Camp Dubois

Here at the mouth of the River Dubois, where the Mississippi and Missouri rivers meet, is the official point of departure for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After months of preparation at Camp River Dubois, the explorers set sail on May 14, 1804, heading west on their voyage of discovery. Follow their epic journey through exhibits at the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site, located at the expedition’s camp area in Hartford, Illinois. Displays include a 55-foot full scale replica of the keelboat used by the party, and an outdoor reconstruction of the river camp, along with journals, drawings, maps and other documents tracing the journey. The boat, with a mast topping 30 feet, is cut in half, allowing visitors to see the interior. Films and exhibits explore the history of the expedition, the Louisiana Purchase, camp life, and the supplies, tools and equipment the men brought along.