Eastern Missouri Road Trip

Lewis and Clark Trail

President Thomas Jefferson ordered Captain Meriwether Lewis to seek an all-water route spanning the continent. The plan was to follow the Missouri River up to its source, search for a connection with the Columbia River and then follow it downstream to the Pacific Ocean. The Lewis and Clark Expedition set out from St. Louis in a keelboat and two pirogues, laden with scientific instruments, arms, food and presents for the native tribes they were to encounter. As they pulled out of St. Charles, Missouri, then a town of some one hundred families, they cut themselves off from all forms of civilization as they knew it.

An Excellent Idea For a Family Vacation

There are many prime vacation spots hosting a plethora of recreational activities in the region where Lewis and Clark’s great adventure began. Whether it is fishing, hiking, children’s workshops, bird watching, camping, boating, or picnicking, you can be sure to find excellent venues for your road trip. RV parks are readily available, too!

The first location on the historic trail blazed by Lewis and Clark is at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site at Camp River Dubois is located on the Illinois shore. Visitors can see a 55 ft. full-scale replica of the keel boat that was used by Lewis and Clark. Camp River Dubois is open for free public tours featuring exhibits on Illinois as well as the complete expedition.

Fly Fishing for Expert and Beginner

Reel’em in at both the August A. Busch and the Runge Conservation Nature Centers! Cat fishing, fly fishing (learn knots and casting), trout fishing, and much more is available for your enjoyment. Learn how to age a fish using an enormous fish scale as well as how and why fish are tagged. There are a number of rivers and streams for you to explore.

Hiking Trails for the Curious

Take your family on a nature hike at the August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center and get to know the flora and fauna native to this rich environment or you can travel in the same footsteps as the famous explorer on the Lewis hike. Binder Park also features both hiking and bike trails. Boone’s Lick State Historic Site hosts a short trail that winds up to the spring, where the remains of wood salt works and an iron kettle can be found.

Wildlife Conservation

You can track a river otter with a special device as you learn about marshes and see a rare swamp rabbit swim at the Runge Conservation Nature Center’s wetlands. Runge features a prairie plot, glades (openings in forests where the soil is thin and the bedrock lies at the surface), agricultural lands where you can visit with the barn owls and bobwhite quail, forests, and even caves! There is also a humongous 2,400 gallon aquarium displaying the underwater wildlife of the region.

Recreational Parks

Binder Park boasts a gorgeous lake, three lighted softball fields, numerous picnic sites, and two sand volleyball courts. The lake is equipped with a handicap-accessible fishing pier and a boat ramp (provided by the Department of Conservation). Accomodations include an 18-site full hook-up RV campground with laundry, showers, and a playground. There is also a covered deck that can be used for picnics overlooking the lake which rents as a shelter and can fit groups or up to 75 people.

Natural Wonders

As Lewis and Clark toured through Missouri in 1804, they reported many saltwater springs in the area. The largest salt spring they came upon was the Boone’s Lick. Boone’s Lick State Historic Site is now home to 52-acres featuring picnic facilities, a short trail, and of course the spring site, itself!

Experience the Historic Journey

On Monday, May 14, 1804, the Expedition, under Clark's command, left Camp River Dubois on the east side of the Mississippi River and sailed up the Missouri River, beginning their voyage of discovery. As you visit the Lewis and Clark State Park, August A. Busch Conservation Nature Center, Runge Conservation Nature Center, Binder Park, and Boone’s Lick State Historic Site, it is easy to imagine the excitement of these explorers beginning their adventure and famous journey.

For owners of an RV, Camper, Motorhome, Trailer or Fifth Wheel