In 1804, Lewis and Clark embarked on a storied expedition that defined their legacy. This daring odyssey across the vast uncharted American West unfolded with challenging encounters, navigating severe weather and facing pivotal decisions. Recognized as one of the greatest explorations in U.S. history, this monumental journey through untamed wilderness forged a path of discovery and courage that shaped the very essence of the American frontier.
- Accompanied by Historian Lou Ritten
- Experience three Lewis and Clark interpretive centers
- See where it all started at Camp Dubois
- Enjoy a half-day jet boat tour on the Snake River
- Travel along the scenic Columbia Gorge
- See where it all concluded at Fort Clatsop
DAY 1: ST. JOSEPH MO
Meriwether Lewis wrote in his journal “The mouth of the river Dubois is to be considered as the point of departure.” And just as the Lewis and Clark Expedition began, ours too will begin at Camp DuBois, the winter camp and launch point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. With our Tour Director, fellow explorers and historical guide, we will continue westward and across Missouri for an overnight stay in St. Joseph, Missouri. D
DAY 2: SIOUX CITY, NE
Visit the Missouri River Basin Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to get a glimpse of the more than 300 flora and fauna discoveries made by explorers. Stop at the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a solemn site that commemorates the only casualty of the expedition. Continue north to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center before an overnight stay in S. Sioux City, NE, along the Missouri River. B, D
DAY 3: CHAMBERLAIN, SD
Travel into South Dakota, and capture views at Spirit Mound, where Clark wrote about the beauty of the land, before a visit to Akta Lakota Museum for more interesting stories of his meetings with the Indians. B, D
DAY 4: BISMARCK, ND
Located along the banks of the Missouri River, visit Fisher’s Lily Park, the historic location where Lewis and Clark met with the Teton Lakota Sioux. Enjoy a catered dinner in North Dakota’s Heritage Center with time to browse its exhibits. Overnight in Bismarck. B, D
DAY 5: WILLISTON, ND
Trekking west, visit Fort Mandan where the expedition party spent a productive winter gathering information from the friendly Indians and recruited Charbonneau and his wife Sacagawea as interpreters. At Knife River National Historic Site, see the reconstructed winter quarters and earthen lodges of the Northern Indians. Overnight in Williston, ND. B, L
DAY 6: FORT UNION/DECISION POINT
Following the trail, cross into Montana and stop at Fort Union - once the most important fur trading post on the Upper Missouri River. See “Decision Point” where the Missouri and Marias Rivers meet and visit Fort Benton, the last stop for steamboats coming from St. Louis in the 1800s. Unpack for two nights in Great Falls, MT. B, D
DAY 7: GREAT FALLS, MT
The Expedition took 32 days to portage equipment and canoes around five formidable falls in the area. Learn more about this challenge on our visit to the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center and portage site, followed by a visit to American western artist C. M. Russell’s Museum. B
DAY 8: MISSOULA, MT
Take a boat ride between giant cliffs cut by the Missouri River and visit Missouri Headwaters State Park. See the cliff where Lewis saw the confluence of the Jefferson, Madison and Gallatin Rivers. Continue through the mountains in Shoshone territory where Lewis & Clark secured horses to cross the Rocky Mountains. Overnight in Missoula, MT. B, L
DAY 9: LEWISTON, ID
Travel along the Nez Perce Trail along the Bitterroot Range, the worst part of the journey for the expedition. Discover the beauty and history of Weippe Prairie, where breathtaking natural beauty and a significant encounter between Lewis and Clark and the Nez Perce tribe await. Overnight in Lewiston, ID. B, L, D
DAY 10: LEWISTON, ID
Experience the thrill of a half-day jet boat tour on the Snake River, followed by a visit to the Lewis & Clark Discovery Center in Lewiston. Explore the stunning landscapes, feel the rush of the river and delve into the history of Lewis and Clark’s expedition. B, L
DAY 11: RICHLAND, WA
Running out of food in what seemed like an endless sea of rugged mountains, the expedition encountered the helpful Nez Perce tribe. Visit Nez Perce National Historical Park before continuing our journey toward the Columbia River. Overnight in Richland, WA, of the Tri-Cities. B, D
DAY 12: THE COLUMBIA RIVER GORGE AREA
Enter our final state, Oregon, and travel along the beautiful Columbia Gorge National Scenic Area while closely hugging the beautiful river. Unpack your bags for a two night stay in Astoria, OR. B, L
DAY 13: FORT CLATSOP
Enjoy the striking coastline of northern Oregon and visit a reconstruction of Fort Clatsop where the expedition spent the winter before returning home. Then, venture to Cape Disappointment, to marvel at the stunning coastal scenery with a deeper appreciation for the spirit of Lewis and Clark! B, L
DAY 14: RETURN HOME
Our flight home takes only several hours, a distance that took Lewis & Clark 6 months to travel! B
ACCOMMODATIONS:
Night 1: Stoney Creek Hotel, St. Joseph, MO
Night 2: Holiday Inn, Dakota Dunes, SD
Night 3: Arrowhead Resort, Oacoma, SD
Night 4: Fairfield Inn and Suites, Bismarck, ND (or similar)
Night 5: Four Points by Sheraton, Williston, SD
Nights 6-7: Holiday Inn Great Falls Convention Center, Great Falls, MT
Night 8: Comfort Inn, Missoula, MT
Nights 9-10: Hell’s Canyon Grand Hotel, Lewiston, ID
Night 11: Holiday Inn Richland on the River, Richland, WA
Nights 12-13: Lloyd Hotel, Astoria, OR
Dates:
- Departure: July 23, 2025
- Return: August 5, 2025
Price Per Person:
- Double: $4,499
- Triple/Quad: $4,079
- Single: $5,529
Helpful Hints
Are there any of these states you still need to check off your list:? This tour visits the following states: Nebraska, South Dakota, North Dakota, Montana, Idaho, Oregon, and Washington. This tour is a fantastic chance for you to visit one and get closer to seeing all 50 in order to join the Sunrise Tours 50 States Club!
