Betty Strong Encounter Center: A Cultural Crossroads
Explore the history of encounters at this free cultural center connected to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa.
The Betty Strong Encounter Center, opened in 2007, serves as a vital extension to the Sioux City Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center. Together, the two centers form a 20,000-square-foot complex dedicated to commemorating the history of encounters that have shaped the region. The Encounter Center's mission is to explore the stories of how diverse people live together and how they care for the land, the Missouri River, and other natural resources. Through its exhibits and programs, the center aims to foster understanding and peace among people who were in the area before Lewis and Clark, those who came after, and those who continue to call the region home. The 10,000-square-foot Encounter Center features galleries that host free photo and art exhibitions, as well as an activity room, an amphitheater, and areas for outdoor games and events. The Stanley Evans Auditorium within the center hosts lectures, music and theater programs, movies, and panel discussions. A corridor called “The River Connection” displays maps and images of the Missouri River. The center offers a diverse range of programs and activities that explore themes such as agriculture, fishing, heritage food and music and Native American games.
Local tips
- Admission to the Betty Strong Encounter Center is free.
- Check the center's schedule for free programs, events, and temporary exhibits.
- Visit the adjacent Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center to learn about the Corps of Discovery's time in the Sioux City area.
A brief summary to Betty Strong Encounter Center
- Sioux City, Iowa, 51101, US
- Visit website
- Tuesday 10 am-5 pm
- Wednesday 10 am-5 pm
- Thursday 10 am-5 pm
- Friday 10 am-5 pm
- Saturday 10 am-5 pm
- Sunday 12:30 pm-4 pm
Getting There
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Walking
The Betty Strong Encounter Center is located at 900 Larsen Park Road in Sioux City, easily accessible from other attractions along the Missouri Riverfront. From the Sioux City Public Museum, head east along Pearl Street, then turn north onto Larsen Park Road. The Encounter Center will be on your left, connected to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center.
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Public Transport
Sioux City Transit provides bus service throughout the city. Check the Sioux City Transit website for the most up-to-date route information and schedules to reach the Encounter Center. From the Martin Luther King Jr. Transportation Center downtown, you can catch a bus that stops near Larsen Park Road. A single ride fare is typically $1.75.
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Driving
The Betty Strong Encounter Center is located just off I-29, Exit 149. Follow Larsen Park Road to 900 Larsen Park Road. Parking is available, and metered parking is enforced Monday - Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Metered parking is free in the evenings and on weekends. You can also use the ParkMobile app to pay for parking.
Attractions Nearby to Betty Strong Encounter Center
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Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
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Sergeant Floyd River Museum
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Flight 232 Memorial
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Anderson Dance Pavilion
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Buffalo Mural
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Cook Park
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LaunchPAD Children's Museum
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Sioux City Art Center
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Sioux City Public Museum
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W7th Corridor Hanbok Mural by Royyal Dog
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Cathedral of the Epiphany
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Chris Larsen City Park
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Dinosaur Park
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Dale Street Park
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Grandview Park Bandshell
Landmarks nearby to Betty Strong Encounter Center
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Visit Sioux City
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United 232
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Explore Siouxland
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South Dakota-Iowa-Nebraska Point
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Missouri River Trail Marker
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Chief War Eagle's Grave Historical Marker
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John Peirce Mansion
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Sioux City's First White Settler Historical Marker
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Where is Santa
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Union Grove State Park
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Spirit Mound State Historic Prairie
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Big Sioux Park
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Dutch American Heritage Museum
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Newton Hills State Park
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Loess Hills State Forest Visitor Center