Over 215 years ago, Lewis and Clark led a historic expedition to the American West that “fired the imagination of the American people and made them feel the full sweep of the continent on which they lived.” Along with your tour manager and expert historian, Lou Ritten, retrace this epic journey from Illinois to the Oregon Coast.
- Experience three Lewis and Clark interpretive centers
- Travel along the scenic and Columbia Gorge
- Visit North Dakota Heritage Center
- Enjoy the Gates of the Mountain Boat Ride
- Visit Knife River National Historic Site
- Walk the Nez Perce National Historical Park
DAY 1: ST. JOSEPH MO
Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal “The mouth of the river Dubois is to be considered as the point of departure.” And just as the Lewis and Clark Expedition began, ours too will begin at Camp DuBois, the winter camp and launch point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. We will continue westward and across Missouri for an overnight stay in St. Joseph, Missouri. B, L
DAY 2: SIOUX CITY, NE
Visit the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to get a glimpse of the more than 300 flora and fauna discoveries made by explorers. Continue north to the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Headquarters before overnight in Sioux City, NE along the Missouri River. B, D
DAY 3: CHAMBERLAIN, SD
Travel into South Dakota, capture views at Spirit Mound where Clark wrote about the beauty of the land before a visit to Akta Lakota Museum for more interesting stories of his meetings with the Indians. B, D
DAY 4: BISMARCK, ND
Journey through Lower Brule, visiting significant Lewis and Clark sites along the way. Enjoy a catered dinner in North Dakota’s Heritage Center with time to browse its exhibits. Overnight in Bismarck. B, D
DAY 5: WILLISTON, ND
Trekking west visit Fort Mandan, where the expedition party spent a productive winter gathering information from the friendly Indians and recruited Charbonneau and his wife Sacagawea as interpreters. At Knife River National Historic Site see the reconstructed winter quarters and earthen lodges of the Northern Indians. Overnight in Williston, ND. B, L
DAY 6: GREAT FALLS, MT
Following the trail, cross Montana and stop at Fort Union – once the most important fur trading posts on the Upper Missouri River. See “Decision Point” where the Missouri and Marias Rivers meet (it took 9 days to determine the Marias was not the main branch of the Missouri River) and visit Fort Benton, the last stop for steamboats coming from St. Louis in the 1800’s! Unpack for 2 nights in Great Falls, MT. B, D
DAY 7: GREAT FALLS, MT
The Expedition took 32 days to portage equipment and canoes around five formidable falls in the area. Learn more about this challenge on our visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and the portage sites, followed by a visit to American western artist C. M. Russell’s Museum. B, D
DAY 8: MISSOULA, MT
Take a boat ride between giant cliffs cut by the Missouri River and visit Missouri Headwaters State Park. Care to climb a cliff and stand where Lewis saw the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers? Continue through the mountains in Shoshone territory where Lewis & Clark secured horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Missoula, MT. B, D
DAY 9: LEWISTON, ID
Travel along the Nez Perce Trail through the Bitterroot Range, the worst part of the journey for the expedition. Lunch and our personal expert guide at Three Devils brings history to life. Overnight in Lewiston, ID. B, L, D
DAY 10: RICHLAND, WA
Running out of food in what seemed like an endless sea of rugged mountains, the expedition encountered the helpful Nez Perce tribe. Visit Nez Perce National Historical Park before continuing our journey toward the Columbia River. Overnight in Richland, WA of the Tri-Cities. B, D
DAY 11: THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREA
Enter our final state, Oregon, and travel along the beautiful Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area while closely hugging the beautiful river. Unpack your bags for a two night stay in Astoria, OR. B, L
DAY 12: FORT CLATSOP
Enjoy the striking coastline of northern Oregon and visit a reconstruction of Fort Clatsop where the expedition spent the winter before returning home. B, L
DAY 13: RETURN HOME
Our flight home takes only several hours, a distance that took Lewis & Clark 6 months to travel! B
Dates:
- Departure: Aug 26, 2023
- Return: Sep 7, 2023
Pricing:
- Double: $3629
- Triple/Quad: $3289
- Single: $4429
*Price per person
Temperatures:
South Sioux City, NE: 84° / 62
Bismarck, ND: 80° / 56°
Willison, ND: 84° / 54°
Great Falls, MT: 84° / 53°
Missoula, MT: 84° / 51°
Richland, WA: 89° / 59°
Astoria, WA: 69° / 53°
Luggage:
Orange luggage tags are provided and are to be placed on your “checked luggage” (large bag). You do not need a tag for your carry-on bag, for which you will be responsible for taking on and off the coach. There is limited space in the cabin of the coach, so unless you require your carry-on bag while traveling, we will stow it in the luggage compartment.
Important Information:
Each reservation requires a $250 per person deposit planning fee (exceptions may apply) to be credited toward your final payment. Some or all of your deposit may be non-refundable per our cancellation schedule noted in these Terms & Conditions below. We are happy to accept cash, check (preferred) or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Discover) for your deposit.
Throughout 2021 we limited capacity on all our tours. This policy was so overwhelmingly popular by Sunrise travelers, we have made it permanent. In 2022 and beyond, we will limit the capacity on our tours to 80%.
Our popular on-board refreshment service on travel days will feature a variety of soda, beer, wine spritzers, juices and sparkling water choices served in recyclable aluminum cans. This is a safe and eco-conscious way for us to deliver the ever-popular Sunrise Tours “happy hour” on tour. We do not typically serve bottled water and ask that while on tour you be responsible for your own hydration and consider the Sunrise Tours drink service a welcome refreshment.
Terms and Conditions:
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
