These two centers are two of my most favorite places to visit in Sioux City. I have heard from several people that it is one of the best visitor centers along the entire Missouri River.
These two centers are two of my most favorite places to visit in Sioux City. I have heard from several people that it is one of the best visitor centers along the entire Missouri River.
There are two parking lots, one in front of the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, and one in front of the Betty Strong Encounter Center. I usually park in the Lewis & Clark parking lot, then make my way through.
Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center
When you walk in, it is stunningly beautiful. Tall ceilings with huge American flags hanging from the wooden ceiling beams. I always start off to the left, this is one of the first things you’ll see. The gallery depicts Lewis & Clark’s expedition along the Missouri, and through our area that is now Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota.
In addition, it illustrates the death and burial of Sergeant Charles Floyd. He was the only person to die along Lewis & Clark’s entire expedition, and the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi River.
Don’t get freaked out by the life-like robots. The lady at the front desk said people have been known to try to talk with them! They haven’t talked back, just yet.
You’ll learn about the Indigenous Natives Lewis & Clark met, what they learned and even what they ate. There’s an interactive wall of Q & A swivel blocks, and a full-size replica of Sacajawea, displaying what she wore.
They have a library?!
What I’m most excited about, is their library. It’s small, but every book there revolves around Lewis & Clark, Floyd, Missouri River and Sioux City. So cool! I learned high school and college students will come here, sit down and read up on information for an upcoming assignment. I love this idea, and I love that this resource is available. You don’t have to sift through hundreds of books at the downtown library, it’s all here.
Betty Strong Encounter Center
As you walk down the hallway that connects the two centers, you’ll pass by a retelling of local Missouri River history, and how it impacted our community. The multiple floods, what Sioux City looked like and even the railroads.
As you enter the 10,000-square feet Betty Strong center you’ll pass by professional portraits of local Native Americans in their traditional dress, and come upon an art gallery. The gallery rotates local artists paintings and photography. Currently it is wildlife of Siouxland.
Betty Strong was influential in Sioux City tourism, historical nonprofit organizations and held significant positions within the Democratic Party.
Plan your visit
Don’t miss out on these two amazing high-quality facilities. You’ll have scenic views of the Missouri River and the Veterans Bridge. And did you know they have seminars here? This coming Sunday, February 10th, a professor from Wayne State College will be speaking on the American Revolution. They also have poetry readings and local musicians, and last month they had a magic show.
The centers are located on Sioux City’s Riverfront. Take exit 149 off I-29.
Be sure to visit both websites!
Lewis & Clark:
https://www.siouxcitylcic.com/_pages/interpretive-center.html
Betty Strong: https://www.siouxcitylcic.com/_pages/encounter-center.html
Hours:
Monday: Closed
Tues-Fri: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Sat-Sun: Noon to 5:00 p.m.
Admission is Free, but donations are appreciated.
712-224-5242
900 Larsen Park Rd
Sioux City, IA 51103