Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center

Film Premiere of Big Medicine: York Outdoors
2025-07-13 14:00 - 15:00 (America/Chicago) | Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, 900 Larsen Park Road, Sioux City, IA, 51103, United States
On Sunday, July 13, 2025, at 2:00pm join us for a premiere showing of Big Medicine: York Outdoors. This 30-45 minute film is one component of the broader Big Medicine: The York Project, a collaborative initiative to bring York’s story to the foreground. The film was produced by Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail in partnership with NEW Multimedia. No admission charge, but freewill donations encouraged.
Big Medicine: York Outdoors explores the untold story of York, the only African American member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. Enslaved by Captain William Clark, York did not choose to be part of this journey, yet his significant contributions as a hunter, guide, caretaker, and intermediary in interactions with Tribal Nations are chronicled in the journals of Expedition members as well as in accounts from the tribes they met along the way. The Arikara tribe referred to him as Big Medicine for his strength and the color of his skin.
This film follows eight educators and environmental stewards as they retrace York’s steps on a four-day river trip along the Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. On their journey to revive York’s story, they explore themes of recreation access for people of color, and the joy and healing that the outdoors can provide.
Big Medicine: York Outdoors is an opportunity to reflect on history, honor York’s legacy, and recognize the connections between community, nature, and personal growth.

Outdoor Summer Series: LAMB Theatre’s “Ready, Set, Go”
2025-07-18 10:00 - 11:00, 2025-07-18 18:00 - 19:00
What would happen if the stories of the Tortoise and the Hare and Grasshopper and the Ant got really mixed up? Lamb Caravan brings an original musical for adults and children, “Ready, Set, Go” to the outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. The show will be held at 10:00am and at 6:00pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2025.
Admission is free but freewill donations encouraged. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.
LAMB Regional Arts Theatre has a rich history of producing theatre in Sioux City. The creative force behind LAMB is Executive Director and Director of Education, Diana Wooley and Russ Wooley, Artistic/Managing Director. LAMB is committed to arts education and involvement with the Siouxland community. The LAMB school provides a wide range of classes for various age groups. They are designed to ignite imagination and foster growth in every student.

Outdoor Summer Series: Bill Foley Quartet
2025-07-19 19:00 - 20:00
Have you ever been listening to a song that you have not heard in a while, and it took you back to a life experience? Maybe it was a song you mom used to sing to you in the car, a first boyfriend or girlfriend, your first kiss, the first time your heart was broken, a fun time with your friends. Ready to hear those songs again?
On Saturday, July 19, 2025, at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s Outdoor Spirit of Discovery stage, Bill Foley and his band will perform the best music of the 50’s, 60’s, and 70’s, including early rock and roll favorites. Admission is free but freewill donation encouraged. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as well as refreshments. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.
Performing since 1980, Bill is a full-time Classic Rock/Oldies/Folk Rock Musician who tours nationally. He has served as an emcee for various events. He performs with Gibson, Epiphone, and Martin Acoustic Guitars. He performs with a state-the-art Carvin sound system through the new, stunning Fishman/Aura technology.

Crabgrass Country and Bluegrass Music
2025-07-20 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, July 20, 2025, at 2:00 pm, the Betty Strong Encounter Center get ready for some foot stompin’, handclapin’ music as Crabgrass performs Traditional, Bluegrass, and Country Music. No admission charge but freewill donation encouraged.
Joan Wells sings and plays rhythm and lead guitar while Kris Simon sings harmony, plays bass, and provides some comedy for the performance. Crabgrass takes you back in time to the songs of the Grand Old Opry as Joan and Kris perform songs of the Carter family, Bill Monroe, Ralph Stanley, Flatt & Scruggs, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, and various other artists. Each tune is rich in arrangement. Get ready for some fun and to hear your country and bluegrass favorites.
Crabgrass has been performing for a number of years. This Nebraska-based group has appeared for Echoes of the Trail, Nebraska Bluegrass Festival, Great Platte River Road Archway Monument, Southeast Community College, Bellevue Berry Farm, Riverside Fest, Foundation Garden Concert Series, and various stage shows, festivals, and celebrations.

