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Illinois: Hartford, Lewis and Clark - Creating a Family Field Trip. 576IllinoisLCFortFireGetting out and doing, as well as seeing the real stuff is energizing for everyone which is why field trip days during the school year are happy days for kids. Organizing a family version takes a little more time but is definitively worth the effort.

Experience the story of two centuries. Lewis and Clark State Historic Site Interpretive Center is located at the mouth of the Wood River and across from the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This area, known as Camp Dubois, was the launching point for the journey. The almost 60 acres includes the Interpretive Center, the Lewis and Clark Monument, and an expansive view of the wetlands and dry prairie. Visitors can see what Lewis and Clark did on launch day two hundred years ago. The Interpretive Center, interactive from the word go, provides ways to become involved. Activities focus on the planning of the expedition, from the "load-a-boat" action to the well-positioned journaling stations, history is alive.

Be at Camp Dubois in May.
Each year in May they host a living history event that includes celebrating the Lewis and Clark Expedition preparation and departure known as 'Point of Departure'. A Camp Dubois replica is being constructed next to the Interpretive Center, when completed it will mark the last of the three Lewis and Clark winter camps reconstructed along the trail. ( Lewis and Clark Music Festival Route 3 at Poag Road, Hartford. 1(618) 251-5811 or www.campdubois.com)

Do I hear a song?
Each September the Lewis and Clark Music Festival is held. The Corps of Discovery will be arriving and traditional music of the late 1700's and early 1800's will be played; a fun multi-cultural event. Bonus points: The Confluence Bikeway runs through the site providing access to bicyclists from the St. Louis and Alton areas.

Additional Resources

Montana: Lewis and Clark Trail Heritage Foundation. This is a marvelous resource site with not only pages for kids but many useful links by region and season.  Toll-free 1-888-701-3434 - 600 Central Avenue Suite 327 Great Falls, MT 59403 or www.lewisandclark.org

South Dakota: Lewis and Clark Association. The Yankton Area Chamber of Commerce along with the Yankton Daily Press and Dakotan has created Lewis and Clark's Historic Trail site to celebrate Yankton's place in history. The maps showcase not only South Dakota but the entire route. The site is great and it provides one more resource for community events. www.lewisclark.net

South Dakota Lewis and Clark Audiotape.
A useful companion on the road the audiotape is available on loan at any of the South Dakota Information Centers along I-90 and I-29. Listen to the stories about the Corps of Discovery as you drive the trail. Additionally some businesses along the trail also sell the tape or you may order one from the Southeast South Dakota Visitors Association. Toll-free 1-888-353-7382. The cost is $7.99 plus shipping of $2.50. For more information: www.southeastsouthdakota.com 

For fun, kid-friendly Illinois Hotels & Resorts check out Uptake.com. They search 5000 travel sites...so you don't have to!
 
Content updated by FTF in 2009. Details, accurate at the time of writing, need to be confirmed prior to making plans. Image provided by Camp Dubois.
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