly acquired western lands, St. Louis served as the launch point for their ambitious voyage up the Missouri River into the Louisiana Territory in 1804.
Several St. Louis sites transport you back to the genesis of their journey:
• The Gateway Arch on the riverfront looms large as a symbol of St. Louis, much as it did during Lewis and Clark's era.
• The Lewis & Clark State Historic Site contains reconstructions of the explorers' winter camp from 1803-1804 while they prepared for departure. Costumed interpreters demonstrate period skills.
• Stroll along the cobblestoned 19th century streets of St. Charles, near where the party officially commenced their journey on the Missouri.
Standing below the iconic arch or stepping into Lewis & Clark's encampment helps ignite the imagination for the trail ahead. Let history come alive where the prospect of the unknown West first beckoned.
Kansas City: Following the Missouri
After departing St. Louis and traveling up the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark's expedition spent time in the Kansas City area mapping the region and preparing to venture into more uncharted territory. Modern visitors can walk where they explored along the banks of the mighty Missouri.
In Kansas City:
• Hike part of the 10+ mile Lewis & Clark Historic Trail traversing wooded prairieland along the river's edge north of downtown. Interpretive panels describe their time there.
• Further north, the river town of Hermann provides picturesque views of the Missouri River where Lewis and Clark camped in June 1804. Have a picnic along the banks.
• The Lewis and Clark Boathouse and Nature Center in Sugar Creek features exhibits on the ecology that the explorers discovered and documented.
Paddling the Missouri River as they once did offers profound perspective on the challenges faced pushing upstream into the frontier. Feel the excitement and uncertainty they must have experienced venturing toward the boundless West.
Bismarck, ND: Wintering in the Wilderness
In the winter of 1804-1805, the Lewis and Clark expedition hunkered down amidst the stark landscapes of what is now Bismarck, North Dakota. They established Fort Mandan as an encampment and supply post for the grueling months ahead. This is also where Sacagawea joined the expedition in hopes of returning to the Shoshone Tribe.
In Bismarck, step into the past at:
• Fort Mandan, a recreation of the winter fort alongside the Missouri River stockaded with log palisades. Costumed interpreters demonstrate blacksmithing, tanning and other skills.
• Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site where expeditions members interacted with and learned from various Native tribes who lived in the earthlodge settlements.
• Buckstop Junction where period buildings house exhibits on frontier life and the Mandan, Hidatsa and Arikara tribes that helped the explorers survive and navigate the region's terrain.
Imagining the expedition's cold months along the Missouri with tribal neighbors provides perspective on how they persevered through harsh conditions and forged alliances before venturing forth.
Montana: Traversing the Mountains
After passing through North Dakota and entering present-day Montana in April 1805, the biggest challenges of the expedition awaited Lewis and Clark in the Rocky Mountains stretching for hundreds more miles westward. Montana sites provide breathtaking scenery and history.
Must-see stops include:
• Pompey's Pillar National Monument, where Captain William Clark carved his name into the towering sandstone butte along the Yellowstone River.
• Canoeing along the Missouri River through the White Cliffs area, where vivid rock walls tower over 1,000 feet. Feel the isolation they experienced.
• Traveling over Lolo Pass through the Bitterroot Mountains as the explorers did, admiring the towering peaks.
• Camping at Council Grove State Park, where they met with the Nez Perce before crossing the mountains.
The endless mountains and grueling river passages in Montana tested Lewis and Clark’s endurance for months. Immersing yourself in the landscapes allows you to grasp the mammoth scale of their journey.
Yellowstone to the Pacific
After traversing the towering mountains of Montana, Lewis and Clark entered areas of untouched natural wonder as they closed in on the Pacific Ocean terminus of their journey.
In Wyoming, marvel at the geysers, wildlife and scenery of Yellowstone Park that awed them in 1806 as they passed north of the park. Watch Old Faithful erupt, just as they described.
End by witnessing their triumph arriving at the shores of the Pacific at:
• Cape Disappointment State Park on the Washington coast where the Columbia River meets the sea, with the Pacific in view.
• Fort Clatsop near Astoria, Oregon where they spent the winter of 1805-1806 before heading home. Tour the replica fort.
• Seaside, Oregon with its Lewis & Clark memorial statue overlooking the western sea they worked so hard to reach.
Like Lewis and Clark, feel pride gazing upon the Pacific and soaking in the beauty of the varied landscapes crossed along the way west.
Tips for Recreating the Expedition
If tracing Lewis and Clark's route by road appeals to you, some planning and preparation will enrich the adventure:
• Go during warmer months between May and September when snow has melted in mountain passes and the Missouri is navigable by small boats.
• Read Stephen Ambrose’s Undaunted Courage for historical context about challenges the expedition party faced.
• Download Discover Lewis and Clark mobile app for maps and background at each stop.
• Pack hiking shoes, mosquito repellent, camping gear, canoe or kayak to immerse yourself on and off land.
• Allot 2-3 weeks for a comprehensive road trip covering the highlights from St. Louis to Oregon.
• Contact each historic site in advance for current hours.
With thoughtful planning, you can gain priceless firsthand perspective into the scope and spirit of Lewis and Clark’s extraordinary 19th century voyage of discovery.
Understanding America's Early Explorers
Traveling sections of the Lewis and Clark Trail allows you to connect with seminal early moments in America's push westward while forging your own sense of adventure.
Standing on the river's edge where they once stood or climbing mountain switchbacks retraces their footsteps, giving you vivid understanding of the landscapes that challenged and awed them. Appreciating their reliance on tribal guidance provides perspective on cooperation with native people.
Visiting historic forts and camps sparks imaginings of day-to-day expedition life full of risks and wonders as they pressed ever onward. Seeing their carved signatures and names etched into rock faces makes their presence feel palpable centuries later.
Most of all, you gain renewed admiration for the courage, resilience, and spirit of discovery that drove Lewis, Clark and the other expedition members into the unknown. Their perseverance and scientific contributions should continue inspiring generations of modern American explorers.
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