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.
On Wednesday, June 18, 2025, at 10:00 am, the Many Moccasins Dance Troupe will bring their Traditional Native American style of dance to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center’s outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage as part of our Summer Series of programs.
On Sunday, June 15, 2025, Dr. Don Hickey will share his vast knowledge of “Custer’s Last Stand: The Battle of the Little Bighorn June 25-26, 1876.”
On Saturday, June 14, 2025, at 2:00 pm at the Betty Strong Encounter Center music will fill the air at the Lewis and Clark Center when New Horizon’s Band of Sioux City presents its concert under the direction of Benjamin Mauritz. This concert is part of the Center’s Summer Series. Programs are held on the outdoor Spirit of Discovery Stage.
Come join Ms. Elizabeth, our Education Coordinator, and create a fun time crafting Dreamcatchers. Participants will also learn the purpose of dreamcatchers in Native American Culture.
On Wednesday, June 11, 2025, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, come discover all about Sioux City’s newest distillery, Sioux City Distilling Company with Austin Foster.
At 2:00pm on June 8, 2025, the Betty Strong Encounter Center welcomes to its stage the unique musical stylings of “Sunflower Slim” (Todd Pirck).
Have you ever seen a live owl or eagle up close? You may get a chance on Wednesday, June 4, 2025, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, the SOAR (Save Our Avian Resources) staff along with various birds (we don’t know which ones at this time) will present a 45-minute program.
On Saturday, May 31, 2025, come to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center to participate in Percy’s Pals Family Game Day hosted by our Education Coordinator, Ms. Elizabeth!
On Wednesday, May 28, 2025, from 5:30pm-6:30pm, come discover all about Sioux City’s newest flea market, Junk & Disorderly Flea Market.
On Sunday, May 25, 2025, at 2:00pm in the Betty Strong Encounter Center, Dan Holtz and Gary Zalud will present “Heroism on the Plains: Story Songs of Courage and Determination.”
At the Betty Strong Encounter Center on May 21, 2025, the kids WOW event will be a fabulous hands-on session where kids can learn about and play Native games. The event is free to all.
On Sunday, May 18, 2025, at 2:00 pm, the Betty Strong Encounter Center is thrilled to welcome Joan Wells and Kris Simon as they travel and sing “Up the Nebraska Cattle Trail and Songs of the West.”