Monument Tales
2025-07-26 11:00 - 14:00
On Saturday, July 26, 2025, come experience “Monument Tales” at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This free class is held from 11:00am-1:00pm and is open to any age. No registration required.
Participants learn the story of the life of Sgt. Charles Floyd, a member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition who was the only member to die on the expedition. Then they will learn how the Floyd Monument came to be.
Finally, participants will make and decorate their own mini-monument.

Outdoor Summer Series: Starr Chief Eagle
2025-07-26 19:00 - 20:00
On Saturday July 26, 2025, at 7:00pm at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage, come enjoy the amazing talents of hoop dance extraordinaire Starr Chief Eagle. She will enlighten you about the teachings and culture of the Lakota people through language, dance, and song for all the future generations, all over the world. Admission is free but freewill donations encouraged.
She involves her audiences with interactional games that involve teaching hoop tricks, quizzing on Lakota language, and other educational exercises that bring fun into learning. She ends her show by sharing her 21 years of hoop dancing experience, which involves her dancing with 21 hoops.
The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so you are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as well as refreshments. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.

Highway 18 plays Old Country Favorites
2025-07-27 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, July 27, 2025, at 2:00pm the talented musical duo Highway 18 will entertain the audience with some “Old Country Favorites.” No admission charged, but freewill donations encouraged.
Highway 18 is made up of Jason Blankenheim, primarily playing the fiddle, and Jessica Taylor, playing guitar. They sing, play, and tell interesting stories about the history of many of the songs. They will be playing old country favorites by Patsy Cline, Hank Williams and others and playing some of our favorite fiddle tunes.
Don’t miss this wonderful program because as Jessica says, “You’ll be sure to know a lot of the songs and will hopefully hear a couple of new favorites too!”

Siouxland Gem and Mineral Society’s 1st Annual Rock Swap
2025-08-02 09:00 - 13:00
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, from 9:00am-1:00pm, the Siouxland Gem and Mineral Society is holding its 1st Annual Rock Swap at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center.
The event will feature the selling and trading of rocks and minerals, rock painting, and lapidary demonstrations. This is a FREE event for vendors and the public. Tables are available. In case of rain, the event will be moved inside of the center.
Vendors, please register to reserve a table by calling 712-253-5479. Bring your own table or trunk, if you are able to. The registration deadline is July 19, 2025.

Kindness Rocks
2025-08-02 11:00 - 14:00
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, come experience “Kindness Rocks” at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This free class is held from 11:00am-1:00pm and is open to any age. No registration required.
In connection with the Siouxland Gem and Mineral Society’s 1st Annual Rock Swap, learn about the Kindness Rocks project.
Paint your own rocks to take home and share with others.

Outdoor Summer Series: Collin O’Connor: Call Me Irresponsible
2025-08-02 19:00 - 20:00
On Saturday, August 2, 2025, at 7:00pm, experience the wild side of big band with Collin O’Connor in “Call Me Irresponsible.” This free show is part of our Summer Series of programs held on the outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium. No admission charge but freewill donations encouraged.
With an electrifying performance, feel-good comedy, and a musical lineup that spans across different decades, he will keep you on the edge of your seat! You’ll hear stories and music from his time with the Tony Award-winning musical Jersey Boys along with iconic tunes made famous by Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and many more. Collin’s infectious energy will have you singing and clapping along to his favorite artists who dared to be different in their pursuit of greatness.
O’Connor is a powerhouse vocalist and entertainer coming to you directly from the vibrant music scene of Kansas City. With a career that has taken him all around the world, he has performed in over 35 countries! Previously, he was a vocalist with Dancing with the Stars, he appeared in the Tony Award-winning musicals Jersey Boys and Mamma Mia! (among many others) and studied with the legendary comedy improv troupe: The Second City. When he is not singing with Big Bands, you can hear his voiceover work on the hit podcast Thamro (Top 50 Best Audio Drama Podcasts) or you can find him on television in Law and Order, Comedy Central, The Americans, Blacklist, and Pose.

