Don’t be fooled by the big building here. It’s not a vast museum, but rather the Midwest regional office for the National Park Service. Though it’s a good place to visit if you want to learn the basics about Lewis and Clark’s epic expedition or take a break during a scenic walk along the Missouri River and across the curvy Bob Kerrey Bridge. The park service runs a movie about Lewis and Clark, displays a few artifacts like pelts, and has small exhibits such as one highlighting Native American tribes along the route. There are a few hands-on activities for kids, too, including writing in a journal with a goose quill and ink. In addition to seeking travel suggestions from park rangers, you also can grab a field guidebook, book on the expedition, or join monthly historic talks or seasonal tours of the native plant garden.

If you want a meatier look at the explorers, the Corps of Discovery and the Native Americans (including Sacagawea) who made the journey possible, head to other sites along the 3,700-mile Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. The national trail encompasses the most intriguing federal, tribal, state, and local museums and sites along the route to the West Coast and back.