Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Sioux City, IA

Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as you relive their 8,000-mile journey westward at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center as part of this group bus tour. On the cliffs of Cape Disappointment State Park, overlooking the Mississippi River in Sioux City, Iowa, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center opened in 2002 to celebrate the Lewis and Clark Bicentennial. To this day the Center commemorates a history of encounters before, during and after the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It inspires awe and awakens curiosity toward the challenges faced by expedition members as they portaged the great falls of the Missouri River and explored the “unknown,” brings to life the daily experiences of the expedition and the environment and native peoples of the “uncharted West,” and celebrates the indomitable spirit of human discovery we all share.

Visiting the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Start your visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Keelboat Theatre. A series of mural-sized timeline panels featuring sketches, paintings, photographs and the words of Corps members chronicle the journey of Lewis and Clark through Sioux City as well as the important experiences with Plains and Northwest Indians. Additional displays showcase local maritime and military history. An enclosed observation deck offers fabulous views of the Mississippi River, headlands and sea. In the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s Spirit of Discovery Store you will find a range of books and gift items for all ages.

Keelboat Theatre

Orient yourself with the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in the 158-seat Keelboat Theatre. While one film provides information on the 55-foot-long vessel used during the Lewis and Clark Expedition, additional presentations explore Native culture topics.

Permanent Exhibits

The expedition as a military operation is brought to life through exhibits that use interactive devices, including animatronic mannequins, computers, flip books, stamping stations, text-and-graphic panels, lift-and-drop panels, a brass-rubbing station and reproductions of military equipment. Learn about the medical treatments of the day through items like the giant clyster syringe. An exhibit with animatronic figures of Lewis, Clark and Seaman the dog as well as an exhibit that displays Native American art are also featured in the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Floyd Memorial Association Exhibit

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is also home to the Floyd Memorial Association exhibit. The exhibit highlights the community effort that resulted in the Floyd Monument, the National Park Service and the U.S. Department of the Interior’s first National Historic Landmark and features a replica of the obelisk.

Spirit of Discovery

Venture outdoors to soak in the fine detail of the sculpture, Spirit of Discovery. Created by Pat Kennedy, the 14-foot tall, bronze sculpture depicts Lewis and Clark with Lewis resting his right hand on Clark’s shoulder as a gesture of camaraderie. Seaman, Lewis’ dog sits between his master and Clark.

Shopping in the Spirit of Discovery Store

Be sure to stop by the Spirit of Discovery Store. Gifts and keepsakes unique to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center are available to purchase.

Travel Tip

- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is ADA complaint.

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