Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail Along the Nebraska/Iowa Riverfront

The Lewis & Clark Interpretive Trail tells the story of the Lewis & Clark Expedition at sites in Nebraska and Iowa. The sites are located in 16 parks and public spaces along the Riverfront Trails, in Council Bluffs, Iowa and from Bellevue, Nebraska, through Omaha to Boyer Chute National Wildlife Refuge in Nebraska, stretching 40 river miles. The interpretation focuses on the Expedition in the Middle Missouri area, sharing stories about the members of the Expedition, the tribes the Expedition searched for and met with, and the activities and experiences of the Expedition. It also describes the Missouri River at the time of Lewis and Clark and how the river has changed over 200 years.

Most of the exhibits include original artwork, significant historic art and historic and modern photographs. Several of the exhibits include recordings by Otoe-Missouria and Omaha tribal members and by professional actors portraying expedition members through excerpts from the journals and letters.

Icon sculptures embellished with original artwork serve as beacons, drawing visitors to the interpretive sites in Omaha and Council Bluffs. The provided a canvas for regional artists to interpret facets of the Expedition. At Haworth Park, in Bellevue Nebraska, 700 children are the storytellers, interpreting their view of the Lewis & Clark expedition at the Children’s Lewis & Clark Artwall.

The trail was completed in Summer 2004.

The Omaha World Herald published two storys, " A Journey in art" and "New Trail combines history, art" in their July 19, 2004 editions.