About the Lewis and Clark Trail
Lewis and Clark Trail is a United States National Scenic Trail that runs along the Missouri River in the United States of America. It is named after Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, who explored it with 45 men. They travelled across the western United States, through lands that became 11 states in US, realizing the dream of President Thomas Jefferson to find out what lies west of the young United States.
The trail follows the Missouri and Columbia Rivers. North Dakota, like many other states along the Missouri, has designated a "Lewis and Clark Trail" following the river on both sides. Also common to these states is the naming of the state highways running alongside the rivers; 1804 on the east side and 1806 on the west. In North Dakota the 1804/1806 signage can be spotty, but the "Lewis and Clark Trail" signs are always there.
There are other places as well to experience Lewis and Clark's journey. In Billings Montana, Pompey's Pillar Rock is a national monument featuring William Clark's signature on an unusually large rock along the Yellowstone River. A new interpretive center and museum opened in July 2005. Tours and viewing opportunities out of Billings of Pompey's Pillar Rock are available to the public by the Whoopah Ride.
This itinerary discusses two paths: from Bismarck to Williston on highway 1804, and from Mandon to Watford City on highway 1806.
Entering the Trail
There are two alternate starting points: Bismarck and Mandan. From Bismarck, go north on 1804 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail signs. From Mandan, go north on 1806 and follow the Lewis and Clark Trail Signs.
You'll see the Cottonwood forests of the Missouri Valley, and depending on how close you stay to the river, you'll come across plenty of interesting things. Notable Places along the East Bank:
- Lewis and Clark Steamboat Company, Bismarck
- Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Washburn
Notable Places along the West Bank:
- Cross Ranch State Park near Stanton
- Lake Sakakawea State Park near the Garrison Dam
River crossings are located at
- Buford, on State Highway 58.
- Williston, on US 85 southwest of town.
- New Town, on State Highway 23 west of town.
- Garrison Dam, on State Highway 200.
- Washburn, on State Highway 200A.
- and of course Bismarck/Mandan.
Preparing for the Lewis and Clark Trail
Accommodation
The following are towns and cities on the Lewis and Clark Trail. Click to view the accommodation available there. For those not listed below, use the Accommodation Search Engine to find nearest hotels.
- Billings, Montana
- Bismarck, North Dakota
- Mandan, North Dakota
Other Matters
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