Places to Visit in Missouri

The historic trails passed through this area in the field that is directly across from the National Frontier Trails Museum. Evidence of the trails can still be seen in the field in the form of swales, which marks the exact route used by emigrants as they traveled westward. The museum is currently temporarily located at 416 W. Maple Ave., Independence, MO 64050.

The Arrow Rock State Historic Site visitors’ center opened in 1991 and features nearly 9,000 square feet of exhibit space. The center interprets the history of Arrow Rock and the central Missouri region historically known as “Boone’s Lick Country.” You can watch a 20-minute video “Arrow Rock: Frontier Town of the Boone’s Lick” an introduction and overview of the community.

Established in 1957, the Trail of Tears State Park stands in memoriam to one of the most tragic events in American history. In 1830, the United States Congress passed the Indian Removal Act. This law required native tribes to vacate their ancestral lands and relocate to reservations in Oklahoma, then simply called Indian Territory.

Fort Osage is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Fort Osage, one of the first military outposts of the Louisiana Territory, was established by Clark in 1808. The Corps of Discovery first passed through the area on June 23, 1804, although no mention regarding the site’s suitability for a fort was noted in the journals.

Travel to St. Charles, Missouri and you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time to the early 19th century. The original state capital of Missouri, the picturesque town is filled with living history. Located about 25 miles northwest of downtown St. Louis, St. Charles played a significant role in the Lewis and Clark story. One of the highest ranked attractions in St. Charles is the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, located right along the Missouri River.

On June 7, 1804, the Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through the area of modern day Rocheport, Missouri. Clark noted this area in his journal: “. . . a Short distance above the mouth of [a] Creek, is Several Courious paintings and carving on the projecting rock of Limestone inlade with white red & blue flint, of a verry good quallity, the Indians have taken of this flint great quantities."

Arrow Rock was notable in the journeys that opened the West, beginning with the Lewis and Clark Expedition on June 9, 1804. Clark noted Arrow Rock Bluff and the party's experience in his journal:

Sugar Loaf Rock is a High Potential Historic Site on the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The hilltop mound described by Clark remains extant, and the summit of Sugar Loaf Rock overlooks a sweeping vista of the river valley.

The American Indian & History Galleries of the St. Joseph Museum feature American Indian items from 10 cultural regions and pre-history items from area archaeological excavations. The American Indian Gallery’s featured exhibit is “Lines & Legacies – The Harry L. George Collection,” which is one of the largest collections of American Indian items in Missouri. The collection includes archaeological items, pottery, baskets, blankets, pipes, clothing, and accessories.

Visit the Missouri State Capitol and nearby environs to experience the Lewis & Clark Trail. You can start your visit at the Missouri State Capitol. First, examine the Capitol grounds. Just a half-block east of the Capitol, you can visit the Lewis and Clark KATY Trailhead Plaza. The plaza features statues of Meriwether Lewis, William Clark, York, George Druillard, and Lewis’ dog Seaman. The plaza commemorates June 4, 1804, when the expedition camped in the area.