We started our tourist gigs in Sioux City, IA at the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center/Betty Strong Encounter Center and the Sgt. Lloyd River Museum both side by side on the banks of the Missouri River. The first museum comprised two buildings spread over a gorgeous campus complete with lovely landscaping, sculptures and benches. The buildings themselves were a joy to enter thanks to the warm, welcoming architecture and interior design. As you enter not only does the place embrace you, but the various changing art exhibits were both beautiful and informative images of the surrounding countryside and it's people. Here is the website:
http://www.lewisandclarktrail.com/section1/iowacities/SiouxCity/lewisandclarkcenter.htm
Mike and I tried to give you a feel of the place and it's information through our photographs...
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| The campus with the two buildings connected |
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Rather than chop down the tree completely, it became a work of art It seemed to be their mission statement here |
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| Close up of a Native American artist narrative of the Lewis & Clark Expedition |
His mural that covered the wall connecting the two buildings
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| Here is a smaller statue of Lewis and Clark with Seaman, the Newfie |
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| A tippen or shawl presented to Clark by a Chief |
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| Thought Jo and Don would love this story since they had a Newfie too |
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| Their murals were so well done with all kind of really interesting interactive projects for children. Check out the Lego's keelboat here |
No Google maps then...good ole sextant and the stars
Another sad tale of a slave...
This mural showed the burial of the only man lost on the trip, Sgt. Floyd
The Muskets and staff they carried as well
Horn and powder bag carried by the soldiers
Buffalo skull
Prong Antelope, which we saw a whole herd of them driving today
Various Native American artwork within the centers...loved the different styles and techniques
View towards the Towboat Sgt. Floyd
Our next visit was next door to The Sgt. Floyd River Museum and Welcome Center where they had more Lewis and Clark exhibits along with their own supply boat information.
The Engine Room on the Main Deck
Two massive diesel engines powered this shallow draft style survey boat
The Engineers Station on the Main Deck
Valves and Water Lines
The Radio Room in the Pilot House
Officier's Quarters
The Head
Mike checking out the Helm
There was space to relax up there and watch the river go by
These are the items Lewis & Clark took to trade with the Native Americans
A model of the Keelboat they took with them
The Red Pirogue that also went with them
Items each man carried
When we completed these museums we started our drive to Rapid City, SD with more fun stops than we had anticipated... The scenery and landscape was once again incredibly picturesque, so we tried to capture it as we drove or stopped.
If there are small farms, we didn't see them
Meanwhile Lily is being a brat because she misses her momma
Welcome to Mitchell, SD, home of the World Famous Corn Palace
The entry way hall
The inside arena could be used for basketball or a concert when all the souvenirs are removed
Even the town of Mitchell was cute
We saw different versions of the Wall Drug signs for over 300 miles
Needless to say, we saw lots of beef, hay bales, clouds and farms
Did I mention lots of silos???
To our surprise we come over a hill and there is the Missouri River again
Here is the reason for all the signs...a tiny drug store has grown into a 76,000 sq. ft mall that dominates the tiny town of Wall, SD. It's a typical American success story...
Lots of dead animals staring down at the shopper's
Reliving his Davy Crockett Days with a Ray Charles twist
Part of the original drug store
Just one part of the enclosed mall
Mike hanging out with one of the honeys
Nothing like visiting out here when it's the 77th Sturgis Festival...YIKES!
I really wanted to see who rode this one?
Hope to get a better photo of all the sunflowers...
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