Montana: 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.
All hail the Little Chief. Pompey's Pillar National Monument is located near Billings this 200-foot sandstone outcropping displays the only graffiti left by the expedition. On the return trip, Clark carved his name into the huge rock. The rock got its name because Clark called Sacagawea's son "Pomp" which in Shoshoni means "little chief". Each year during the last weekend in July the area historians host Captain William Clark Days. The event includes demonstrations, campfire stories, nature walks, canoes trips and stargazing. (Pompeys Pillar. 1(406) 875-2233 or
www.pompeyspillar.org)
It’s a dog’s life. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is about halfway along the almost 4,000-mile Lewis and Clark Expedition Route and is the largest museum dedicated to Expedition interpretation. This Center provides and impressive menu of year round activities and exhibits. At the River Camp living history area along the Missouri River, summer visitors are invited to join in demonstrations of expedition daily life and native cultures. Visitors will see a two-story realistic diorama of the portage around the Great Falls that includes five full-size figures and a 30-foot canoe. Discovery: In addition to a 30-minute film, exhibits, and hands-on activities, there are imaginative live programs. Topic titles are inviting and some of the best include "A Journey with Pomp" discussing the experiences of the little boy while on the Expedition and "Lewis' Dog Seaman" a trip over view from a dog's perspective. (Great Falls. 1(406) 727-8733 or
www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic.htm)
All aboard for discovery. The Dillon Visitor Center (an old Union Pacific Railroad Depot) has a Lewis and Clark diorama and interpretive displays. Camp Fortunate Overlook near Clark Canyon Dam, Beaverhead Rock north of Dillon and Clark's Lookout are all in the area. (Dillon. 1(406) 683-5511 or
http://lewisandclark.state.mt.us)
Recess for everyone. The Museum of the Rockies is an exceptional not-to-be missed facility. In May of 2004 they will be launching a major Lewis and Clark exhibition. Until then it's just a terrific place to spend time with kids. Inside the museum yellow "KidSpace" signs improve a visit by highlighting areas where kids and adults may interact with the exhibits in a very user-friendly way. The Martin Discovery Room was created for young children to make their own discoveries. They may try on dinosaur costumes, climb in a covered wagon, test an earthquake table, or read a book. (Montana State University, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman.1 (406) 994-2251, 1(406) 994-DINO or
www.montana.edu/wwwmor)
Montana: Great Falls, Lewis & Clark Dugout Days Camps. Since 1998, the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center has brought alive for visitors the indomitable spirit of exploration embodied by the 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark Expedition through western North America and their interactions with Plains and Northwest Indians. Each year, 82,000 visitors engage in live programs with park rangers and special presenters, walk interpretive trails, explore 6,000 square feet of hands-on exhibits, view a movie by acclaimed filmmaker Ken Burns and Dayton Duncan, or take an optional audio tour in any of five languages. The Interpretive Center is managed by the USDA Forest Service. Bonus points: Dugout Days Camps have been created for children entering grades 1-5, this special opportunity provides a chance to learn more about the American West while having fun with other kids. The camps take place along the Missouri River and focus on Lewis and Clark and lifestyle of the 1800s. The week-long camps include these activities: 1800s Art; A Bead’s Life; The Chinese Connection; Camping with the Corps and In the Army. The 2006 Dugout Days Camps will be conducted July 10-14, July 17-21 and July 31-August 5. (Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center. 4201 Giant Springs Road, Great Falls, Montana 59405—0900. 1(406) 727-8733 or
www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic)
Who were these guys Lewis and Clark? The Corps of Discovery spent more time in Montana than in any other state. From the challenges of the “Great Falls” to the endurance test of Lolo Pass, it was no holiday for them. There is an excellent Montana Lewis & Clark resource provided by the state that details all of the points along their route. In addition to the Lewis & Clark location menu for general reference, there is a special section at Montana Kids that was created for young children to help them understand the expedition and the two explorers.
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.lewisandclark.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. 1-888-353-7382. The cost is $7.99 plus shipping of $2.50.
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