In Search of Lewis and Clark August and September 2025

After the van was checked out by Declan and Owen, I was ready to get on the road!

I got as far as New Glarus, Wisconsin for lunch and a bike ride. Next stop, Hauge Log Church built in 1852. It is a well preserved structure with beautiful views of the fields below.

Nick Engelbert’s Grandview is the epitome of “Outsider Art.” Nick began building concrete sculptures in the early 1930s. These are displayed in the front yard of his house and adjacent to his farm. The sculpture entitled, “Uncle Sam with Donkey and Elephant” had a sign that read, ” Can anyone do a days work with a team like That?”

This sculpture is entitled, ” Family Tree.” I found it particularly amusing. His house is well preserved and his water color paintings are displayed. He painted one entire wall with trees but only after his wife died. She did not allow this in the house !

I met Ann and Jim for a production of “Anna in the Tropics” at Spring Green outdoor theatre. It was thought provoking and original.

The next day we met at “Anita’s Cafe” so Ann and Jim could fuel up for their 8 day 405 mile bike trip to northern Wisconsin.

As I moved northwest, I stopped at Seth Peterson’s cottage in Mirror Lake State Park. It was designed by Frank Lloyd Wright in 1958.

It was closed to the public but a very nice man who was washing the windows let me in to explore! It has been beautifully restored and you can actually rent it out.

A wild rain storm prompted my change in plans and I drove to Eau Claire. Hunkering down in the Oxbow Hotel, I waited out the storm in an air conditioned room. The next day I wandered around the downtown area. This sculpture sits outside the library and is only one of many sculptures enhancing the area.

The next day drove east and stopped at Willow River State Park. The lake and river were closed to the public because of bacteria counts but that did not stop the visitors from enjoying the Willow Falls in the extreme heat.

I changed my plans and drove to Minneapolis to enjoy a visit with Pat, her children and grandchildren. It was such a treat to see the girls.

A trip to the twin cities is not complete without a stop at my favorite Lebanese Deli. I stocked up on spinach pies, stuffed grape and cabbage leaves.

I stopped at Wild River Campground on the way to Jamestown, North Dakota. I hiked around the lake and the mosquitos were horrendous! I had lunch in Fargo with my niece and could not resist a stop at ” The largest buffalo” just outside the Buffalo Museum.

I enjoyed a stay with my brother and his wife. Rebecca prepared delicious meals and we swam together in the pool.

The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center was filled with great information about the two year journey. Close by is the replica of Fort Mandan where they spent their first winter.

I took a brief detour to the International Peace Garden that sits on the border between Canada and North Dakota. It was established in 1932 as a symbol of peace between the two countries.

After an overnight stay at Lake Sakakawea State Park, I moved on to the Lewis and Clark State Park. I drove through acres of sunflowers, rape seed and oil derricks. I was also introduced to the fracking towers that now dot the landscape. I hiked on every trail they had and took a swim in Lake Sakakawea.

I decided to explore Great Falls, Montana and was not disappointed! The C.M. Russell museum displays his wide range of artworks depicting the American Old West. We will be missing Becky on our Missouri River journey and wish she could enjoy this museum dedicated to her relative.

Just next door to the museum is his studio. It is a beautifully restored log cabin and you can easily picture him working in it and creating works of art in watercolor, oil and bronze.

To get a better idea of the obstructions the Corps of Discovery encountered, I visited all of the remaining falls along the Missouri River. Lewis and Clark expected one waterfall at Great Falls and discovered there were five ! This greatly hampered their progress. There is an excellent Interpretive Center on the River with a movie describing their efforts here. There are also hiking and biking paths on both sides of the river.

A short drive north, Fort Benton provided a wealth of information about the LC journey. There is another excellent interpretive center and a lovely walk along the river with stops along the way to read about how special Fort Benton was to the development of the area.

I was able to finish reading, “Undaunted Courage” and am so amazed that they survived the ordeal. They could not have succeeded with the help of the Native Americans who advised and provided for them at regular intervals.

Here we are getting one of our last “civilized” meals before heading out on the Missouri River.

Our Missouri River Breaks explorers ready to get in our canoes and head downstream. We appreciate the fact that the Lewis and Clark team were powering upstream on their way west. It is hard to imagine this feat. We are missing Mary, Eldon and Becky who were unable to join us at the last minute. They were missed! Wendy and Lenny opted for a less rugged adventure in Italy.

We made our way to Coal Banks and after the canoes were loaded up we got going.

I know I could not look more relaxed.

First day out and Jim was able to capture this golden eagle on camera. I have never seen one in the “wild” and am in awe of its size and majesty. I did not bring my cell phone on the journey and am indebted to my fellow travelers for providing all of these amazing photos.st

Just getting into the “White Cliffs” of eagle sandstone and shokonite

They really are something to behold !

We paddled somewhere between 14 and 21 miles and I was exhausted but happy.

Here is our campsite !

I can’t say I had the best night’s sleep but I was ready for stunning vistas and adventure.

Pat reminds me the large rock in the distance is “Dark Butte.”

I believe this was called ,”The Citadel” I could be incorrect but with a little imagination it could be all kinds of man-made structures.

From the water you can see our destination in the distance. This is called “Hole in the Wall.”

After morning exercises led by Katherine, the hearty campers headed up to the “Hole”

Jeff and Katherine posed in the “Hole” and others made it up, too.

The views from the top were extraordinary.

We were fortunate to have great weather and enjoyed a long paddle.

It just kept getting better.

This was the sunset we enjoyed on our last night on the river. Early in the morning I crept outside my tent and appreciated the Milky Way in all of its glory.

After another gourmet breakfast, we packed up for our last paddle. I had taken advantage of the river for bathing every day.

All set and ready to push off.

Paddling into Judith Landing, this osprey was spotted and Jim worked his magic to capture the bird on film.

Our weary crew enjoyed a hot shower and meal at this wonderful old hotel. Prints by CM Russell lined the halls and decorated the rooms. We had left our fearless leaders at Missouri River Outfitters and thanked them for an amazing experience.