Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, Great Falls, Montana

by The Perkins
(RV Travel with Kids)

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls, Montana, is a must-do activity when you're in the area. Situated on the Missouri River at the entrance to Giant Springs State Park, the Interpretive Center is part of the National Parks System. You can use your America the Beautiful Annual Pass to bypass admission.

The Interpretive Center features tons of information on Lewis and Clark's journey through this area of the country. There are several different videos on different aspects of the journey, as well as talks by Rangers. We sat through one on a contemporary of Lewis and Clark, Pike, whom Pike's Peak in Colorado is named after. It was quite interesting!

The museum portion of the Interpretive Center is hands-on, allowing you to touch artifacts, and even put on costumes worn by cavalry, Native Americans, and trappers. That was the kids' favorite spot!

They also had an alternative to the Junior Ranger program there, allowing the kids to earn a patch (which I personally prefer to the pins). The gift shop did not honor my association discount card.

A sort walk from the center you can enter the state park and view the Missouri River and the series of waterfalls that were so daunting to the expedition.

Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center