Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center

I had been to so many other Lewis and Clark sites, and so I did not budget much time for this one. I thought it would be the same old, same old, right? Well, about half of the building is dedicated to Lewis and Clark's journey, and the other half is the Betty Strong Encounter Center which has more artwork and local subjects. I spent a surprising amount of time here.I really like how some of the exhibits discusses Sergeant Floyd's death, which was previously glossed over. I only knew that he was the only death on the trial, but I never knew the circumstances. There's a nearby obelisk that also memorializes his death if you want to further explore the history.

While visiting Sioux City Iowa, I decided to spend half of the day just getting to know the area and exploring so I ended up over at the Lewis and Clark interpretive center. This was amazing and it is a must see for anyone who is wanting to know a little bit about our history in America and a lot about Sioux City. The exhibits are fantastic, the building is gorgeous as is the setting out on the riverfront. There are also lots of other places surrounding it that are locals and tourists alike. There is a dry docked boat museum next-door and there is also a cultural center attached to Lewis and Clark building that is a must as well!! All the way in addition, multimillion dollar improvement done to their waterfront area here that's in that same section. Park your car in their ample parking lot and start walking.

My son and I killed some time here before we checked into the hotel. The museum is free which is nice. What was a disturbing is the video which Clark is narrating in costume refers to Indiginous People as "injuns". The buttons you push to hear the person speak were lifelike. Lewis and Clark also had people beat and whip a person who was asked the leave the expedition. The museum was pretty small. It's alright to kill about 30 minutes time.

Oh man, was this an awesome surprise! If you are travelling through the area and you have at least 30 mins to spare, don't pass this up.The natural surroundings are really pretty. It is located in a perfect spot that is close to the river, bke trail, Hilton Garden Inn, and the exit from the Hwy. Take some time to walk around and admire the bronze statues and beautiful oak trees.Once inside, be sure to check out both wings of the center. The east wing seems to have more temporary exhibits, but the North/West wing has all of the permanent exhibits. Be sure to have your kids check out the animitronic exhibits, they were actually quite cool. We stopped here to kill some time but ended up staying for 45 minutes and really enjoyed our whole experience. It is well suited to kids and adults, and the staff couldn't be friendlier.

Very good for the kids, they'll have activities to do while interacting with the center. You don't need a guide and it's free! Pleas leave a donation in one of the designated boxes... This is such a great thing for the community!

An interesting overview of the Corps of Discovery. A good collection of artifacts, and replicas in a small but welcoming space. The animatronic of Jefferson is very realistic. The price is free and worth a stop.

One of my favorite places to visit. I brought my mother in law and she loved it too. I love their new exhibit to their story. It's definitely a must visit and it's free. Plenty for kids to see and do along with adults. You don't have to worry about it being for just adults or just kids. The Betty Strong Center is great too.

Great peak into history. Friendly staff. Lots of great event.Fun for the entire family. Also has a cool garden area.

nice but I was expecting a lot more detail. the animatronics were very annoying because they were too loud and more than one could be heard at the same timeyou only need 30 minutes

We visited in March over Spring Break. Great information from the two folks at the welcome desks at both ends. The man working the Lewis and Clark end on March 23rd was great! Kids get a booklet to stamp at each of the exhibits explaining Lewis and Clark's trip and especially relevant to Sioux City history, Sergeant Floyd's death. Great exhibits. I felt the rest of the museum paled a little bit by comparison. There was one room comprised of an exhibit on photos of drive in theaters, a hallway devoted to pictures of native children and another exhibit of native service men. All were fine but they were also just photos. They didn't really show the lives of these people. One excellent part of the exhibit was a video theater describing the Blackfeet/Expedition meeting that resulted in deaths. It was a sobering counterpoint to the celebration of Lewis and Clark and might be a little intense for younger viewers. I enjoyed it and it didn't upset my eleven year old. He wasn't aware it had happened. This is a free site so take the family and spend an hour or so. Right on the riverfront. Make sure and take a picture with 30ft tall Lewis and Clark.