The Lewis and Clark Expedition...
The trail that Captain Meriwether Lewis and Captain William Clark followed weaved its way through Idaho as shown on this map. Thirty-three people traveled with them into unknown territory, starting near what is now known as Wood River, Illinois in 1804, reaching the Pacific Ocean in 1805 and returning in 1806. Today's trail follows their route as closely as possible given the changes over the years. It is approximately 3,700 miles long, beginning near Wood River, Illinois, and passes through portions of Missouri, Kansas, Iowa, Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. The Lewis & Clark NHT does not have a formal visitor center along any portion of the trail. Various organizations and individuals are responsible for trail stewardship with oversight provided by the Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail office.

Discover the trail by visiting Lifelong Learning Online and experience the Lewis and Clark Expedition

AMONG THE NIIMIIPUU (THE NEZ PERCE)
JUNE 14-17, 2006 – LEWISTON AND LAPWAI, IDAHO
The Lewis & Clark Expedition entered the Niimiipuu (The Nez Perce) aboriginal homelands in September of 1805, and with this first chance encounter they were met with caution and suspicion.
During this time, most of the able-bodied men were on a war raid in the south. An elderly woman named Weetxuuwiis encouraged and advised the camp not to harm them because of her previous experience living among the Sooyaapoos. Would the course of history have changed if the ablebodied men had been present in the camp when the expedition arrived? Regardless, the Niimiipuu are described as friendly, hospitable, and gracious hosts toward the expedition, and it still reflects the
Niimiipuu today.

their return trip eastward, the Lewis & Clark expedition renewed their relationship with the Niimiipuu in June of 1806. On June 14-17, 2006, the Niimiipuu will commemorate that relationship by hosting a National Signature Event entitled “Among the Niimiipuu.” The world is invited to
experience a unique commemoration of events that reflect a diversity of cultures.