Agencies
Services
1 Lewis & Clark Trail
Hartford , IL 62048
618/251-5811
Open:
Sep-May: Wed-Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Memorial-Labor Day: Mon-Sun 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Teachers in Illinois schools (grades prekindergarten through 12) can apply for grant funds to visit this site on a field trip with their students. Click here for the details.
Watch the introductory video below.
The Lewis & Clark site commemorates Camp Dubois, the 1803-1804 winter camp of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark. It was at the camp on Wood River that members of the Corps of Discovery prepared their expedition to the Pacific Ocean.
The site’s main feature is an interpretive center that contains a large exhibition gallery, a theatre, and a gift shop. The 14,000 square-foot exhibition area contains six galleries that outline the background and history of the Lewis and Clark expedition from its conception to its meaning for today’s America. Perhaps the most interesting feature is a full-scale replica of the keelboat used by the Corps of Discovery to ascend the Missouri River. One side is cut away to show the interior space and how the vessel was carefully loaded with provisions for the journey. The Convergence Theater provides a 12-minute video orientation presentation that uses high-impact visuals and surround sound to tell the story of Camp River Dubois and the preparations for the expedition. The Store of Discovery is a gift shop whose proceeds benefit site programs.
A small memorial stone and interpretive panel overlooks the modern meeting point of the Mississippis and Missouri rivers. Visitors can access this confluence viewing area and memorial marker during regular site hours.
Visitors can view the exhibition galleries, video presentation, “reconstructed” camp, and rivers convergence overlook at their leisure. The visitor center is accessible to persons with disabilities.
- Parking - Asphalt; four accessible parking spaces; 100 feet to the sidewalk with a ramp; 150 feet to front door.
- There are concrete sidewalks at the site.
- There are two ramps in the exhibit area, one in the theater and one in the lower gallery to the upper gallery.
- The museum has a push button opener.
- Wheelchair Accessible Trails - Madison County Trail Network, extends from St. Louis to Grafton, IL
- The site has accessible restrooms.
- Visitor Center - Paved; Ramps; Push button doors; Water fountains; Benches; Tactile but no Braille Exhibits.
- Paved, covered picnic pavillions are acessable.
- Tour is generally 45 minutes.
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Junior Ranger program available. For details please inquire at the front desk.
Accessibility Information
The following are available for the visitor to the site:
The site hosts a number of special events. For more information visit: www.campdubois.com
