Lewis & Clark Interpretive Experience

Residents and visitors can now journey back to the early 1800s and retrace the footsteps of Lewis and Clark as they made their way around Montana. You can see what the Corps of Discovery saw as they traveled by foot over scenic mountains and via boat through clear waters. Experience their adventure as if you were part of the expedition.

This permanent outdoor exhibit at the Great Northern Town Center is a cooperative project with the Lewis and Clark Trail Commission and consists of 19 historical sites from Montana’s Lewis and Clark Trail. The easy interpretive signage guides you on your journey of Lewis and Clarks Montana Experience. This expedition takes you to places like Pompeys Pillar, Gates of the Mountains, Three Forks of the Missouri and Clarks Canoe Camp, to name a few.

April 25, 1805 From Lewis’s Journal…

I ascended the hills from whence I had a most pleasing view of the country, perticularly of the wide and fertile vallies formed by the missouri and the yellowstone rivers… the whol face of the country was covered with herds of Buffaloe, Elk and Antelopes… (they) are so gentle that we pass near them while feeding, without appearing to excite any alarm among them.

-M. Lewis

19 Interpretive Sites Along the Trail

1. Introduction and Mouth of the Yellowstone April 4, 1805
2. Milk River May 8, 1805
3. Capsize Point May 14, 1805
4. Judith / Slaughter River and Stonewall Creek May 29 – 31, 1805
5. Marias and Decision Point June 2, 1805
6. Great Falls Portage June 13 – July 10, 1805
7. Gates of the Mountains July 19, 1805
8. Helena Valley July 20, 1805
9. Crimson Bluffs / Yorks Islands July 23 – 24, 1805
10. Three Forks of the Missouri July 25 – 30, 1805
11. Forks of the Jefferson July 31 – August 4, 1805
12. Beaverhead Rock August 8, 1805
13. Camp Fortunate / Shoshone Cove August 17 – 18, 1805
14. Lemhi Pass August 12, 1805
15. Traveler’s Rest / Hot Springs / Lolo Trail September 11 – 19, 1805
16. Fight Site July 26, 1806
17. Yellowstone Valley July 15 – 24, 1806
18. Clark’s Canoe Camp July 20, 1806
19. Pompey’s Pillar July 25,1806