Alton, Illinois, United States

On the Trail of Lewis & Clark

Expedition Museum and Confluence Tower Follow in the footsteps of intrepid explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark at two historic sites. Travel to nearby Hartford, the location of the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site. As National Trail Site #1 on the Lewis & Clark Trail, the site houses a museum dedicated to the planning and journey of the two explorers and their Corps of Discovery in 1804. Browse its five exhibit rooms, watch the film At Journey’s Edge and view a 55-foot, full-scale “cutaway” keelboat. Then, continue to the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower. Rising 180 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, its three viewing platforms retell the history of the region. Visit the indoor visitor center, where an interactive exhibit will further highlight the wildlife and communities along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway. * Moderate - Walking portions may be long and somewhat challenging with occasional step-ups, stairs and inclines. Total time walking or standing normally ranges from 1.5 to 3 hours.