Spaces and Purposes
Uniquely designed facilities and how we use them to serve the community
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center comprises approximately 10,000 square feet and encompasses our permanent exhibits related to the expedition, the Keelboat Theater, a classroom, a small library, office space, a welcome desk and restrooms.
The Interpretive Center deploys an astonishing selection of programming through these assets.
Exhibit Spaces
Our permanent exhibits bring to life the Corps of Discovery’s time in the present-day Sioux City area from late July to early September 1804. In addition to talking with the many visitors that come here throughout the year, we offer guided tours to schools and other groups.
These exhibits require regular maintenance and one of our animatronics—a children’s favorite, Seaman the dog—is near the end of its useful life. You may donate toward Exhibits here.
Keelboat Theater
The Keelboat Theater, fashioned after the vessel Lewis and Clark navigated up the Missouri River, is used primarily to provide a short introduction about the expedition with videos that describes the backstory to the expedition.
We are looking for other ways to optimize the use of the small, charming theater, which could be used to screen videos on other topics, possibly in conjunction with planned events at the Center.
Classroom
We use our classroom for children’s classes and crafting. The Center offers kids’ events and classes throughout the year catering to a diverse range of ages.
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Stanley Evans Auditorium
Our auditorium is fully outfitted with lighting, sound equipment, and a video/presentation screen and can accommodate audiences of 115.
Here, we host free weekly afternoon events — music, dance, theater, comedy, magic, history— nearly every Sunday throughout the year. Afterwards we host a reception.
In FY 2022/23 we hosted 50+ such events, plus a couple of special events.
This space also hosts a Thursday afternoon jam session for anyone who is interested in the fun and fellowship of freeform music.
Main Gallery
We display the work of regional artists in our main gallery, changing out the exhibits every few weeks. In FY 2022/23, we featured eight exhibits here.
Multipurpose Room
Our multipurpose room is a comfortable and functional space for meetings and small events. It is connected to offices and a kitchen, so is a handy space to serve catered meals or snacks and refreshments.
The space features a large screen that can connect to a laptop for presentations and other computer-based information, and tables and chairs can be configured in a variety of ways. The multipurpose room may be reserved for meetings and certain other events. Call 712-224-5242 to inquire about availability and terms.
Betty Strong Encounter Center
In 2007, the Center expanded to include the adjoining Betty Strong Encounter Center. It hosts free photo and art exhibits, and offers free programs, events and activities that explore themes of the land, rivers and people of the region.
The Encounter Center features the spaces described elsewhere in this section, as well as a welcome desk, wall exhibits, office space, maintenance and storage areas and a kitchen.
Campus
Our beautiful 79-acre campus is appealingly located adjacent to the Missouri River, with just a strip of land and a paved walking/biking trail between them.
It is a study in artistic design, comfortable and welcoming yet intriguing and educational all at once.
Find a more fulsome description of our campus by Assistant Director Theresa Jackson here.
Spirit of Discovery Stage
The first phase of construction of this outdoor stage has been completed and we introduced it to the public in our production of “My Way,” a tribute to the music of Frank Sinatra” in June 2023. See the whole series!
Picnic Area
Our pergola-covered picnic area is a great spot to enjoy lunch and an inviting resting point for riverfront trail walkers.
Winding Paths, Benches, Gardens and Statues
Our campus is simply gorgeous. Guests find themselves lingering when they had no plans to do so.
Kids’ Corner
Center staff has turned this corner at the dogleg of the hall into a fun and cozy spot for kids to kick back and enjoy themselves!
Wall Exhibit Space
The walls of the long hall make great spots for exhibits, and we take full advantage of that.
We are in the planning stages for a large new exhibit in this space that promises to be intriguing. Stay tuned!
Hall
“The Crossroads” hallway connects the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center and the Betty Strong Encounter Center.
In addition to providing a critical indoor pathway between the two facilities, the long corridor has vast wall space for exhibits — approximately 800 square feet.