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

Walk in the footsteps of Lewis and Clark, explore Native American history, and witness the breathtaking views at this Missouri historic site.

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Explore the historical Clark's Hill/Norton State Historic Site in Osage City, Missouri, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition once camped. Hike the trail to see Native American burial mounds and witness the vista where William Clark viewed the confluence of the Missouri and Osage rivers.

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 and humidity.
  • Bring comfortable shoes for the half-mile hiking trail.
  • Take time to read the interpretive signs along the trail to learn about the history and natural environment of the area.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    From Jefferson City, head east on US-50. Turn north onto Route J. Follow Route J, and you will see signs for the historic site. The site is located at 1816 Osage Hickory Street, Osage City, MO 65101. There is parking available at the site.

  • 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. Ensure you wear comfortable shoes and prepare for a good walk.

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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. This 13-acre site preserves a campsite used by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1804, as well as a lookout point where William Clark surveyed the junction of the Osage and Missouri rivers. The site was donated to the state in 2002 by Jefferson City residents William and Carol Norton and opened to the public in 2004, coinciding with the bicentennial of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Visitors can walk in the footsteps of these famous explorers, gaining insight into their experiences and the landscape they encountered. A half-mile trail leads to the top of the riverside bluff, offering scenic views. Along the way, discover five Native American burial mounds, remnants of the area's early inhabitants. These mounds, dating back to the Late Woodland period (600-900 BCE), provide a glimpse into the ancient cultures that once thrived here. The trail culminates at an overlook platform, offering a view of the Missouri and Osage rivers. Although the actual confluence has shifted approximately six miles downstream since Clark's time, the wooded character of the river valley remains largely undisturbed.

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