New Interpretive Center under construction with no completion date at this time. The park remains open. Please contact
park staff for current project updates.
Lewis and Clark is a very popular area for family picnics. The park has more than 30 acres of picnic grounds with tables,
fire grills, and drinking water. Two open picnic shelters
are available for picnic use and may be reserved online through the
park reservation system.
The lodge at Lewis and Clark is a fine place for
group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian
Conservation Corps. The lodge may be reserved for a fee online through the
park reservation system.
The Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The 112 campsites, 100
with electrical hookups and 12 with full hook-up, lie along the lakeshore. Modern rest rooms and showers are available,
as is a trailer dump station. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the
park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a
first-come, first-serve basis.
Lewis and Clark State Park is a fine place for a leisurely hike. On the trails, park visitors can see a variety of
trees, shrubs, and, often, wildlife including deer, rabbits and squirrels, as well as a wide variety of bird species.
(Swimming, boating, fishing)
The 250 acres of Blue Lake offer a variety of water-oriented recreational opportunities. The beach is a fine place for
sunbathing and swimming. Two boat ramps are available for easy lake access. No restrictions are placed on motor size.
The lake has been eradicated for a fisheries renovation. Excellent fishing opportunities should be available in
a few years.
While visiting Lewis and Clark, please take the opportunity to view the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's
keelboat/barge, "Best Friend," which was constructed by Butch Bouvier of L&C Replicas. Imagine, if you can,
the expedition winding its way up the Missouri River while sailing, pulling and poling the 55-foot boat.
Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meanderings of the
picturesque Missouri River many years ago.
The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and Captain William Clark, United
States Army, who were commissioned by President Jefferson in 1804 to head an expedition into the northwest to explore
the vast territory purchased from France. With 26 men and supplies, Lewis and Clark led their expedition up the
Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat.
On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent some
time there exploring the region and making observations on the geographical conditions, plants and animals in the area.
Today, thousands of people visit the park every year for outdoor recreation and to learn a little bit more about the
Lewis and Clark expedition. The park has been designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by the
National Park Service.
Onawa is 5 miles east of the park on State Highway 175. Blencoe is 5 miles east and 7 miles south on U.S. Highway 75.
Turin is 12 miles east on State Highway 175. Sioux City is 41 miles north on Interstate 29. Council Bluffs is 65 miles
south on Interstate 29.
In 1984, the first annual Lewis and Clark Festival was held at Lewis and Clark State park near Onawa, the site of an
1804 Lewis and Clark encampment. The June festival features movies about the 1804 expedition, buckskinners in frontier
dress, bluegrass music and historic presentations. A major attraction is the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's
keelboat, Discovery, constructed by local volunteers and park staff.
(other annual festivals & special events)
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, IA 51040
ph. 712/423-2829
fax 712/423-2829
E-mail address: Lewis_and_Clark@dnr.iowa.gov
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Picnicking/Shelters/Lodge