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St. Louis, MO to Kansas City, MO (277 miles)
 

Follow the trail of Lewis and Clark across Missouri, from the towering Gateway Arch to the bluffs in Kansas City. Along the way, explore historic towns, scenic river views, and landmarks that shaped the expedition and westward expansion.
 

POINTS OF INTEREST

📍St. Louis, Missouri

  • Gateway Arch – The tallest man-made monument in the Western Hemisphere stands at 630 feet, offering stunning views from the top.

  • Jefferson National Expansion Memorial Museum – Discover the incredible journey of Lewis and Clark, Native American history, and the story of westward expansion beneath the Arch.

  • "Captain's Return" Statue – This twice-life-sized sculpture honors the 200th anniversary of Lewis and Clark’s return, dedicated on September 23, 2006.

  • Bellefontaine Cemetery – Visit the final resting place of William Clark, a significant site for history enthusiasts.
     

📍St. Charles, Missouri

📍Defiance, Missouri

  • Home of Daniel Boone – The legendary frontiersman lived here when Lewis and Clark passed through, though there is no record of them meeting.
     

📍Jefferson City, Missouri

📍 Arrow Rock, Missouri

  • Arrow Rock State Historic Site – Passed by the Corps of Discovery on June 9, 1804, this site was historically used by Native Americans to gather flint.
     

📍Boonville, Missouri

  • Harley Park – Perched on the Missouri River bluffs, this historic park contains Hopewell Indian burial mounds dating from 100 B.C. to 500 A.D.
     

📍Sibley, Missouri

  • Fort Osage – Identified by Clark as an ideal fort location, he later returned to design and build this outpost, which remained active until 1818.
     

📍 Independence, Missouri

  • National Frontiers Trail Museum – Learn about four major trails that shaped American history: Lewis and Clark, Santa Fe, California, and Oregon Trails.

  • Home of Harry Truman – Explore the hometown of the 33rd U.S. President.
     

📍Kansas City, Missouri

  • West Terrace Park Lewis and Clark Sculpture – On September 15, 1806, Lewis and Clark stood atop this bluff, noting its commanding view of the Missouri River Valley. The sculpture, in West Terrace Park, features Lewis, Clark, York, Seaman, and Sacagawea with her son, Jean Baptiste.

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Lewis and Clark Trail
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Travelers' Stories

"My family traveled west by car from St. Louis, Missouri  to Great Fall,Montana."

 

"We never knew history could come alive in such a fascinating way. The Lewis and Clark Trail journey was a perfect blend of education and adventure, leaving us with a deeper appreciation for our past.”

Doug M.

"As the boat swung around, the mountains looked like they moved apart and opened up, and when we passed through they seemed to close (or shut) behind us."

" Meriwether Lewis from the same spot beheld this phenomenon and journaled, "from the singular appearance of this place I called it The Gates of The Rocky Mountains."

Mary B.

"From a bluff high above the Missouri River I could see the Lewis and Clark Expedition campsite of May 30, 1805 near Pablo Island."
"Lewis writes about the beauty of the place: "The hills and river Clifts which we passed today exhibit a most romantic appearance."

"I could not agree more."

Dawn C. 

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  • LewisandClarkTrail.com; Historical Marker Database;Washington Parks; Ice Age Floods

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