In 2024, we joined the National Park Service and others to bring the Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition organization’s Keelboat and its living history demonstrations to our section of the Missouri River. Their visit includes stays at Omaha’s Riverfront, Haworth Park in Bellevue, and riverfronts in Rulo, Nebraska and Atchinson, Kansas.
The Keelboat, a 50’ working replica of Lewis & Clark’s craft, allows visitors to glimpse what traveling along the river was like. Adjacent to the Keelboat, a Lewis & Clark encampment is established. From there, the organization’s staff and volunteer re-enactors host the public and elementary school classes. These re-enactments allow attendees to experience life on the Missouri River as Lewis & Clark may have encountered it during their Expedition of 1803-1806.
One of our goals, “to promote informational and educational programs which provide learning opportunities for all ages to gain a greater awareness, understanding and appreciation of the Missouri River’s value” is shared by the Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition. In their encampment programs, they also address the river’s natural environment, wildlife and alignment and how they’ve changed since Lewis & Clark traveled the river.
The mission of the Lewis & Clark Discovery Expedition of St. Charles is to provide genuine living history and museum experiences that promote education and the study of our national heritage during the period surrounding the historic Lewis & Clark Expedition of 1803-1806
Project Partners: The National Park Service, Lewis & Clark Trust, Cities of Bellevue, Omaha, Rulo and Atchison, Kiewit Luminarium, MECA Tri-Park Complex, Lewis & Clark Trail Heritage, DESC book sales, and others.
Estimated Financial Support: Back to the River Contribution – $4,000.00
Estimated Total Project Cost: $20,000.00
Year: 2024
