missouri river basin lewis and clark interpretive center

We are Neb City residents and we have visited the Lewis and Clark Center several times when family or friends visit us. The center itself is situated on a hill and the views of the surrounding area and Missouri river are stunning. Frequently, you can spot hawks, eagles, deer and other fauna and enjoy the river vistas year round. The building architecture and design is impressive as well and the front grounds feature local flora.I always enjoy browsing the gift shop. My husband and I are history buffs and the center staff do an outstanding job of adding new and hard-to-find literature on Lewis and Clark, their expedition, Sacajewea, and even Seaman (as a huge dog lover, I appreciate his contributions and story are not overlooked). Their assortment of gifts for children is diverse and unique.The disappointment here is the exhibits; several have missing stickers, broken parts, or are just, well, boring. Everyone we've brought to visit is highly motivated to keep reading plaque after plaque, but eventually, their enthusiasm wanes and time after time, guests vote to move on. I find this a shame, as this area is rich with history and the center truly is magnificent. Perhaps future funds need to be diverted to revamp, update, and make the center more interactive and engaging beyond the "photo op" gopher tunnels.Just like the tome on Lewis and Clark's expedition I purchased with the best of intentions and dutifully plow through (and some day I WILL finish); the center is a place I'll continue to return to as I want to support this potential gem in our community. Yet, my hope springs eternal the book's pace will pick up to increase the probability I'll reach that final page and that the center will continue to add to and repair the existing exhibits to maximize its entertainment and educational potential.

I just liked standing and looking after the river splits and they stood right in that spot trying to deciide which way to take.

we are wrapping up our annual 7 week vacation, we stopped here,, and the day was starting to look a bit cloudy and icky, so we went in and walked around and looked at the displays, hubby got a bit brave and went on a short hike on the trails,, it was a well organized property

We stopped here on our way to Fremont NE. I have all ways been interested in Louis & Clark travels. The center is full of displays of the Missouri River travels. There are 3 floors of very interesting displays for young and old alike. We plan to take our young grand kids there next summer.

Stayed in Nebraska City prior to a football game. Looking for something to do during the day before the game. Pleasantly surprised at how much information and history this center contained. Definitely a place to stop. Beautiful views of the Missouri River.

This place is an interpretative center coveinf the Jefferson period an Lewis and Clark. Wildlife that Europeans and Americans had never seen are shown here. A great mock up of one of the keel boats that was used in this first part of this adventure is on display. But don't miss the over look of the Missouri River and reminisce of times past.

What a beautiful building; its curb appeal rates high. We happened to be here during the Lewis & Clark Reunion weekend, so lots of extra things were going on at the center. There was a keelboat outside, with a period actor on board to tell us what travel on the river was like for Lewis & Clark. The center itself was fun for us, but I think it would be a lot of fun with children! The displays are hands-on and interactive, and were certainly being enjoyed by the children we saw there with their families. We learned several things about plants and animals, and just enjoyed browsing through the museum. There is a gift shop, with quite a selection of books for adults and children, locally-crafted jewelry, and plenty of old-fashioned toys, such as kits to build wooden boats and wagons. There was not an admission fee; it was donation only.

We just came across this as we were driving and we needed a break. Just happened to be a free day so no admission. They had Living History demonstrations outside which were very interesting. Many activities geared to kids. Inside the exhibits were very nice. Interactive ones letting you know about treatments for diseases which you could test your knowledge. We really liked the bookstore and purchased a book as we have visited other sites and did read a book by Ambrose on Lewis and Clark. So we got another book. The staff were very helpful. This is a must place to stop if you enjoy history.

A very nice visitor information center. Lots of good information and a useful historic film. Definitely worth the admission. I've been to Lewiston & Clarkston in Idaho/Washington but I really didn't know much. The Center helped with that. Some displays were interactive and hands-on. When they worked, those were fun. The medical diagnosis machine didn't always work (For one answer, I got both a green light - should have meant I got it right, but also a loud buzzer - got it wrong!) Still enjoyable. The bird call display (with sound!) was great. By the time I left, I knew much more than I knew when I arrived. Great view of the Missouri River too.Thank you.

This nonprofit museum and interpretative center is well-established and growing. I've driven by many times over the years. I finally had the time to stop and visit in July 2014. At first I was put off by the admission price, then after using the restrooms they had graciously offered, I decided to pay the modest admission price. For the next hour+ I went through their three levels of very contemporary exhibits and walked their trail system overlooking the Missouri River. This place is a great stopover for travelers and locals to better understand the history of the area.

We did not plan to stop here, but we are glad we did. we saw the signs on the way by and decided to check it out. A great museum center with good hiking paths. If you are in the area you should definitely stop for a visit !

Much to see and do inside and outside of this architecturally beautiful building. Lots of fun buttons and things for kids to do and adults to read.

Stopped here randomly on trip from Omaha to Kansas City and was disappointed. The boat outside is cool to see but when we went in the lady at the counter rudely says "bathrooms and gift shop are free but everything else is part of our admission fee." I ask how much and she says nothing so I have to find the sign with fees. They charge 5.50 for about 750-1000 square ft of display tops. And most of that is empty space. We just walked out and moved on.

I loved that it was kid friendly. The man working the desk was wonderful. The kids had buttons to push and things to check out to keep themselves busy while adults can enjoy also. We did the three shorter hiking trails and had lots of fun.

I drugged my husband to this site. He thought because of the low fee, it was not worth seeing....what a surprise. We had the place practically to ourselves. There is a small movie and much to see explore throughout the museum. It is well displayed and contains much information about the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the discoveries they made.Would recommend this site to anyone, especially someone with school age children or anyone interested in history.Outside the museum is a replica of the transport used on the expedition and several small buildings. You can also walk down to the river but do not have to make the walk to see the river.