GREAT FALLS
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center (406/727-8733) offers the West's best overview of the expedition. The annual Lewis & Clark Festival (Jun 23-27; 406/452-5661) features reenactments, float trips, hikes, and other fun. For Great Falls lodging and dining information click here.
UPPER MISSOURI RIVER
Guided canoe trips run $200-$325 a day for three to five days. Outfitters include River Odysseys West (800/451-6034) and Missouri River Canoe Company (800/426-2926). For a full list, contact the Bureau of Land Management in Fort Benton, Montana (406/622-3839).
POMPEYS PILLAR
This sandstone rise, which William Clark named for Sacagawea's son, Pomp, holds one of the few physical remnants of the expedition: Clark's signature, visible behind protective glass. At exit 23 of I-94, 23 miles east of Billings; (406) 896-5235.
TRAVEL PLANNER
The listings below follow the Lewis and Clark trail through Central Montana.
MALTA, MT
Upper Missouri River Breaks National Monument. Campsites include Kipp Recreation Area (34 developed sites with water and rest rooms $6; Apr-Nov). www.mt.blm.gov/ldo/rec.html or (406) 538-7461.
VIRGELLE, MT
Virgelle Merc. Rustic rooms in a historic store; headquarters for the Missouri River Canoe Co. 6 cabins from $40 per person, 4 rooms from $95. 7485 Virgelle Ferry Rd. N.; www.paddle montana.com or (800) 426-2926.
FORT BENTON, MT
Grand Union Hotel. This restored 1882 riverside hotel may be the best place to stay anywhere along the trail. The Union Grille ($$$; dinner only Wed-Sun) offers sophisticated food. 26 rooms from $79. 1 Grand Union Square; www.grandunionhotel.com or (406) 622-1882.
Bob's Riverfront Restaurant. Good food, including fine blackberry cobbler. $$. 1414 Front St.; (406) 622-3443.
GREAT FALLS, MT
Best Western Heritage Inn. Large motel complex. 235 rooms from $79. 1700 Fox Farm Rd.; (800) 548-8256.
Bert & Ernie's Restaurant & Brewpub. Good for burgers and microbrew beer. $$; closed Sun. 300 First Ave. S.; (406) 453-0601.
Dante's Creative Cuisine. Salads, steaks, pasta in a restored ironworks. $$$. 1325 Eighth Ave. N.; www.dantesgf.com or (406) 453-9599.
THREE FORKS, MT
Sacajawea Hotel. This restored railroad inn is charming; good restaurant too ($$$). 31 rooms from $89. 5 N. Main St.; www.sacajaweahotel.com or (888) 722-2529.
Lewis & Clark Caverns State Park. 40 tent and RV sites from $15, 3 cabins from $39; cavern tours (May-Sep) $10. 19 miles west of Three Forks off State 2; (406) 287-3541.
― Peter Fish and Abigail Peterson
