Missouri Valley, Iowa - DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge. In Lewis and Clark’s journals, they made important observations about the DeSoto Bend area. They described willow, oak, hickory, sycamore and cottonwood trees; their first encounter with a badger; geese accompanied by their young; wood duck, "crains" of several kinds, and a flock of pelicans that appeared to cover several acres.

Onawa, Iowa - Lewis and Clark State Park.  Floating replica of the Lewis and Clark Keelboat is on display at the park.

Sioux City, Iowa - "Lewis and Clark: An American Adventure".  One-of-a-kind mural exhibit consisting of the most extensive collection of original, Lewis and Clark canvas paintings to date. Comprised of 38 different mural scenes, this exhibit takes you through the 8,000 mile Expedition from start to finish.

Sioux City, Iowa – Sergeant Floyd Memorial. The 100 ' high stone obelisk memorializes Sgt. Charles Floyd. The bones of Sergeant Floyd were placed in urns and then placed in the concrete core.

Sioux City, Iowa - Sergeant Floyd Welcome Center/Riverboat Museum  and  Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.

Elk Point, South Dakota - Lewis and Clark recognized the necessity to select a leader, to replace Sgt. Floyd, who expired near Sioux City, Iowa.  It was determined to leave the choice to the men.  Therefore, the first primary election west of the Mississippi River took place that evening around a campfire. The three nominated, William Bratton, Patrick Gass, and George Gibson anxiously awaited as the ballots were counted. Captain Lewis announced that Patrick Gass received 19 votes (majority) and was duly elected. Community celebrates their Lewis and Clark Heritage on the 3rd week-end in August.

Vermillion, South Dakota – Spirit Mound. The little hill known by the Sioux as Paha Wakan was held in awe by tribes for miles around. The Omaha, Sioux, and the Otoes believed that the mound was occupied by spirits that killed any human who came near.

Vermillion, South Dakota – Spirit Mound Learning Center

Yankton, South Dakota – Calumet Bluff. Lewis and Clark had their first meeting with the Sioux Nation upon this bluff. Good relationships were developed and Lewis and Clark stayed with the Yanktons for 3 days. 

Suggested Regional Day Trips/Tours around Yankton

Shannon Trail - 240 miles

National Scenic By-Way - 123 miles

Three Bridges - 200 miles

Dam to Dam - 139 miles