The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum: A Learning Experience in St. Charles
In 1803, Merriweather Lewis and William Clark set out from Camp Dubois, Illinois — not far from St. Louis — on their famous trek west across the United States. For that reason, there are a number of museums and monuments in the St. Louis metro area devoted to the two men and their journey. One such location sits right along the Missouri River in St. Charles.
Getting There
The Lewis and Clark Boat House and Museum can be found on the south side of the Historic Main Street St. Charles, just south of Frontier Park (Google Maps link). It’s a short distance from the Fifth Street Exit on Interstate 70 just west of the Missouri River, and can also be reached from the north by way of highway 370 and then driving into the historic district.
Parking
The Boat House sits next to a large, free parking lot. On most days the lot has plenty of space, filling up only during major local events. The parking lot offers easy access to Frontier Park and, with a little more walking, Historic Main street.
Costs and Considerations
There is no cost to roam the grounds of the Boat House, and also no charge to visit the gift shop inside the building. The museum section does charge admission fees, which as of 2025 are $7 for adults and $3 for students and children under 17. There are group rates for groups of 15 or more and special rates for tours, school groups, special programs, and Scout programs.
The museum is open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. It’s closed on New Year’s Day, Easter Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Things to Do
If you don’t want to pay, you can wander the space outside the Boat House. There are boats and other vehicles of various eras situated on the bottom floor, and the grounds also boast a handful of interpretive displays. The river, of course, sits right behind the building. The gift shop is also free, with a small but fun selection of items related to Lewis and Clark as well as other parts of Missouri history and culture.
The museum section isn’t huge, but it does pack a lot of information, and some fun, into a small space. The main room hosts various displays that cover the history of the Lewis and Clark experience, including artifacts, animals, and other items of note. There are even a few places just for young children.
One highlight of the museum is the film Lewis and Clark: Great Journey West (2002), a 42-minute film that runs on a loop in two different places in the museum. The film, hosted by actor Jeff Bridges, is well-done and offers a dramatic recounting of the Lewis and Clark Expedition.
Our Thoughts
We first visited the Boat House and Museum as part of a scouting expedition for an old friend and teacher who was considering taking her elementary school classroom on a field trip there. We were happy to report to her that we thought it was worth a trip. It’s not an enormous museum, but it does put a lot of history and visual flair into the space. If you have a couple of hours on your hands and enjoy history, this spot is worth a visit.
