Let's Go Adventuring!

With all of the attractions dedicated to the Lewis and Clark journey scattered through St. Louis, you could spend an entire day touring those sites. There are also several attractions related to the famous Route 66. Across the river in Illinois is the Cahokia Mounds site.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site
This site on the Lewis and Clark Trail is the spot where the Corps of Discovery wintered for 5 months before they began the journey West. The site has a relatively new interperative center that focuses on the entire journey, but places special emphasis on the five months spent at Camp River Dubois. The inside of the center holds many exciting artifacts and relics, and also features a keel boat that resembles the ones used by Lewis and Clark. The keel boat is, in essence, cut in half so that you can see the inside and view exactly how the Corps packed their supplies during the watery legs of the journey.

Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center
If you are interested in the way that Lewis and Clark and their Corps of Discovery made it up the Mighty Mississippi River, then stop by the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center. Here you can see replicas of a keel boat and two pirogues used by the men during their harrowing journey. In addition to these attractions, there are several exhibits dedicated to the journey itself and the people that Lewis and Clark met along the way. Another exhibit is focused on the ecosystems of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers and the plants and animals that live there. Upstairs in the facility there is artwork dedicated to the journey and even a classroom, making this an ideal spot for school field trips.

Cahokia Mounds Historic Site
Located right across the Mississippi River from St. Louis is perhaps one of the most significant archeological and historic sites related to Native Americans in the entire United States. Cahokia is a collection of mounds and other artifacts that suggest this was the site of the first functioning large Native American city in present day America. There is a museum and interpretive center dedicated to the archaeology of the site which also houses artifacts found in the area. There are also several trails that visitors can walk and see the mounds for themselves. Though many of the mounds have been destroyed over the years, the area is now being protected and excavated.

Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
This innovative bridge was used early in the 20th century as a throughway from St. Louis, MO to Edwardsville, IL. Built in 1929, the innovative design features a 90 degree bend in the bridge, which was built to accommodate boats passing over the bride. The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge became part of the famous Rt. 66 and was used until a new bridge was constructed in 1968.