Things To Do & See

Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center/Betty Strong Encounter Center

From the moment you arrive on the grounds of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, you'll begin your journey back in time... back to the days when the Corps of Discovery made its historic journey up the Missouri River, traveling past present-day Sioux City. As you follow the winding walkway, reminiscent of the Missouri's once meandering course toward the Center, you'll encounter a towering 150-foot flag pole flying the 15-star, 15-stripe flag that the expedition carried. Pause and look into the faces of the intrepid captains and their companion dog, Seaman, as they gaze up river contemplating the route ahead and what the future might hold for the Corps of Discovery. As you proceed on to the Center, you'll find a structure that seems to emerge both as an outgrowth of its environment and an example of turn of the century frontier construction.

A "one-of-a-kind" interpretive experience on the Lewis & Clark Trail The Sioux City Lewis & Clark interpretive experience examines the human aspects of the expedition. The center brings to life the efforts not only of the well-known members of the Corps, but also the working members who labored day in and day out in relative anonymity. The events which unfold as the explorers move through the area near present-day Sioux City encompass a range of human drama and emotion unequaled on any other section of the trail.

Sign on for an interactive encounter as a member of the expedition When you enter the Center, you'll investigate the special skills and talents required to fulfill the duties of various positions on the expedition. After choosing your position, you'll sign on as a member of the Corps of Discovery and explore "a day in the life" of the expedition as it travels near Sioux City. Employing the principle of learning through participation and doing, the Center provides you with a dynamic, hands-on experience that is created almost exclusively through interactive encounters and activities designed to appeal to persons of all ages and many learning styles.

The journal experience Because President Thomas Jefferson changed the Corps of Discovery with creating an accurate record of their journey and discoveries through the keeping of journals, you will receive a small personal Journal in which to record your enlistment. Throughout the exhibit, you'll find stations where your Journal can be stamped with selected entries in Clark's own handwriting. As you move through the Center, you'll also be asked to add your own impressions to your journal from the unique viewpoint of the position you have chosen on the expedition.

Stand with the Corps at the top of Floyd's Bluff Be transported back to the defining moment in time for the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Listen quietly as the two captains discuss the impact that the death of Sgt. Charles Floyd might have on the future of their newly formed Corps of Discovery. From a "Seeder post" at the top of a windswept bluff to a 100-foot sandstone obelisk, see how the only member of the Corps to die during the expedition was honored by the Corps, the community which sprung up near his burial site, and his country.

The court-martial of Moses Reed Explore the importance that rigid military discipline played in the success of the Corps of Discovery. Learn the military outline of setting up camp each night, cooking and eating in squads, or messes, and standing guard. Meet the man who would replace Sgt. Floyd following the first ever election held west of the Mississippi River. Investigate the desertion, recapture, and court-martial of Moses Reed. See the weapons the Corps carried and find out what their uniforms looked like.

Spend an evening with the Corps of Discovery Discover the ever changing course of the mighty Missouri River and join Captain Lewis in making natural discoveries ranging from how much water a pelican's pouch will hold to the attempt to force prairie dog out of its burrow with water. Encounter bison for the first time on the expedition and learn of the importance to the Corps. Sit around the evening campfire on a buffalo robe or trade blanket and learn about one of the most extraordinary fish stories ever recorded. Learn about the mysterious legend of Spirit Mound.

Visit the Wall of Honor See how well the Corps planned for a journey. What did they run out of? What did they have to much of? Was the ethnographic information that the Corps brought back on Indian tribes important? Examine the natural discoveries made by the expedition and see some of the thousands of books that have been written as a result of their travels. Finally you'll stand before the Wall of Honor and look upon the names and discover the fate of every known member of the expedition. Interpretive concepts are by Split Rock Studios of St. Paul, MN. Project consultant is Dr. Gary E. Moulton, University of Nebraska, Lincoln, Editor, Journals of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Conveniently located The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa, is located in Chris Larsen Park near the Sergeant Floyd Riverboat Museum and the Iowa Welcome Center, just a stone's throw from the Missouri River. Easily accessible from Interstate 29 North and South via the Hamilton Boulevard Exit near downtown Sioux City. Admission to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center is free, goodwill donations are accepted.