Private Lewis & Clark History Tour

Dive into the past of St. Louis and its surrounding areas as you trace the locations associated with the Louisiana Purchase and the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Cross the Mississippi River into Illinois to visit buildings that have been standing since the 1700s and historic sites dedicated to the explorers.

Meet your guide at your St. Louis hotel and board a comfortable vehicle for a short drive into Illinois. Upon arrival in Cahokia, make a stop to see the Cahokia Courthouse, originally built in 1740. Constructed using the French colonial poteaux-sur-sol style of architecture, the site was once used as the headquarters where Lewis and Clark met with territorial leaders, gathered information, and corresponded with President Jefferson prior to setting off on their journey.

Continue north to the Lewis and Clark State Historic Site, commemorating the lives and expedition of the explorers. Travel along with the duo as you listen to audio recordings of their journals and see reproductions of the drawings they made on their quest. Just up the road is Confluence Tower, which marks the meeting of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Climb 150 feet (46 m) to the top of the structure to look out on the very waters where the explorers began their journey.