Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center: A Journey Through History

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa, offers an immersive experience into the Corps of Discovery's expedition between July and September 1804. The center's exhibits focus on the time the expedition spent in the present-day Sioux City area. A key focus of the exhibits is the death and burial of Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the expedition to die during the journey, who passed away on August 20, 1804. The 20,000-square-foot complex features interactive exhibits, including animatronic figures of Thomas Jefferson, Captains Lewis and Clark, Sergeant Charles Floyd, and Seaman, the Newfoundland dog. Visitors can explore the Keelboat Theater, which shows a 15-minute film titled “A Visit with William Clark”. Exhibits also include computers, flip books, stamping stations, murals, and reproductions of military equipment. Connected to the Interpretive Center is the Betty Strong Encounter Center, which commemorates the encounters that occurred before and after the expedition. The Encounter Center hosts free photo and art exhibitions, along with programs and activities exploring themes related to the land, rivers, and people of the region. Themes range from agriculture to fishing, heritage food, music, and Native Games days. The center was built in 2002 to commemorate the Lewis & Clark Bicentennial.