Teresa Kay Orr
2025-08-03 14:00 - 15:00
Join us at the Betty Strong Encounter Center at 2:00 PM Sunday, August 3, 2025, to hear singer, songwriter, guitarist, and entertainer Teresa Kay Orr. While there is no admission charge, freewill donations are encouraged.
Known for her versatility in many genres, she has enjoyed encore performances at festivals, libraries, private events, and care centers. Teresa is truly an engaging musician. She pursues the art of songwriting and recording. Two of her original songs topped the chart at #1 and one song was chosen for the background music of a television documentary.
Teresa has always enjoyed the interaction with her audience. Experience has convinced Teresa that a quality show must have humor, great music, and a bit of a twist from the usual.

Outdoor Summer Series: Duniya Drum and Dance
2025-08-08 19:00 - 20:00
On Friday, August 8, 2025, at 7:00pm, come enjoy traditional rhythms and dances from Guinea West Africa with Duniya Drum and Dance who will be performing on the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage.
Through this unique cultural experience, you can learn about the djembe and doundoun drums while company members perform energetic dances in colorful costumes. Don’t miss this exceptional opportunity.
No admission charge, but freewill donations encouraged. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.

Journal Tales
2025-08-09 11:00 - 14:00
On Saturday, August 9, 2025, come learn about “Journal Tales” at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center. This free class is held from 11:00am-1:00pm and is open to any age. No registration required.
Listen to the story of a Diary of a Worm by Doreen Cronin. Worm’s daily diary provides a world of adventures.
You can then create your own dream journal to take home.

Folkish Folk
2025-08-10 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, August 10, 2025, at 2:00pm at the Betty Strong Encounter Center, come be entertained by Tom Weisbecker and Barbara Sabella, aka “Folkish Folk.” Admission is free with a reception to follow.
The duo will sing and play a mixed-bag acoustic set that may include cowboy, country, old time folk, blues, jazz, and whatever the spirit moves and grooves them to do. Backed by mandolin, guitar, banjo, and harmonica, they may have special guests drawn from the South Dakota Friends of Traditional Music crowd.

Outdoor Summer Series: Prairie Winds Jazz Ensemble
2025-08-16 19:00 - 20:00
On Saturday, August 16, 2025, at 7:00 pm, come to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s Spirit of Discovery Outdoor Stage for a free summer show. Be entertained by the Prairie Winds Jazz Ensemble as they perform a concert that will bring the Swing era to life.
This 17-piece group under the direction of Kevin Linder will play some patriotic medleys and swing tunes, a mix of big band classics from the 1930s, 40s and 50s. Musicians from across northwest Iowa, most within a 30-mile radius of Akron, perform in the band.
Admission is free. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.

Don Hickey presents “James Monroe: America’s Fifth President”
2025-08-17 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, August 17, 2025, at 2:00pm, award winning author and historian Dr. Don Hickey will deliver a wonderful lecture on “James Monroe: America’s Fifth President.” No admission charges, but freewill donations are encouraged.
James Monroe was an American Founding Father who served as the fifth president of the United States from 1817 to 1825. He was the last Founding Father to serve as president as well as the last president of the Virginia dynasty. He is primarily known for the Monroe Doctrine, a foreign policy statement that warned European powers not to interfere in the affairs of the Western Hemisphere.
Hickey holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and is a specialist in early American history and American military history. He is best known for his books, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict (University of Illinois Press) and Nebraska Moments: Glimpses of Nebraska’s Past (University of Nebraska Press). His latest book, Tecumseh’s War: The Epic Conflict for the Heart of America, (Westholme Publishing) was published in 2023.

"We Will Rise Again" Musical
2025-08-22 18:30 - 20:00, 2025-08-23 18:30 - 20:00
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is thrilled to host a performance of an original patriotic musical titled “We Will Rise Again.” The audience has two chances to see it at 6:30pm on Friday, August 22, 2025, or Saturday, August 23, 2025, on the Center’s Outdoor Spirit of Discovery stage.
The musical was written by local Siouxland native Dianna Spirk and is based on the events of the War of 1812 during which Francis Scott Keyes wrote The Star-Spangled Banner.
Admission is free. The audience will be positioned in a grassy area of Center’s campus, so they are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets, as well as refreshments. In case of rain, the show will be moved inside to the auditorium.

