Iconic Illinois Sites Along the Lewis & Clark Trail

Before venturing into uncharted territory, Lewis and Clark spent the winter of 1803–1804 on the Illinois side of the Mississippi. Today, three primary sites—the Confluence of the Great Rivers, Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, and Camp River Dubois—allow visitors to step directly into the expedition’s launching point.
 

1. Meeting of the Great Rivers

(One of the Seven Wonders of Illinois)
At this natural junction, the Mississippi, Illinois, and Missouri rivers come together just north of modern Alton, IL. In 1803, controlling these waterways was crucial: the rivers provided both sustenance and a highway into the West.

• Why It Matters:
  Lewis and Clark understood that mastering this confluence meant access to a vast network of Native American trade routes and reliable water sources. Their winter camp (Camp River Dubois) lay just downstream of this point.

• What to See & Do:

  • Scenic Byway Drive (Great River Road): Follow panoramic river overlooks and historic towns.

  • Pere Marquette State Park: Hike the bluffs for a sweeping view of the Mississippi valley.

  • River Cruises: Several outfitters operate seasonal tours that cruise through the confluence itself.

  • Wildlife Watching: Bald eagles, herons, and migrating waterfowl are often visible from riverside overlooks.

  • Historic Alton: The town served as a key outfitting point in 1803–04; browse local plaques and murals commemorating the expedition.
     

2. Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower

(180-Foot Tribute in Hartford, IL)
Perched directly at the meeting point of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers, the Confluence Tower was built for the expedition’s bicentennial in 2003-2006. From here, you literally stand at the location where Lewis and Clark prepared to push westward.

• Historical Significance:
  In December 1803, William Clark scouted this exact spot to establish Camp River Dubois. By May 1804, he and the Corps of Discovery would launch their keelboat north from this confluence.

• Highlights for Visitors:

  • Three observation platforms (50', 100', 150')—each equipped with interpretive panels on river ecology, Native trade routes, and the Corps’ story.

  • On a clear day, you can even see the Gateway Arch in St. Louis.

  • Guided tours often include a narrated overview of expedition logistics and daily life at Camp River Dubois.
     

3. Lewis & Clark State Historic Site: Camp River Dubois

(Winter 1803–Spring 1804 Camp)
  Interpretive Center and Fort Replica, Near Hartford

Before heading upriver, Clark and his men spent five months clearing forest, building cabins, and hunting game at this location. Louisiana Purchase boundaries were not yet formalized, so Camp River Dubois provided a legal “jumping-off” point on U.S. soil.

• Interpretive Center Features:

  • Full-Scale Keelboat Replica: A 55-foot model cut longitudinally so you can walk through and see supplies, sleeping arrangements, and onboard tools.

  • Multimedia Exhibits: Detailing daily camp life—food procurement, weather observations, and star charts used for navigation.

  • Artifacts & Panels: Period weapons, cooking utensils, and replicas of Lewis’s scientific journals.

• Winter Camp Anecdotes:

  • Christmas Day 1803: Clark noted holiday cheer and a few over-enthusiastic toasts (“some of the party got drunk”).

  • Scientific Observations: The men tracked barometric readings, meteor showers, and river ice to fulfill Jefferson’s orders.
     

4. Expedition Departure Day

Wood River, IL – May 14, 1804
This small riverside camp—also called Camp River à Dubois—was the official “Point of Departure.” On this afternoon, Clark recorded that the Corps set off under sail toward the first island in the Missouri, covering about 4½ miles.

“Set out from Camp River à Dubois at 4 o’clock PM … we camped on the upper point opposite a creek below a ledge of limestone rock called Colewater.*… men in high spirits … I determined to go as far as St. Charles (seven leagues**) up the Missouri … and wait there until Captain Lewis could join me from St. Louis.”
– William Clark, May 14, 1804

• Colewater: Likely the St. Louis limestone formation.

• Seven Leagues: Approximately 21 miles—matching the known distance to St. Charles, MO.

From this humble launch point, Lewis and Clark would embark on a multi-year journey that reshaped American maps and opened the West. Visiting these three sites in Illinois offers a vivid window into the expedition’s earliest preparations and the moment their odyssey truly began.
 

📍 Plan Your Visit

• Timing:
  • Late spring through early fall is ideal—river levels are stable, and all facilities (tower, museum) are open.
  • Winter visits can be quiet and reflective but expect limited access to guided tours.

• Logistics:
  • Confluence Tower & Interpretive Center/Camp Wood: Both lie within minutes of each other off IL Route 3 near Hartford/Wood River.
  • Great River Road: Parallels the Mississippi through Alton, Grafton, and Pere Marquette Park—plan extra time for overlooks and short hikes.

• Must-See Photo Ops:
  • From the Tower’s top deck, capture the sweeping “V” where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet.
  • At Pere Marquette Overlook, frame the Mississippi valley with the bluff in the foreground.