Lewis And Clark: Landscape, History and Culture

Landscape and History

Lewis and Clark County includes sections of the Rocky Mountain Front and the Continental Divide, as well as parts of the Big Belt Mountains and the Missouri River. Sections of the Old North Trail and the River Road to the Buffalo are also part of the regional landscape. Together, these features bring mountain landscapes, a river and named routes into focus as distinct aspects of the destination. The county has its own history: the area that became Lewis and Clark County was established in Montana Territory in 1864 and renamed in 1868 after the Lewis and Clark Expedition.

Museums and Art

The History Center of the Lewis and Clark County Historical Society is located in the historic Steamboat Block in downtown Helena. Check opening hours before you travel if you plan to visit. The Montana Military Museum features exhibits on the origins of the Special Forces, the Lewis and Clark Expedition, and U.S. Army operations.

The Holter opened in 1987 to give the Helena community the opportunity to experience contemporary art in central Montana. It presents 25 to 30 rotating exhibitions each year. The Montana Homeland Gallery explores more than 13,000 years of Montana history, from the Ice Age to the present. The museum topics described here therefore range from the expedition and military history to contemporary art and the state’s long history.

Gardens and Visitor Experiences

Tizer Botanic Gardens & Arboretum includes 14 distinct gardens. The Archie Bray Foundation for the Ceramic Arts was founded in 1951 on the site of the former Western Clay Manufacturing Company. Its public offerings include classes, gallery visits, retail, self-guided tours and organized group visits. Since visitor programs may change, check what is currently offered in advance.

River, Trail and Winter Area

Spring Meadow Lake State Park is located on the western edge of Helena. Montana WILD has an aquarium with live fish from Montana and offers free programs to the public. Lincoln is near the Bob Marshall Wilderness and the Scapegoat Wilderness. Lincoln is also associated with the Blackfoot River, designated a Blue Ribbon river.

Meriwether Lewis named the landmark Gates of the Mountains during the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Meriwether Canyon Trail (253) leads into the Gates of the Mountains Wilderness Area; it is 6.0 miles long and rated moderate.

Gates of the Mountains Boat Tours offers a 120-minute boat trip departing from its own marina. The tour’s scenic character includes wooded slopes, rugged rock formations and the Missouri River. The site also has a public boat ramp. Since tour details may change, check the current seasonal schedule before your visit.

Meriwether Picnic Area is located on the Missouri River and has a picnic shelter, fire rings, restrooms and drinking water. Check these facilities before you travel. Great Divide Ski Area is located on the Continental Divide and has 127 runs across three mountain peaks and three different valleys. Since ski area information may change, check the latest details as you plan your trip.

Search for Hotels by Travel Interest

When looking for hotels in Lewis and Clark County, you can use your travel interests as a first filter: museums and history, art and gardens, or outdoor activities such as a trail, a boat tour and the ski area.

Discover more destinations: Helena, Valley County, Custer County, Missoula County, Prairie County, Broadwater, Phillips County, Madison County

For the broader travel overview: Montana.