At the Missouri River Basin Lewis & Clark Visitor Center, see a replica of a keelboat, like the ones used during the expedition.
At Spirit Mound, take in the beautiful views and stand in the very spot Lewis and Clark stood in 1804.
In the area of Mobridge, SD, Sacajawea is believed to be buried. See the stone marker that commemorates her life and legacy. The site also includes a stone monument marking the grave of Sitting Bull.
See the reconstruction of the Fort Union Trading Post, where between 1828 and 1867, tribes would exchange buffalo robes and smaller furs for goods from around the world.
At Decision Point, stand in the historic location where, over 200 years ago, Lewis and Clark faced the crucial choice of which river to follow, the Marias or the Missouri River, to reach the Shoshone people and ultimately cross the Rocky Mountains.
Walking Information
Moderate walking is required to fully enjoy this tour. Some walking will also be on uneven paths. You must be able to board and de-board the coach several times a day. While walking canes are allowed, we are unable to accommodate travelers using other mobility devices, including walkers and wheelchairs.
Average Temperatures
South Sioux City, NE: 84° / 62
Bismarck, ND: 80° / 56°
Willison, ND: 84° / 54°
Great Falls, MT: 84° / 53°
Missoula, MT: 84° / 51°
Richland, WA: 89° / 59°
Astoria, WA: 69° / 53°
Accommodation Notes
Many hotels throughout this tour, but not all, will have coin operated laundry facilities. You may want to bring your own detergent and quarters if you feel inclined to do laundry.
Luggage and Packing Notes
Mosquito repellent and sun protection are recommended and highly encouraged. Although water bottles are available while on tour, bringing a refillable water bottle is encouraged to help you stay refreshed and comfortable throughout the day while also being kind to the environment.
Other General Information
We will send 3 key communications for your tour; “Get Ready” is your email confirmation and initial tour information sent upon registration, “Get Set” email will be sent about two months before departure, “Go” trip documentation mailing is sent via USPS 3-4 weeks before departure and will include your daily itinerary, luggage tags and final departure information.
Travel Protection is optional and highly recommended and can be purchased until the day before departure. We offer Travel Guard from AIG, which costs 8.5% of your tour, information about which will be sent with your Get Ready email.
Unless otherwise noted, your Sunrise Tour includes: Professional Sunrise Tour Director, meals as indicated, local step on guides including gratuity (international tour guide gratuity inclusion vary by tour), deluxe motorcoach transportation w/rest room, admission to activities and events as indicated, airfare from designated airports, transportation to/from designated airports from our convenient local pickup points*, luggage handling at hotels when available
We believe tipping is a personal and discretionary interaction between our guests and our staff. A typical gratuity for your Sunrise Tour Director and motorcoach driver may be $5-$7per person, per day on tour. Sunrise Shuttle drivers appreciate gratuities (suggest $5 per person) for excellent service as well. Our staff will not solicit gratuities or pass out envelopes.
We are happy to offer refreshments on most motorcoach travel days on tour. We recommend you bring a refillable water bottle to maintain healthy hydration.
If less than 4 people request a pickup point, we may ask that you choose another pickup point from which to join your Sunrise Tour.
If you would like to join a tour from a city not listed as a departure point, we would love to have you along! Please discuss arrangements with our friendly reservation team. From a departure city not listed, typical airfare will be +$100 higher than our published fare for domestic tours, and +$200 for international tours.
If you have a TSA precheck or Airline Rewards numbers, you MUST give those numbers to our reservations team at least 60 days before departure, otherwise they may not be applied.
Preferred seating may not be available on group air. In some cases, seats are not assigned until the airport. Your tour fare includes an economy seat on the flight; it does not include seat selection. Seat upgrades may be available at an additional cost.
To help make our tours the most comfortable in the business, we limit Sunrise Tours motorcoaches to 80% capacity, or 44 passengers on a coach built for 55. We reserve the right to amend this practice.
Your Tour Director will rotate seats on the motorcoach each day of your tour. A single fare does not guarantee two seats on the coach; you may be seated next to another friendly Sunrise Tours guest.
Terms and Conditions
Please refer to our policies HERE for more information on our terms and conditions.
