Over 210 years ago, Lewis and Clark led a historic expedition to the American West. Join us to retrace this epic journey from St. Louis to the Oregon coast as we travel through nine states with historian Lou Ritten.
- Travel through 9 states from Missouri to Oregon
- Visit Fort Union and stand at “Decision Point” where the Missouri & Marias Rivers meet
- Explore the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
- Visit Fort Benton, the last stop for steamboats coming from St. Louis in the 1800’s
- Stop at Fort Mandan, where Lewis and Clark recruited Charbonneau and his wife, Sacagawea, as interpreters.
- Enjoy a cruise on the Missouri River
DAY 1—WELCOME TO MISSOURI!
Arrive in St. Louis to meet your Tour Director and historical guide, Lou Ritten for a welcome dinner. Tomorrow we begin our expedition to trace the trail of Lewis and Clark! D
DAY 2—ST. JOSEPH, MO
Just as the Lewis and Clark Expedition began, ours too will begin at Camp DuBois. We will continue westward and across Missouri for an overnight stay in St. Joseph, Missouri. B, D
DAY 3—MISSOURI RIVER
Visit the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. For a sense of what Lewis and Clark saw, take in the unobstructed views of the Missouri river. Learn about plants, animals and scientific discoveries recorded by Lewis and Clark. Continue north before an overnight in Dakota Dunes along the Missouri River. B, D
DAY 4—CHAMBERLAIN, SD
Continue across South Dakota, and capture views at Spirit Mound where Clark wrote about the beauty of the land. Visit the Akta Lakota Museum for a rare and fascinating glimpse into the Lakota Culture. Take in the interesting stories of the meetings between Lewis and Clark and the members of the Sioux tribe. B, D
DAY 5—BISMARK, ND
Journey through the Lower Brule and Standing Rock Indian Reservations into North Dakota, visiting significant Lewis & Clark sites along the way. Enjoy a catered dinner in North Dakota’s Heritage Center with time to browse its exhibits. B, D
DAY 6—WILLISTON, ND
Trekking west visit Fort Mandan, where the expedition party spent a productive winter gathering information from the friendly Indians and recruited Charbonneau and his wife, Sacagawea, as interpreters. At Knife River National Historic Site see the reconstructed winter quarters and earthen lodges of the Northern Indians. Overnight in Williston, ND. B, D
DAY 7—GREAT FALLS, MT
Following the trail, cross Montana and stop at Fort Union and see “Decision Point” where the Missouri and Marias Rivers meet (it took 9 days to determine the Marias was not the main branch of the Missouri River). Then visit Fort Benton, the last stop for steamboats coming from St. Louis in the 1800’s! Unpack for 2 nights in Great Falls, MT. B, D
DAY 8—GREAT FALLS, MT
The expedition took 32 days to portage equipment and canoes around five formidable falls in the area. Learn more about this challenge on our visit to Great Falls. B, D
DAY 9—MISSOULA, MT
Take a boat ride between giant cliffs cut by the Missouri River and visit Missouri Headwaters State Park. You have the option to climb a cliff and stand where Lewis saw the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers! Continue through the mountains in Shoshone territory where Lewis & Clark secured horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Missoula, MT. B, D
DAY 10: LEWISTON, ID
Travel along the Nez Perce Trail through the Bitterroot Range, the worst part of the journey for the expedition. Lunch and our personal expert guide at Three Devils brings history to life. Overnight in Lewiston, ID. B, L, D
DAY 11: RICHLAND, WA
Running out of food in what seemed like an endless sea of rugged mountains, the expedition encountered the helpful Nez Perce tribe. Visit Nez Perce National Historical Park before continuing our journey toward the Columbia River. Overnight in Richland, WA of the Tri-Cities. B, D
DAY 12: THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREA
Enter our final state, Oregon, and travel along the beautiful Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area. Unpack your bags for a two-night stay in Astoria, OR. B, L
DAY 13: FORT CLATSOP
Enjoy the striking coastline of northern Oregon and visit a reconstruction of Fort Clatsop where the expedition spent the winter before returning home. B, L
DAY 14: RETURN HOME
Return home today after our two weeks understanding the historical significance of Lewis and Clark’s expedition! B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Sheraton Westport Plaza St. Louis Airport
Night 2: Stoney Creek Hotel, St. Joseph, MO
Night 3: Holiday Inn Express, Dakota Dunes, SD
Night 4: Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Oacoma, SD
Night 5: Fairfield Inn and Suites, North Bismarck, ND
Night 6: Holiday Inn Express and Suites, Williston, ND
Nights 7-8: Crystal Inn, Great Falls, MT
Night 9: Comfort Inn, Missoula, MT
Night 10: Hell’s Canyon Grand Hotel, Lewiston, ID
Night 11: Holiday Inn Richland on the River, Richland, WA
Nights 12-13: The Lloyd Hotel Astoria Bayfront, Astoria, OR
Dates:
Aug 25-Sep 7, 2023 Sold Out
Price Per Person:
Double $3,797
Single $4,655
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$128/night
Depart/Return:
St. Louis, MO
Inclusions:
Return flight to St. Louis on Day 14
Free airport shuttle or hotel parking
Welcome Dinner and meals as indicated (B=breakfast, L=lunch, D=dinner)
Fees and tips for included attractions and meals
Luggage handling of one suitcase per person at hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Plan to arrive to St. Louis by 4:00 p.m. on Day 1 of the tour, this will allow you to check in and get ready for our 6:30 p.m. dinner.
Departure Time
Schedule your flight home to depart St. Louis anytime on September 8. Our flight from Seattle back to St. Louis arrives at 11:40 p.m. Post-tour night accommodations are at your own expense.
Should you wish to return home directly from Seattle-Tacoma Int’l Airport to your home city, a $250 Land Only Credit will be provided on your invoice. You are responsible for air to your home city and may schedule flights out of Seattle-Tacoma Int'l Airport after 5:30 p.m.
Airport Transportation / Vehicle Parking
Our starting hotel offers a complimentary shuttle service to/from the St. Louis Int’l Airport. If you are driving to the starting location, they also offer complimentary parking for the duration of the tour.
Walking Distance
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temps
High of 78°, low of 55°
Time Zone
Central/Mountain/Pacific
Hotel Amenities
Each hotel has a hair dryer, iron, ironing boards, a coffee maker and complimentary WI-FI.
Additional Information
A total of three mailings are sent to assist you in preparing for your tour, including information sent upon receipt of your reservation.
Sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, visors, and comfortable walking shoes will add to your enjoyment of this tour.
Travel Protection Available?
Yes, see CountryTravelDiscoveries.com/TravelProtectionPlan.
