Iowa: Lewis & 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. Begin on the prairie. Sample luscious sweet corn; taste fresh baked bread pioneer style; see bison; hear folk tunes; listen to ghost stories and count the stars covering Iowa each night. America's Heartland wrote the book on family friendly.
Sit at the crossroads of history. The Council Bluffs Western Historic Trails Center can be found on the prairie. The contemporary building provides a visible link between then and now. The town is on the confluence of the Lewis and Clark, Oregon, Mormon and California Trails. The Center has exhibits on all four of these trails. This impressive facility built on the banks of the Missouri River, features hands on educational exhibits, maps and films as well as plenty of artistic visuals. The grounds have been beautifully planted with native grasses and flowers. (3434 Richard Downing Avenue, Council Bluffs. 1(712) 366-4900 or
www.Iowahistory.org)
Going ‘mano a mano’ Lewis & Clark style. The Lewis and Clark Monument and Scenic Overlook honor the expedition of Lewis and Clark in 1804 and their historic strategic meeting with the Oto Indians. Dedicated in 1936 this location provides visitors with an expansive westward view. It is open for public viewing year-round. (Rainbow Point, north on Eighth Street. Council Bluffs Lewis and Clark Monument Park, Council Bluffs. 1(712) 328-4650)
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail has no official trail center but many places along the 11-state route relate to one another. In Iowa the Trail parallels the Loess Hills, the Trail traces the route used in 1804 and 1806 by the Corps of Discovery as they passed through the region. Replicas of the boats used are at Lewis and Clark State Park. (
www.nps.gov/lecl)
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.
www.southeastsouthdakota.com For fun, kid-friendly
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