09/05/2026
Here is Part 2 of a great adventure on the Lewis and Clark Expedition Road Trip.
Are you a history buff looking for an adventure? Let us at JoWa Adventures help you plan your next history adventure.
The Lewis & Clark Expedition Road Trip
An Epic Modern Adventure from the Great River to the Pacific
Experience the history and adventure of the Lewis & Clark Expedition, following the westbound path of the historic Corps of Discovery from St. Louis, MO to Seaside, OR—all on an incredible road trip created with purpose for today’s highways.
The Lower Missouri River
St. Louis to Omaha Road Trip
The Lower Missouri River road trip begins in St. Louis and follows the Missouri River north through historic departure sites, bluff-top overlooks, and river towns before reaching Omaha. Along the way, stops like Gateway Arch National Park, Camp Dubois, Hermann, Jefferson City, and St. Joseph connect the modern route to the expedition’s opening miles. Scenic stretches along the corridor highlight the powerful current that shaped early exploration. This minimum two-day Midwest drive offers manageable mileage, strong historical context, and an easy introduction to the Lewis & Clark route.
Across the Great Plains
Omaha to Pierre Road Trip
This road trip across the Great Plains begins in Omaha and follows the Missouri River basin north through Sioux City, Yankton, and Chamberlain before reaching Pierre. Along the way, stops like Ponca State Park, the Sergeant Floyd Monument, and river viewpoints near Chamberlain connect the route to the expedition’s steady push upstream. The landscape opens into wide prairie horizons, where longer highway stretches and quiet overlooks emphasize the scale of the Plains. This minimum two-day drive offers big-sky scenery, and a clear transition from wooded river valleys to the expansive terrain that defined the Corps of Discovery’s early journey west.
The Upper Missouri River
Pierre to Minot Road Trip
The Upper Missouri River stretch of the Lewis & Clark Expedition road trip from Pierre to Minot centers on the Corps of Discovery’s winter encampment near present-day Bismarck. Following U.S. 83 north through central South Dakota and North Dakota, the route connects prairie landscapes with key stops like Fort Abraham Lincoln State Park and Fort Mandan. Here, the journey slows, allowing time to explore reconstructed earth lodges, river access points, and the surrounding landscape where the Corps prepared for the western push. This minimum three-day chapter shifts to deeper immersion and a more reflective stretch of the Lewis & Clark route.
Along the Yellowstone River
Minot to Billings Road Trip
This part of the adventure along the Yellowstone River traverses the northern Plains west from Minot into Montana, before turning toward the Yellowstone River corridor and Billings. Along the way, stops include Fort Union Trading Post, the Missouri-Yellowstone confluence, and Pompeys Pillar, where William Clark carved his name in 1806. The route blends wide-open prairie driving with meaningful historic landmarks tied directly to the expedition’s westward and return journeys. This minimum two-day chapter introduces a stronger sense of movement again, bridging the northern Plains with the rugged landscapes of eastern Montana.
Headwaters & Continental Divide
Billings to Missoula Road Trip
The Billings to Missoula road trip follows the Yellowstone River upstream to its headwaters before crossing the Continental Divide into western Montana. Stops include Missouri Headwaters State Park, where the river officially begins, along with Bozeman and Butte, key waypoints along the route. As the terrain shifts from open valleys to mountain passes, the drive reflects the expedition’s increasing challenges in navigating the Rocky Mountains. Expect at least two days on the road to fully experience the headwaters and high-elevation landscapes. This penultimate chapter combines scenic driving with major milestones, marking the transition from prairie to alpine terrain.
Columbia River to the Pacific
Missoula to Seaside Road Trip
The final chapter follows the route from Missoula across Idaho and Oregon to the Pacific Ocean at Astoria. You’ll trace the Bitterroot Mountains via Lolo Pass before descending into the Columbia River basin, where the landscape shifts dramatically from dense forest to wide river valleys. Stops include the Columbia River Gorge and Fort Clatsop, where the expedition spent the winter of 1805–1806. Expect at least three days to experience this stretch at a comfortable pace, with time to explore both mountain and river corridor highlights. The last leg of this epic adventure ends at the Pacific Ocean, completing the full westward journey of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.
Contact us for more details on this great trip. It will be an adventure of a lifetime and we at JoWa Adventures want to send you on it.
