Lower Portage Camp Lewis & Clark NHL
A historically significant Lewis & Clark campsite on White Bear Island, known for a 4th of July celebration and an experimental boat.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Lower Portage Camp Lewis & Clark NHL
Best Time
Pleasant weather for exploring
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A historically significant Lewis & Clark campsite on White Bear Island, known for a 4th of July celebration and an experimental boat.
"A hidden gem for Lewis & Clark history buffs, though marker access can be tricky. "
Respect Private Property
Historical markers are on private land. Do not hop fences. :noentrysign:
Boat Access Recommended
White Bear Island, the actual camp site, is best accessed by boat. ⛵
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.8 · 5 reviews
Type
Historical Landmark
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Corps of Discovery's 4th of July Celebration
Commemorate the Corps of Discovery's 1805 Independence Day celebration, marking a significant moment in their expedition.
Captain Lewis's Metal Frame Boat Experiment
Learn about Captain Lewis's ambitious but ultimately unsuccessful attempt to build a metal-framed boat during the expedition.
White Bear Island Location
The historical camp is situated on White Bear Island, a key point along the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Accessing Historical Markers
Understanding the Site's Evolution
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect Private Property
Historical markers are on private land. Do not hop fences. :noentrysign:
Boat Access Recommended
White Bear Island, the actual camp site, is best accessed by boat. ⛵
Research Before You Go
Read Lewis & Clark's journals for deeper context. 📚
Consider Downstream Site
Another historical marker exists at the downstream portage site. 🗺️
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect Private Property
Historical markers are on private land. Do not hop fences. :noentrysign:
Boat Access Recommended
White Bear Island, the actual camp site, is best accessed by boat. ⛵
Research Before You Go
Read Lewis & Clark's journals for deeper context. 📚
Consider Downstream Site
Another historical marker exists at the downstream portage site. 🗺️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors highlight the historical significance of Lower Portage Camp, particularly the Corps of Discovery's 4th of July celebration and Lewis's boat experiment. However, many note that the historical placards are on private property and difficult to access or read, detracting from the visitor experience.
"I visited this place on the 4th of July. The Corps of Discovery drank the last of their whisky here, celebrating the 4th of July, 1805. This area is now mostly improved with houses, and a paved highway that passes White Bear Island where the actual camp is located. If you have a boat or some other means, one could make it to the island. Captain Lewis wrote in his journals about a great experiment, his metal frame he intended to construct into a boat. The crew couldn't find pine sap to seal the hides stretched around the metal frame. The metal frame was left and the men continued up the Missouri after completing portage around the Great Falls. The metal frame has never been located."
Bill
"The placards are on private property, just inside a fence, and they are unreadable unless you hop the fence (don’t do it) or the owner happens to be near the fence and can let you in. Maybe a different type of placard or marker could replace the current ones—not slanted or tilted, but standing perpendicular to the ground."
Mark H
"Hidden gem that should be seen by anyone interested in Lewis and Clark history. There is another at the downstream portage site."
Alan Wood
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The historical camp is located on White Bear Island. Access is challenging due to modern development and a highway. Many visitors find it best accessed by boat. The historical placards are situated on private property near the highway, which can make them difficult to view without trespassing.
While you can drive near the area, the actual camp site on White Bear Island is not directly accessible by car. Historical markers are located near the highway but on private land, posing viewing challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No tickets are required as this is an outdoor historical site. However, access to view the historical placards may be restricted as they are on private property.
As an outdoor historical location, there are no set opening hours. However, viewing the historical markers may depend on landowner access and visibility.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see historical placards detailing the Corps of Discovery's activities, including their 4th of July celebration in 1805 and Captain Lewis's boat experiment. The site is near White Bear Island, the actual camp location.
Reviews indicate the historical placards can be difficult to read as they are often on private property, slanted, or tilted. Respecting property lines is crucial.
White Bear Island, where the camp was located, is best accessed by boat. Direct land access can be complicated by surrounding development.
This site is significant as the location where the Corps of Discovery celebrated the 4th of July in 1805 and where Captain Lewis attempted to build his experimental metal-framed boat.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography opportunities are limited due to the location of markers on private property. Capturing the general landscape and any visible historical signage from public areas is possible.
Social
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