Lewis and Clark in the Loess Hills of Western Iowa
"Your…mission is to explore the Missouri River… Take observations… Make yourself acquainted with the names of nations and their numbers… Worthy of notice will be the soil, the face of the country… its growth and vegetables… the animals… and the minerals." - Thomas Jefferson, to Capt. Meriwether Lewis, commissioning the Voyage of Discovery, 1803.
 |
Captains Meriwether Lewis and William Clark called their 50-foot long boat a keelboat. Able to hold 12 tons of provisions and 28 men, this picturesque keelboat has been replicated in its full size and glory at Lewis & Clark State Park near Onawa, Iowa. Along with the keelboat 'Discovery', two pirogues, which are smaller and lighter, were constructed by volunteers interested in the history of Lewis and Clark and their exploration of the western portion of our country. |
Visitors to the park marvel at how the rugged structure would have navigated the swirling muddy Missouri in the early 1800s. Using poles and oars, the explorers must have been forced to travel along the banks of the mighty river, much of the time.
Most days you will find 'Buffalo Bill' Sanders near the boats telling visitors about the history of that era when our country was being explored by these famous travelers. He makes an interesting figure, dressed in the buffalo skin clothing typical of that time period.
The Loess Hills Hospitality Association plans full day itineraries for motorcoaches ~ full of visitors that are eager to learn how America's westward expansion impacted the wildlife wilderness and the native prairies of the Loess Hills. Their trained Step-on Guides tell the stories of the expedition as they took place in this area near the Missouri River and Loess Hills. One of the highlights of the visitor's tour is enjoying a home-cooked meal hosted by local Churches and Organizations who love to share their hospitality.
Visitors who come to the Loess Hills of Western Iowa in their own vehicles are anxious to walk in the footsteps of those historic explorers ~ Lewis and Clark.
See the keelboat 'Discovery' and the pirogues at Lewis & Clark State Park, near Onawa and to find more information about attractions in the Loess Hills, contact the Loess Hills Hospitality Association at 712) 886-5441 or on the web at http://www.loesshillstours.com.