All hail the Little Chief. Pompey’s Pillar National Monument is located near Billings. This 200-foot sandstone outcropping displays the only graffiti left by the expedition. On the return trip, Clark carved his name into the huge rock. The rock got its name because Clark called Sacagawea’s son “Pomp” which in Shoshoni means “little chief”. Each year during the last weekend in July the area historians host Captain William Clark Days. The event includes demonstrations, campfire stories, nature walks, canoes trips and stargazing. (Pompeys Pillar. 1(406) 875-2233 or www.pompeyspillar.org)
It’s a dog’s life. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Interpretive Center is about halfway along the almost 4,000-mile Lewis and Clark Expedition Route and is the largest museum dedicated to Expedition interpretation. This Center provides an impressive menu of year round activities and exhibits. At the River Camp living history area along the Missouri River, summer visitors are invited to join in demonstrations of expedition daily life and native cultures. Visitors will see a two-story realistic diorama of the portage around the Great Falls that includes five full-size figures and a 30-foot canoe. Discovery: In addition to a 30-minute film, exhibits, and hands-on activities, there are imaginative live programs. Topic titles are inviting and some of the best include “A Journey with Pomp” discussing the experiences of the little boy while on the Expedition and “Lewis’ Dog Seaman” a trip over view from a dog’s perspective. (Great Falls. 1(406) 727-8733 or www.fs.fed.us/r1/lewisclark/lcic)
All aboard for discovery. The Dillon Visitor Center (an old Union Pacific Railroad Depot) has a Lewis and Clark diorama and interpretive displays. Camp Fortunate Interpretive Center Overlook near Clark Canyon Dam, Beaverhead Rock north of Dillon and Clark’s Lookout are all in the area. (Dillon. 1(406) 683-5511 or www.beaverheadchamber.org)
Recess for everyone.The Museum of the Rockies is an exceptional not-to-be missed facility. There is a Lewis and Clark exhibit. This is a terrific place to spend time with kids. Inside the museum yellow “KidSpace” signs improve a visit by highlighting areas where kids and adults may interact with the exhibits in a very user-friendly way. The Martin Discovery Room was created for young children to make their own discoveries. They may try on dinosaur costumes, climb in a covered wagon, test an earthquake table, or read a book. (Montana State University, 600 West Kagy Boulevard, Bozeman.1 (406) 994-2251, 1(406) 994-DINO or Museum of the Rockies)
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