Russ Gifford: Roads and Trails and Stagecoach Tales
2025-08-24 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, August 24, 2025, at 2:00pm, Russ Gifford will share a fascinating look into Roads and Trails and Stagecoach Tales. No admission charge, but freewill donations encouraged.

Russ Gifford, Senior Lecturer with Western Iowa Tech’s Institute for Lifelong Learning, delivers tales of American history to audiences in the tri-state region. His two decades of programs have included over 350 unique talks, plus numerous articles, and historical papers. Gifford’s work garnered two teaching awards, and his lectures have been supported by grants from Humanities Iowa, the Kind World Foundation, and others. More information at https://www.russgifford.net/russ_gifford_about.htm

Huckleberry Finn: An Orson Welles Radio Adaptation
2025-08-31 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, August 31, 2025, at 2:00pm, the Betty Strong Encounter Center welcomes the Great Plains Radio Theatre Project’s (GSR) presentation of Orson Welles’ radio adaptation of Huckleberry Finn. While there is no admission cost, freewill donations are encouraged.
From the great American novelist, Mark Twain, comes what is considered by many his best and most endearing story, The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn. This production first aired over the Columbia Broadcasting System on March 17, 1940, as part of the Campbell Playhouse dramatic radio series.
The Great Plains Radio Theatre Project (GPR) is a live, old-time radio performance troupe of Siouxland actors directed by Ralph Swain since its formation in 2007. Swain is a college instructor and part-time administrator at Western Iowa Tech Community College, which has a partnership with GPR. He is a Vietnam veteran and former award-winning radio broadcaster who remembers as a child listening to radio dramas during the Golden Age of Radio in the 1940s and ’50s.

"Songs for Autumn and Grandparents' Day" Langleys
2025-09-07 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, September 7, 2025, at 2:00 PM, Jack and Mike Langley will celebrate “Songs for Autumn and Grandparents’ Day.” Admission is free; freewill donations gladly accepted.
Known for presenting a heart-warming show this wonderful father and son will share their musical talents with a mix of original and old favorite tunes.
The Langley’s have performed together onstage for more than 40 years, from Sioux City to Nashville, Tennessee, to Vienna, Austria and back. They are always a crowd favorite at the Center.

Kevin and Joanne Keane
2025-09-14 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, at 2:00pm, Kevin and Joanne Keane perform at the Betty Strong Encounter Center. Admission is free; freewill donations are encouraged.
Kevin is a lifelong Sioux City resident and the youngest of 12 children. He recently retired as a financial advisor and has been singing at weddings and funerals for over 40 years. He has also been honored to sing the National Anthem for many years as Sioux City has hosted the NAIA Women’s National Championships.
Joanne was born in Saigon, Vietnam, and her family moved to Sioux City in 1990. Joanne has been singing and playing guitar since age 14. Joanne teaches yoga, and Kevin and Joanne both sing in the Holy Cross church choir at Blessed Sacrament as well as their smaller ensemble group at St. Michael’s Church. Together they have four children and two grandsons.

Guitarist Byron Kuehl
2025-09-21 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, September 21, 2025, at 2:00pm Byron Kuehl, one of Sioux City’s most sought after solo acoustic acts will perform at the Betty Strong Encounter Center. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
Kuehl’s soulful vocals combine with driving acoustic guitar to engage listeners of all ages. Expect to hear a mix of Americana, Blues, and Popular music.
Kuehl is a Siouxland local who has often played at various country clubs, restaurants, bars, and special events such as weddings.

