In 1804, Lewis and Clark embarked on a storied expedition that defined their legacy. This daring odyssey across the vast, uncharted American West unfolded with challenging encounters, navigating severe weather, and facing pivotal decisions. Joining us on this exploration is our expert historian, Lou Ritten, guiding you to retrace this epic journey from the starting point at Camp Dubois to the concluding destination at Fort Clatsop.
DAY 1—WELCOME TO ST. LOUIS!
Arrive in St. Louis, MO and meet your tour director, fellow travelers, and historian, Lou Ritten, for a welcome dinner. D
DAY 2—CAMP DUBOIS/ST. JOSEPH
Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal, “The mouth of the river Dubois is to be considered as the point of departure.” And just as the Lewis and Clark Expedition began, ours too will begin at Camp Dubois. With our Tour Director, fellow explorers, and historical guide, we will continue westward and across Missouri for an overnight stay in St. Joseph, Missouri. B, D
DAY 3—LEWIS AND CLARK INTERPRETIVE CENTER/SERGEANT FLOYD MONUMENT
Visit the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to get a glimpse of the more than 300 flora and fauna discoveries made by the explorers. Stop at the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a solemn site that commemorates the only casualty of the expedition. Continue north to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before an overnight in Dakota Dunes, SD. B, D
DAY 4—SPIRIT MOUND/AKTA LAKOTA MUSEUM
Travel into South Dakota and capture views at Spirit Mound, where Clark wrote about the beauty of the land before a visit to Akta Lakota Museum for more interesting stories of his meetings with the Indians. B, D
DAY 5—FISHER'S LILY PARK
Located along the Mississippi River, visit Fisher’s Lily Park, the historic location where Lewis and Clark met with the Teton Lakota Sioux. Enjoy a catered dinner in North Dakota’s Heritage Center with time to browse its exhibits. B, D
DAY 6—FORT MANDAN
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. B, D
DAY 7—DECISION POINT
Following the trail, cross into Montana and stop at Fort Union - once the most important fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River. See “Decision Point” where the Missouri and Marias Rivers meet and visit Fort Benton, the last stop for steamboats coming from St. Louis in the 1800s. B, D
DAY 8—INTERPRETIVE CENTER
The Expedition took 32 days to portage equipment and canoes around five falls. Learn more about this challenge on our visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and portage site, followed by a visit to American artist C. M. Russell’s Museum. B
DAY 9—MISSOURI HEADWATERS
Take a boat ride between giant cliffs cut by the Missouri River and visit Missouri Headwaters State Park. See the cliff where Lewis saw the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. Continue through Shoshone territory where Lewis & Clark secured horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. B, L
DAY 10: NEZ PERCE TRAIL/WEIPPE PRAIRIE
Travel along the Nez Perce Trail along the Bitterroot Range, the worst part of the journey for the expedition. Discover the beauty and history of Weippe Prairie, where breathtaking natural beauty and a significant encounter between Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce tribe await. B, L, D
DAY 11: SNAKE RIVER BOAT TOUR/LEWIS & CLARK DISCOVERY CENTER
Experience the thrill of a half-day jet boat tour on the Snake River, followed by a visit to the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center in Lewiston. Explore the stunning landscapes, feel the rush of the river and delve into the history of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. B, L
DAY 12: NEZ PERCE NATIONAL HISTORIC PARK
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. B, D
DAY 13: COLUMBIA GORGE NATIONAL SCENIC AREA
Enter our final state, Oregon, and travel along the beautiful Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area while closely hugging the beautiful river. Unpack your bags for a two night stay in Astoria, OR. B, L
DAY 14: FORT CLATSOP/CAPE DISAPPOINTMENT
Enjoy the striking coastline of northern Oregon and visit a reconstruction of Fort Clatsop where the expedition spent the winter before returning home. Then, venture to Cape Disappointment, to marvel at the stunning coastal scenery with a deeper appreciation for the spirit of Lewis and Clark! B, D
DAY 15: RETURN HOME
Our flight home takes only several hours, a distance that took Lewis & Clark 6 months to travel! B
Quality Accommodations
Night 1: Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel, St. Louis, MO
Night 2: Stoney Creek Hotel, St. Joseph, MO
Night 3: Holiday Inn Express (or similar), Dakota Dunes, SD
Night 4: Arrowwood Resort and Conference Center, Oacoma, SD
Night 5: Fairfield Inn and Suites (or similar), North Bismarck, ND
Night 6: HI Express or similar, Williston, ND
Nights 7-8: Best Western Plus Riverfront Hotel (or similar), Great Falls, MT
Night 9: Comfort Inn, Missoula, MT
Nights 10-11: Hell's Canyon Grand Hotel, Lewiston, ID
Night 12: Holiday Inn Richland, WA
Nights 13-14: Lloyd Hotel, Astoria, OR
Dates:
Jul 10-24, 2024
Price Per Person:
Double $4,357
Single $4,995
Pre/Post Tour Hotel:
$178/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 at most hotels
Free bottled water on coach
24-hour emergency call service
Arrival Time
Our Welcome Dinner on Day 1 is at our hotel in St. Louis starting at 6:30 p.m. We recommend scheduling your flight to arrive by 4:00 p.m.
Departure Time
Our flight from Seattle back to St. Louis departs Seattle at 6:10 p.m. and arrives into St. Louis at 11:59 p.m.
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.
