Historic Sights Along the Lewis & Clark Trail
Adams Homestead and Nature Preserve: At Adams Nature Preserve, you can see one of the last free-
flowing segments of the Missouri River. Miles of hiking and biking trails crisscross the preserve. Located near Nor th Sioux City.
Site of First Election West of the Mississippi: Following the death of Sgt. Floyd, Captains Meriwether Lewis and
William Clark needed a sergeant to replace him. A vote was held August 22, 1804. Patrick Gass received 19 votes in what is believed to be the first election by U.S. citizens west of the Mississippi. This election was held where the town of Elk Point now stands.
Spirit Mound: Local tribes believed that 18-inch devils, armed with arrows,
inhabited this prairie hill. The story sparked Lewis and Clark’s interest, and on Aug. 25, 1804, they set off on foot to investigate. The men hiked for 4 hours, but at the top, the infamous devils were nowhere to be found. However, the explorers did see an incredible sight: a herd of buffalo, nearly 800 of them, grazed in the distance. Spirit Mound Historic Prairie is located 6 miles nor th of Vermillion on Hwy. 19. It features a 3/4 mile hiking trail to summit with interpre- tive signage and 300 acres of prairie currently restored to original grasses and wildflowers.
Lewis and Clark Visitor Center: On Aug. 30, 1804 the expedition held its first council with the
Yankton Sioux. The explorers presented the Yanktons with gifts of tobacco, flags and medals. The Yanktons prepared a feast. The
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Lewis and Clark Visitor Center is a great place to learn more about the expedition, the tribes they encountered and the river itself. Built on a bluff overlooking Lewis and Clark Lake and the Gavins Point Dam, the center offers incredible photo oppor tunities. Located on Hwy. 52 west of Yankton. To reach the Visitor Center, take the bridge across Gavins Point Dam.
Running Water: On Sept. 2, 1806, on their return trip, Lewis and Clark met up
with a group of Yankton Sioux and after realizing they were friends, smoked several pipes and exchanged news. Standing Bear Bridge now spans the Missouri connecting South Dakota and Nebraska near that site. A scenic lookout offers a breathtaking view of the river.
Interpretive Panels: The Lewis & Clark Trail is a driving route that follows the Missouri
River. Interpretive panels along the way mark sites of interest.
Top: First Election by U.S. Citizens West of the Mississippi
Left: Spirit Mound, near Vermillion
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