Lewis & Clark Departure Day Celebration

With three cannon shots and a hearty “Huzzah!”, the Lewis & Clark Expedition departed St. Charles 222 years ago this May. Join us on the Missouri River Banks May 16th as we commemorate the launch of their expedition and celebrate America’s 250th anniversary. See our remarkable full-size replica of their largest boat up close, tour the museum, witness re-enactors demonstrate the skills of yesteryear and enjoy a full slate of programs and activities geared toward all ages.

7am to 10am Hometown Half Marathon, 5k and 10k

Choose your distance and follow the Missouri River on this out and back timed run, with plenty of goodies and good times along the way. Location: Boat House parking lot (Museum will open at 10 am) Register here.

10am Museum opens with discounted admission
($5 adults/$3 children under 17)

Consistently ranked in the Top 3 attractions in St. Charles, the Lewis & Clark Boathouse and Museum is an official stop on the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail and features full-size replica boats, films and docents offering a deep-dive into the historic and dramatic expedition.

11am Departure Day Festivities Begin

Special FREE exhibits include up-close viewing of our Keelboat, the pride of our fleet. Meet some of the re-enactors who traveled the full distance of the expedition from 2003-2006. Location: Boat House Driveway.

Re-enactors camp, with demonstrations of traditional skills, clothing and weapons of the Lewis & Clark era. (To register for camping, contact the museum at 636-947-3199).

The Revolutionary War in St. Charles and Tracing Your Heritage
St. Louis Chapter, National Daughters of the Revolution Meet local chapter members, view a diorama of the Revolutionary War Location: Holton Education Center, Upstairs Saint Charles Chapter, NSDAR – St. Charles, Missouri

The Journey Continues Film Series
Check out the premier of the series of short films commemorating key moments in the early days of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Produced by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles it brings the people and events of the expedition to life, including the arrival and departure of the Corp of Discovery from St. Charles.

Rides on the Voyageur Canoe (Departing 11:30, 1:30 and 3 p.m.)
Join Big Muddy Adventures for guided excursions on their large “voyageur” style canoe. Experience the Missouri River like the old timers did! Purchase tickets at the Boat House gift shop. $15 donation for adults, $10 for children. Departing from Boat Ramp.

Fishing for Catfish in the MIssouri River
You wouldn’t believe the lunkers that have been reeled in right by the Boat House. Get tips and suggestions from some of our regulars. On the riverbank.

ALL DAY: Food, gift shop, museum scavenger hunts, photo opportunities and Junior Ranger for kids.

SCHEDULED EVENTS
11am and 11:45am Lewis & Clark Fife & Drum Corps

Hear traditional American tunes of the Revolutionary War played by talented young people on the instruments of the era. The uniforms and songs are a great way to experience the celebrations of yesteryear.

1pm Author Conversation and Book Signing
Uncharted Moments: Love, Legacy and the Lewis & Clark Trail by Jeffrey S. Ton
Uncharted Moments is a love story told along the Lewis & Clark Trail - a journey through sacred places, unexpected turns, and the kind of moments that rearrange you. The book is released in May 2026. The Boathouse itself — and the reenactors we encountered there during the Bicentennial years — appear several times throughout the book. Those visits were meaningful moments in our journey, so the possibility of returning in this context feels especially fitting. Free with museum admission.

2pm The Journey Continues Film Series
Check out the premier of the series of short films commemorating key moments in the early days of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. Produced by the Discovery Expedition of St. Charles it brings the people and events of the expedition to life, including the arrival and departure of the Corp of Discovery from St. Charles. Free with museum admission.

3:30pm Whiskey Ration Ceremony/Tasting

Presented by StiIL630 Distillery, enjoy the taste of history with samples of various spirits from the distillery, each one themed to celebrate Missouri history. Uniformed re-enactors will demonstrate how whiskey was rationed to the men of the Lewis & Clark Expedition (Must be 21 or older to partake) Free with museum admission.

5pm Exploring for Laughs, History Themed Improv

What funny situations might have happened during the Lewis & Clark Expedition? A local improv group mines for laughs and will take your suggestions and run with them. Free with museum admission.

Know what’s Happening Next — before everyone else does.

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Host or Publisher Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum