Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum - Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Experience

Page Feedback

Information

10 am to 5 pm Monday-Saturday 12 pm to 5 pm Sunday

636-947-3199

Visit Website

$5 for adults, $2 for children

Dog Friendly!

Get Directions

lat: 38.7729209 long: -90.4823482

We are a living, working museum. The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum brings the remarkable journey of 1803-06 to life at our riverfront base of operations in historic St. Charles, Missouri. And we share the story of the Expedition at destinations throughout the Midwest via our unique traveling fleet of replica boats and our experienced corps of re-enactors, the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles.

Located on the Missouri River, near where Lewis and Clark set off on May 21, 1804, we house three full-size replica boats on the lower level, viewable any time. Upstairs, the Museum features dioramas depicting the full journey, displays of the geology, Native Americans in the area, the journals and maps, smaller replica boats and a classroom featuring a 40 minute video in the classroom. Our outdoor spaces include a Museum patio with a wonderful view of the river and a nature trail. The gift shop features local crafts and a wide range of books and educational items.

Especially for youngsters and school groups, we have an animal scavenger hunt and science puzzles, with a staff comprised of former teachers who can answer your questions and offer suggestions for your journey.

A full-size replica of the Red Pirogue adjacent to the Museum

The Boat House as seen from the river

Classrooms are welcome

Scavenger hunts for kids

A large and interesting gift shop

Planting of traditional crops

A pollinator garden

Seaman greets you

We have a spectacular view of the sometimes-icy Missouri River

The museum shop has more than 100 books about history, including the Expedition

The classroom is perfect for viewing our films or attending a presentation

Children can search for animals as part of our scavenger hunt.

Nearby Attractions

Distance Unit:

2.38 Away

Missouri Artists on Main

Arts and Culture

Located in the historic “California House”, the Missouri Artists on Main features artwork of 40 Missouri artists from across the state! Paintings, sculptures, ceramics, fused glass, jewelry, and much more. When you’re at the gallery,…

View Attraction

lat: 38.77933 long: -90.482655

0.76 Away

Butterfly & Moon

Arts and Culture Shopping and Leisure

Locally owned by two artists, Butterfly & Moon carries unique jewelry, art, and clothing from Midwestern artists, including vintage jewelry mosaics, Tree of Life jewelry, sterling silver spoon rings, and clothing for women. It also…

View Attraction

lat: 38.7097739 long: -90.8795796

0.00 Away

Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum

Guides and Tours Museum, Theatre, or Intrepretive Center

The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center permanent home of the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles replicas of the keelboat and pirogues used by Lewis and Clark. Situated beside the Missouri River at…

View Attraction

lat: 38.7729209 long: -90.4823482

13.86 Away

Tara Point Inn and Cottages

Accomodations Inn

Located less than a mile north from the banks of the Mississippi, Tara Point represents the quintessential midwestern getaway. With great views of the confluence of the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers and a serene campus…

View Attraction

lat: 38.9722785 long: -90.4438171

13.71 Away

Grafton Harbor Boat Rentals

Family Fun Outdoor Adventure

“The Key West of the Midwest,” located on the Mississippi River in Illinois along the Lewis and Clark Trail! Throughout history, the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers influenced travelers in many ways – and even aided…

View Attraction

lat: 38.9688714 long: -90.4382619

0.10 Away

Crossroads Bike Tours

Family Fun Guides and Tours Outdoor Adventure

Crossroads Bike Tours offers a multitude of cycling experiences that cater to all ability levels. Don’t worry – leave the planning to us! By booking with Crossroads, visitors will receive a customized tour based on…

View Attraction

lat: 38.7769725 long: -90.4824191

13.57 Away

Pere Marquette Riding Stables

Family Fun Outdoor Adventure

Are you a lover of the outdoors? Have you always wanted to experience a the thrill of a horseback ride? Well, get ready to sit back and enjoy a 45-50 minute horseback ride through beautiful…

View Attraction

lat: 38.9697014 long: -90.503984

0.16 Away

Saint Charles Historic District

Arts and Culture Shopping and Leisure

On May 14, 1804 William Clark and 42 men docked in St. Charles (what is now the historic district) and remained for 6 days, waiting for Merriweather Lewis to finish some business in St. Louis…

View Attraction

lat: 38.7772181 long: -90.4824344

13.71 Away

The Grafton Harbor Floating Winery

Arts and Culture Food and Drink Outdoor Adventure Winery

In Grafton, Illinois exists one of the most unique wineries in the United States. The Grafton Harbor Floating Winery floats upon the country’s second longest river and offers some of its most eclectic wines. Situated…

View Attraction

lat: 38.9688714 long: -90.4382619

13.71 Away

Hakuna Matata River Cruise

Family Fun Food and Drink Outdoor Adventure

Come to Grafton Harbor and experience their all encompassing Hakuna Matata river cruise. Cruise down the Illinois river in this all-weather, 53′ foot, 49 passenger tour boat and see the wonders that the Illinois river…

View Attraction

lat: 38.9688612 long: -90.4381695

0.50 Away

Lewis & Clark’s Restaurant

Food and Drink

What is more American than enjoying a delicious steak and drink with a view of the Missouri River? Honor the legacy of Lewis and Clark by ordering a delicious meal in a restaurant named after…

View Attraction

lat: 38.7800723 long: -90.482204

Nearby Trails

Distance Unit:

Taylors Landing

Upper Missouri River Breaks

A boat ramp to the beautiful Missouri River with a peaceful view of the river.

View Trail

lat: 38.94831 long: -92.53559

Noren Access Path

Upper Missouri River Breaks

View Trail

lat: 38.5894 long: -92.17918

Trail of Tears Access

Trail of Tears State Park

A boat ramp that allows visitors to access the Trail of Tears

View Trail

lat: 37.4539977 long: -89.4625079

Trail of Tears Memorial

Trail of Tears State Park

Explore the Trail of Tears State Park to delve into a somber chapter in American history. Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups crossed the harsh winter Mississippi River in 1838-1839 during their forced relocation to Oklahoma.…

View Trail

lat: 37.4439902 long: -89.468381

Francis Quadrangle

Upper Missouri River Breaks

View Trail

lat: 38.94607 long: -92.32836

LaBenite Park to Miami

Upper Missouri River Breaks

View Trail

lat: 39.16744 long: -94.39343

Trail of Tears Nature Trail

Trail of Tears State Park

Here, nine Cherokee Indian groups braved harsh winter conditions while crossing the Mississippi River in 1838-1839, marking a sorrowful chapter in American history. The park also has: shaded picnic sites, hiking and horse trails, opportunities to fish…

View Trail

lat: 37.4388916 long: -89.480974