Lewis & Clark Boathouse
and Nature Center
2 Bishop's Landing
1050 Riverside Drive
St. Charles, Missouri
636-947-3199

Operated by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles, the new Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center (a certified site of the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail) is the Discovery Expedition's permanent home replacing their old facility on 710 Riverside Drive. Located on the banks of the Missouri River at Bishop’s Landing and only a five minute walk from the downtown historic district, the site features hand-crafted replicas of boats used by the Corps of Discovery, exhibits relating to the Expedition and the Missouri River ecosystem, and a gift shop.

The lower level of the Boat House is home to full size replicas of a keelboat and two pirogues with workspace and displays. The lower level has a flow through design, permitting the boats to be easily moved and preventing damage to the building from floodwaters. The boats are often on tour, making an annual journey retracing portions of the Lewis and Clark’s journey and attending special events. When the boats are not on tour, visitors will be able to get up close to these vessels as well as talk to informed volunteers about their use and construction.

The upper level features the contents of the old Lewis and Clark Museum, as well as dioramas (photo left) by museum artist Evangeline Groth that illustrate the story of the Lewis and Clark expedition and the Native American tribes they encountered, examples of the flora and fauna Lewis and Clark encountered on their journey, and life in early 19th-century Saint Charles. A classroom accommodates class field trips, and tours and The Trading Post, the facility’s gift shop offers many historical books and unusual gift items.

The Boat House is adjacent to Frontier Park which has picnic facilities and is the trail head for the Katy Trail, a 225 mile bike trail that starts in St. Charles and runs parallel to the Missouri River and the route that Lewis and Clark took.

Visit our special Lewis and Clark Section to learn more about the Corps of Discovery’s experience during their stay in the Middle Mississippi River Valley. greatriverroad.com’s special coverage includes information on all of the region’s sites and events as well as supplemental articles relating to the expedition’s experience during the winter of 1803-04.

Visiting the Lewis & Clark Boathouse & Nature Center
     Visiting Hours
          Monday - Saturday: 10 am - 5 pm
          Sunday: 12 pm - 5 pm
An admission is charged to visit the Lewis & Clark Boathouse & Nature Center: $2.50 Adults; $1.50 Children and Students (under 17); Group rates available.

Directions: From I-70 take exit 229 (Fifth Street North) into St. Charles. Turn right at the second stoplight (Boone’s Lick Road.) Shortly after crossing South Main Street, turn right into large parking lot. The Boat House and Nature Center is on the far side of the parking lot, next to the river.

Learn more about the St. Charles area.

www.lewisandclarkcenter.org
Official site of the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center which features information on a wide variety of subjects and more detailed information on what the organization does and how to contact them.