Built in 2002, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center showcases permanent exhibits about the Corps of Discovery’s time in the present-day Sioux City area from late July to early September 1804. The death and burial of Sergeant Charles Floyd on August 20 is at the center of the story. Floyd was the first U.S. soldier to die west of the Mississippi River.
The expedition as a military operation comes to life in exhibits that use interactive devices, including animatronic mannequins, computers, flip books, stamping stations, text-and-graphic panels, lift-and-drop panels, hand-painted murals, a brass-rubbing station, and reproductions of military equipment.
Participants will bead their own ear of Indian Corn to take home. Each will have their own personalized bushel.
On Sunday, March 23 at 2:00 pm, Mary Watts, harpist, will celebrate “Spring is in the Air.” She will play uplifting music including various spring and nature themes selections.
Have you heard about The Expansion Center? Would you like to learn more about it? On March 19th from 5:30-6:30pm, Debbie LaCroix will share about Sioux City's unique holistic learning center.
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm, “Magic Man” Corey Fravel will dazzle our audience with his skills of prestidigitation. Admission is free with a reception to follow.
St. Patrick's Day is upon us! Join Ms. Elizabeth to create a fun craft to make good luck "rain" down .
The Betty Strong Encounter Center has received funding from Humanities Iowa, a private, non-profit, to host a presentation called “Just Before the Battle Mother- A Visit from a Civil War Soldier.” by O.J. Fargo on March 9, 2025, at 2:00pm.
Come meet Lady K DIY (aka Judy Madsen). She will teach you a new craft!
Come join Ms. Elizabeth to observe a magical science experiment “Fairies in a Jar.”
Dr. Scott Culpepper will present “Cotton Mather: Spirituality, Science, and the Supernatural” at 2:00 PM on Sunday, February 23, 2025, at the Betty Strong Encounter Center.
On Sunday, February 16, 2025, at 2:00 pm in the Betty Strong Encounter Center auditorium, Mike and Jack Langley will help us “Shake off the Winter Blues” with their lively musical presentation.
Come join Ms. Elizabeth, our Education Coordinator, and create a fun Valentine's craft of Dreamcatchers. You will learn the purpose of dreamcatchers in Native American Culture.
On Sunday, February 9, 2025, at 2:00 pm the Betty Strong Encounter Center once again welcomes Bill “Chopper” Pelchat and his co-hort Denny Feauto.