Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Illinois History — Where the Lewis and Clark Expedition began! Camp Dubois (Camp Wood) was built here in December 1803 — the 33 men of the Corps of Discovery departed on May 14, 1804 on the greatest exploration in American history. Hartford, IL.

Visitor Information

About Lewis and Clark

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford marks Camp Dubois — the winter camp where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark assembled and trained the Corps of Discovery before their epic 1804-1806 expedition to the Pacific. The site features a full-scale reconstruction of Camp Dubois and the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, which tells the story of one of the greatest exploration journeys in history.

Things to Do

Exploring the reconstructed Camp Dubois, touring the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center with expedition artifacts and maps, viewing the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers from nearby, and learning about the expedition that opened the American West. Free admission.

About Lewis and Clark Site

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford marks Camp Dubois — where the Lewis and Clark Expedition wintered in 1803-1804 before departing on their epic journey to the Pacific Ocean. The expedition — commissioned by President Jefferson — was one of the greatest exploration adventures in American history. The interpretive center features a replica of the winter camp.

Things to Do

Visiting the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, viewing the Camp Dubois replica, exploring exhibits on the expedition’s preparation and route, and standing where the Corps of Discovery began their journey west.

Insider Tips

Journey’s beginning: This is where it all started — the Lewis and Clark Expedition departed from Camp Dubois (near Hartford, IL) on May 14, 1804. Pro tip: The interpretive center features a full-scale replica of the keelboat that carried the Corps of Discovery up the Missouri River. Confluence: The site overlooks the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers — one of America’s most important geographical points.

Best Time to Visit

May 14: Anniversary of the expedition’s departure. Spring: River confluence is dramatic during high water. Fall: Comfortable weather for exploring. Year-round: The interpretive center is excellent.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long was the Lewis and Clark Expedition?

The Corps of Discovery traveled 8,000 miles round trip over 2 years, 4 months, and 10 days (1804-1806) — from St. Louis to the Pacific Ocean and back. They documented 300+ plant and animal species new to science. The expedition’s journals remain one of the greatest records of American exploration.

Wildlife & Nature

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site in Hartford — at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers — marks the Camp Dubois site where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark assembled and trained their Corps of Discovery during the winter of 1803-1804 before embarking on their epic expedition to the Pacific. The 14,000-square-foot interpretive center features a full-scale replica of the expedition’s keelboat and detailed exhibits on the journey. The site’s location at the confluence of America’s two greatest rivers — the Missouri (2,540 miles) and the Mississippi (2,340 miles) — highlights the waterway network that made westward expansion possible. The river corridor supports bald eagles, great blue herons, and migrating waterfowl. American white pelicans use the confluence during migration.

Nearby Attractions

Confluence Greenway — 40+ miles of trails connecting the region’s heritage sites. National Great Rivers Museum at the Melvin Price Locks and Dam. Pere Marquette State Park — named for the French Jesuit explorer — offers limestone bluff hiking and a historic lodge. Cahokia Mounds — UNESCO World Heritage Site. St. Louis Gateway Arch is 15 minutes away. Alton has the final Lincoln-Douglas debate site and the world’s tallest man statue (Robert Wadlow). Piasa Bird bluff painting near Alton.