Missouri: Lewis and Clark, Creating a Family Field Trip.  Getting 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.

Westward ho the wagons! The Museum of Westward Expansion is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial in St. Louis. This museum is located under the Arch and provides visitors with 100 years of human history related to the American westward movement. This museum is world-class; it provides hours of interesting viewing and interaction. The “rangers” (docents) provide visual reinforcement to the significance of the journey made by Lewis and Clark. Beautiful murals depicting scenes along the Corps of Discovery's route are described in Captain Lewis' own words using excerpts from his journal. Bonus points: From the museum website there is a page link for kids that provides oodles of great information. There are audio clips, an excellent interactive map and a variety of activities for kids. (11 North 4th Street, St. Louis. 1(314) 655-1700 or www.nps.gov/jeff/mus-tour.htm)

Stockin’ up and headin’ out. The Lewis and Clark Center is a small friendly museum located in St. Charles; where the Corps picked up supplies to sustain themselves as they moved westward. The facility focuses on the unique role the town and its residents played in helping facilitate the progress of the Expedition. On display information about the members of the Expedition, the tools they used, and the journals they kept. Bonus points: Visitors will also see examples of the discoveries made about the fauna and flora on the new frontier and learn more about the uniqueness of the North American Indian cultures encountered by the Corps on their journey. (701 Riverside Drive, St Charles. 1(636) 947-3199 or www.lewisandclarktrail.com)

Try to walk the walk. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in Katy Trail State Park provides a fascinating journey for hikers and bikes alike. Katy Trail is a two hundred-mile stretch that covers much of the same route as the explorers. Designated historic by the U.S. Department of Interior, the trail parallels the Missouri River from Machens to Boonville. (Currently only about 165 miles of the route is open for use by hikers and bicyclists. 1(573) 526-4522 or www.nps.gov/lecl/)

Experience the sprit of the frontier. Fort Osage is located on the Missouri River northeast of Independence. This fort was the first permanent fort established following the Louisiana Purchase. Today it remains a symbol of pioneer resourcefulness, stamina and courage. Going West was not easy and staying presented countless challenges for its residents. Built in 1808, under the direction of William Clark, Fort Osage served in a dual role as military garrison and trading center. Discovery: Today the reconstructed fort overlooks the Missouri River and is portrayed as it was in 1812. Visitors see authentically attired interpreters using living history to make the daily life of the fort's military and civilian population seem real. (105 Osage St. Sibley, MO 64088. (General 1(816) 650-5737 or Fort Osage)

Find the vanishing river. Missouri National Recreational River is based at Lewis and Clark Visitor Center near Yankton. Staff members provide useful information and maps that identify lesser-known Lewis and Clark sites along the Nebraska and South Dakota border. Rangers conduct daily programs for visitors during the summer months. Topics relate to the Missouri River as well as the Corps of Discovery encounters unique to the area. (121 Hwy, US Army Corps of Engineers Gavins Point Dam. (1(402) 667-2550 or www.nps.gov/mnrr) 

Additional Resources 

USA National Park Service. The National Park Service’s award-winning "Corps of Discovery II: 200 Years to the Future" is traveling the country through 2006 the details may be found at www.lewisclarkandbeyond.com/schedule/  The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail offers a general resource for events nationwide. The information is www.nps.gov/lecl/

National Council of the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial. This is a a comprehensive website offering materials to enhance any family adventure. For example available to parents and educators a CD-Rom (underwritten by Qwest), which contains an educational curriculum developed by the Missouri Historical Society for elementary through high school students. Saint Louis, MO 63112-0040. Toll-free 888-999-1803 or www.lewisandclark200.org

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

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 sell the tape or you may order one from the Southeast South Dakota Visitors Association. 1-888-353-7382. The cost is $7.99 plus shipping of $2.50. www.southeastsouthdakota.com  

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Content updated by TravelComunications.net 8/2009. Details, accurate at the time of writing, need to be confirmed prior to making plans. Images provided by Ft. Osage.