Poetry Reading from Dead Language by Jeanne Emmons
2025-09-24 18:00 - 19:30
On Wednesday, September 24, 2025 at 6:00pm at the Betty Strong Encounter Center, listen to Jeanne Emmons read (with commentary) from her latest poetry collection, Dead Language.
Jeanne’s poems about the loss of her mother, a Latin teacher, will take listeners on a descent to the underworld and back again, a metaphor for the grief journey. A presentation of visual images will accompany the reading.
A book signing and reception will follow with refreshments furnished by Gretchen Gondek, Tricia Currans-Sheehan, and the Lewis and Clark Center.

"The Life of Great Sioux Leader Red Cloud" Dr. Don Hickey
2025-09-28 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Betty Strong Encounter Center in Sioux City, Don Hickey, award-winning author and historian, will present an illustrated account of the life of the great Sioux leader Red Cloud. Admission is free, but donations are encouraged.
Born in Nebraska, Red Cloud excelled at making war and peace. In the conflict that bears his name, Red Cloud’s War, he is credited with the only Native American victory in any war with the United States. He was also a good public speaker, and as the most photographed Indian in the nineteenth century, his face was instantly recognizable to contemporaries, Americans, and Native Americans alike.
Hickey holds a PhD from the University of Illinois and is a specialist in early American history and American military history. He is best known for his books, The War of 1812: A Forgotten Conflict (University of Illinois Press) and Nebraska Moments: Glimpses of Nebraska’s Past (University of Nebraska Press). His latest book, Tecumseh’s War: The Epic Conflict for the Heart of America, (Westholme Publishing) was published in 2023.

Forts of the Missouri River Valley
2025-10-05 14:00 - 15:00
At 2:00pm on Sunday, October 5, 2025, Jeff Barnes will share details on the “Forts of the Missouri River Valley.” Admission is free but donations are encouraged.
Barnes is a long-time student and writer of Great Plains history. A former newspaper reporter and editor, he is the author of eight books of Great Plains subjects, including two winners of the Nebraska Book Award.
He is also among the most frequently requested speakers of Humanities Nebraska, the largest speaker organization in the state, and is the first HN speaker to present in all 93 Nebraska counties. Since beginning as a public speaker in 2008, Jeff has made more than 900 appearances for groups in ten states.
Jeff is a past trustee of the Nebraska State Historical Society, past chair of the Nebraska Hall of Fame Commission, and former marketing director of the Durham Museum.

Amy Ellsworth
2025-10-12 14:00 - 15:00
On Sunday, October 12, 2025 at 2:00pm, the Betty Strong Encounter Center will host talented singer Amy Ellsworth. Admission is free, but goodwill donations encouraged.
Ellsworth, a Center favorite, always provides the audience with enjoyable music. She is from Brandon SD and former lead vocalist of Jukebox Zeroes. She has opened for many national acts like Foreigner, Joan Jett, Rick Springfield, and Brett Michaels.
Over the last few years, Ellsworth has played at Sioux City venues like Crash Boom Bang Whiskey Hole, The Marquee, and the Sioux City Orpheum with Rockestra.

Discoveries With Lewis and Clark: "Who Do You Choose, Captain?"
2025-10-18 10:30 - 11:30
The first adventure in this 6-week expedition, Discoveries With Lewis and Clark, begins on Saturday, October 18. Students currently in grades K-5 can attend at 10:30am or at 12:30pm. Admission is free; no registration required.
Students will receive their orders from President Jefferson and figure out the best crew for their own journey through the 6-week adventure. Will they select the best crew for the job? Are they themselves ready to make/lead the journey?
If you have questions, contact Amy Linder at 712-224-5242 or email alinder@siouxcitylcic.com.

Discoveries With Lewis and Clark: "Who Do You Choose, Captain?"
2025-10-18 12:30 - 13:30
The first adventure in this 6-week expedition, Discoveries With Lewis and Clark, begins on Saturday, October 18, . Students currently in grades K-5 can attend at 10:30am or at 12:30pm. Admission is free; no registration required.
Students will receive their orders from President Jefferson and figure out the best crew for their own journey through the 6-week adventure. Will they select the best crew for the job? Are they themselves ready to make/lead the journey?
If you have questions, contact Amy Linder at 712-224-5242 or email alinder@siouxcitylcic.com.
