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Iowa
52

Iowa State Parks

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USA Parks
Iowa
Southwest Region
Lewis And Clark State Park
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
Eastern Goldfinch
Eastern Goldfinch © stateparks.com
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LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK
LEWIS AND CLARK STATE PARK
21914 Park Loop
Onawa, Iowa   51040

Phone: 712-423-2829
Reservations: 712-423-2829
Email: park email button icon
While visiting Lewis and Clark, please take the opportunity to view the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat/barge, "Best Friend," which was constructed by Butch Bouvier of L&C Replicas. Imagine, if you can, the expedition winding its way up the Missouri River while sailing, pulling and poling the 55-foot boat.

Lewis and Clark State Park lies on the shores of Blue Lake, an "oxbow" formed by the meanderings of the picturesque Missouri River many years ago.

The park is named for Meriwether Lewis, secretary to President Thomas Jefferson, and Captain William Clark, United States Army, who were commissioned by President Jefferson in 1804 to head an expedition into the northwest to explore the vast territory purchased from France. With 26 men and supplies, Lewis and Clark led their expedition up the Missouri River from St. Louis by keelboat.

On August 10, 1804, the expedition arrived at the site where Lewis and Clark State Park now lies. They spent some time there exploring the region and making observations on the geographical conditions, plants and animals in the area. Today, thousands of people visit the park every year for outdoor recreation and to learn a little bit more about the Lewis and Clark expedition. The park has been designated as part of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail by the National Park Service.
Nature of the Area
The 250 acres of Blue Lake offer a variety of water-oriented recreational opportunities. The beach is a fine place for sunbathing and swimming. One double boat ramp is available for easy lake access. No restrictions are placed on motor size. The lake has been eradicated for a fisheries renovation. Excellent fishing opportunities should be available in a few years.
History of the Area
Lewis and Clark FestivalIn 1984, the first annual Lewis and Clark Festival was held at Lewis and Clark State park near Onawa, the site of an 1804 Lewis and Clark encampment. The June festival features movies about the 1804 expedition, buckskinners in frontier dress, bluegrass music and historic presentations. A major attraction is the full-sized reproduction of Lewis and Clark's keelboat, Discovery, constructed by local volunteers and park staff.
FACILITIES AND ACTIVITIES OVERVIEW
Day-UseFishingyes
 Huntingyes
 Swimming Beachyes
BoatingLaunch Rampsyes
CampingPrimitiveyes
 Electric Sitesyes
 Water/Electric Sitesyes
 Full Hookup Sitesyes
Camping
The Lewis and Clark campground is a great place to spend a leisurely vacation in the outdoors. The 112 campsites, 100 with electrical hookups and 12 with full hook-up, lie along the lakeshore. Modern rest rooms and showers are available, as is a trailer dump station. Advance campsite reservations can be booked through the park reservation system. Half of the campsites are available on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Lodge
The lodge at Lewis and Clark is a fine place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lodge may be reserved for a fee.
Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. It features a large lake, Blue Lake, which is popular among both locals and tourists for water activities. The boat ramp provided allows easy access to the water for all types of boats including motorboats, sailboats or paddle crafts like canoes and kayaks. There are also rental facilities available on-site where guests can rent different kinds of vessels if they don't have their own.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in a 250-acre lake, with species like largemouth bass, catfish and bluegill available. There's also an accessible fishing pier for convenience. Ice-fishing is popular during winter months too.


Location
Lewis And Clark State Park is

Picnicking
Lewis and Clark is a very popular area for family picnics. The park has more than 30 acres of picnic grounds with tables, fire grills, and drinking water. Two open picnic shelters are available for picnic use on a first come/first serve basis and may be rented through the park office.

The lodge at Lewis and Clark is a fine place for group events such as wedding receptions and family reunions. The lodge was constructed in the 1930s by the Civilian Conservation Corps. The lodge may be reserved for a fee.
Bicycling
The park offers a 1.5-mile trail, ideal for casual biking trips around the lake area.

Mountain bikes are not recommended due to terrain limitations and potential damage to natural resources.

Bikers should be aware that trails can become muddy or slippery after rain; caution is advised during these conditions.

Helmets are strongly encouraged as safety precautions while enjoying the scenic bike routes in this location.

Please note: Trails may close seasonally or unexpectedly due to maintenance needs or weather-related issues.

Remember, respect wildlife by maintaining distance and keeping noise levels low when cycling through their habitats.
Birding
The park offers a diverse range of bird species for enthusiasts to observe. Birdwatchers can spot waterfowl, songbirds and raptors in the area's woodland, wetland and prairie habitats. The Blue Lake is particularly popular with migratory birds during spring and fall seasons.

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Area Campgrounds
On-Ur-Wa RV Park
1111 28th Street
Onawa, IA
712-423-1387
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
Onawa is 5 miles east of the park on State Highway 175. Blencoe is 5 miles east and 7 miles south on U.S. Highway 75. Turin is 12 miles east on State Highway 175. Sioux City is 41 miles north on Interstate 29. Council Bluffs is 65 miles south on Interstate 29.

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Iowa
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Iowa State Parks

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