Background

Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site: A Vista into Missouri's Past

Explore Lewis & Clark history, Native American mounds, and scenic river views at this Jefferson City historic site.

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Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark at Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site in Jefferson City, Missouri. Explore Native American burial mounds and ascend to the viewpoint where William Clark surveyed the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers in 1804.

A brief summary to Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site

Local tips

  • Visit during the spring or fall for the best weather and to avoid the summer heat.
  • Wear comfortable shoes for the half-mile hiking trail to the overlook.
  • Bring binoculars for enhanced views of the Missouri and Osage rivers.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From downtown Jefferson City, head east on US-50, then turn north onto Route J. Follow the signs for Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site. The site is located at 1816 Osage Hickory Street. Parking is available at the trailhead.

  • Walking

    For those already in Jefferson City, you can walk from the bus station. Head south on Missouri Boulevard, then turn onto Osage Hickory Street. The site will be a short walk from there, located at 1816 Osage Hickory St.

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Discover more about Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site

Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site, located on the eastern edge of Jefferson City, Missouri, offers a unique blend of natural beauty and historical significance. The site preserves a campsite used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, when the group camped at the base of the hill between June 1st and June 3rd. On June 2nd, William Clark climbed the hill and documented the vista, including the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers. The site also contains American Indian burial mounds dating back to the Late Woodland period (BCE 600-900). These mounds provide a glimpse into the lives of the people who inhabited the area long before Lewis and Clark's expedition. A half-mile trail leads visitors past these mounds to the overlook where Clark stood, offering interpretive signs along the way. While the confluence of the rivers has shifted approximately six miles downstream since 1804, the views from Clark's Hill remain relatively unspoiled. The site's 13 acres were donated to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 2002 by William and Carol Norton, opening to the public in 2004. Today, visitors can immerse themselves in history and nature, enjoying the trails and scenic views.

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