Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Iowa · Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Kansas · Kentucky · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Dakota · Washington · West Virginia
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
About Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail is a national historic trail located in Iowa and Idaho and Illinois and Indiana and Kansas and Kentucky and Missouri and Montana and Nebraska and North Dakota and Ohio and Oregon and Pennsylvania and South Dakota and Washington and West Virginia. In winter, watch for ice on trails and sidewalks. In summer, make sure to drink plenty of water and wear sunscreen on hot days. Keep in mind the Trail covers 16 states, use www.weather.gov to look up the specific area you plan to visit.
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters Visitor Center is located inside DOI, National Park Service, Interior Region 3,4,5 Office. We are right on the Missouri River next to the Bob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in downtown Omaha, NE.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Lewis & Clark is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Auto and ATV, Scenic Driving, Biking, Boating, and 10 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Lewis & Clark
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Lewis & Clark
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Lewis & Clark before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Verify Conditions: Weather and trail accessibility inside Lewis & Clark can change rapidly. Always verify the latest road conditions and local weather advisories before starting your trek.
- →Altitude & Hydration: The thin air and dry heat in this region will dehydrate you quickly. Pack at least 3 to 4 liters of water per person per day and pack electrolyte replacements.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Lewis & Clark. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Frequently Asked Questions about Lewis & Clark
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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