A Historic and Scenic Exploration

In 1804, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark were assigned the task of exploring the land acquired in the Louisiana Purchase

. Their trek led them westward along the Missouri River, taking them all the way across the country to the Pacific coast and back.

Part of their trip took them through what is now Great Falls, Montana. Today you can find the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center in Great Falls. This impressive center boasts 25,000 square feet of indoor exhibition and theater space, as well as an education room and a souvenir shop. The purpose of the center is to educate the public about the Lewis and Clark Expedition, showing the tribulations and dangers of the cross-country trek as well as the positive aspect of new exploration.

On your visit to the Lewis and Clark Interpretation Center, you might start with the thirty-minute introductory video before exploring the exhibition hall. There are live programs, such as the Interpretive Short Talks held indoors or outdoors depending on weather, and special seasonal events.

From here, you may want to venture outdoors to the hiking trails, where you can views of regional wildlife and vegetation. There is a specific trail for wheelchair and bicycle access as well. One of the paved paths leads from the center to the Missouri River along with a nature trail that leads to nearby Giant Springs State Park. Another paved trail connects the center to the Rivers Edge Trails, which are 25 miles of trail along the Missouri River in Great Falls. There is a pedestrian-only trail that circles the center grounds, showing off gorgeous bluffs and allowing for views of prairie vegetation and wildlife. Yet another pedestrian trail descends into the riverside nature trail.

You can enjoy the center and its beautiful scenery year round. The changing colors of the leaves and migration of waterfowl make for a lovely trip in the fall. During the winter, bald eagles return to the area, and Canadian geese swim the river. With the thawing of spring come the songbirds and pelicans, and the wildflowers begin to bloom. Wildflowers and berries are abundant in the summertime.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is open year round, from 9am to 6pm daily Memorial Day Weekend through September 30th. From October 1st through Memorial Day Weekend, they are open from 9am to 5pm Tuesday through Saturday and on Sunday from 12pm until 5pm. Adult admission is $8, and children 15 years or younger get in for free. Group tours and school field trips are always welcome.

A Historic and Scenic Exploration

By: Becky Kelley

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