While visiting Lewis and Clark, please take the opportunity to view the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat/barge, "Best Friend," which was constructed by Butch Bouvier of L&C Replicas. Imagine, if you can, the expedition winding its way up the Missouri River while sailing, pulling and poling the 55-foot boat.

Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meanderings of the picturesque Missouri River many years ago.

The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and Captain William Clark, United States Army, who were commissioned by President Jefferson in 1804 to head an expedition into the northwest to explore the vast territory purchased from France. With 26 men and supplies, Lewis and Clark led their expedition up the Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat.

On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent some time there exploring the region and making observations on the geographical conditions, plants and animals in the area. Today, thousands of people visit the park every year for outdoor recreation and to learn a little bit more about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park has been designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by the National Park Service.

The 250 acres of Blue Lake offer a variety of water-oriented recreational opportunities. The beach is a fine place for sunbathing and swimming. One double boat ramp is available for easy lake access. No restrictions are placed on motor size. The lake has been eradicated for a fisheries renovation. Excellent fishing opportunities should be available in a few years.

Lewis and Clark FestivalIn 1984, the first annual Lewis and Clark Festival was held at Lewis and Clark State park near Onawa, the site of an 1804 Lewis and Clark encampment. The June festival features movies about the 1804 expedition, buckskinners in frontier dress, bluegrass music and historic presentations. A major attraction is the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat, Discovery, constructed by local volunteers and park staff.

The Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The 112 campsites, 100 with electrical hookups and 12 with full hook-up, lie along the lakeshore. Modern rest rooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.

The lodge at Lewis and Clark is a fine place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lodge may be reserved for a fee.