Education is KEY!

​

​Education Programs

At the Interpretive Center, we believe in inspiring young minds through meaningful, hands-on learning. During the school year, we proudly offer a series of curriculum-based education programs designed to spark curiosity and deepen understanding. Each program is thoughtfully crafted to align with National and State standards in Social Studies, Geography, Economics, History, Civics, and Science — with a special emphasis on honoring the Indian Education for All initiative.

Through immersive experiences and storytelling, we connect students to the rich cultural and natural heritage of our region, helping them see the world and their place in it with fresh eyes and open hearts.

Program Basics

Discover History in Action at the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center!

Step into the adventure with our two-hour immersive program, where history comes alive through exploration, learning, and fun!

What’s Included:

• 30-minute classroom activity – Get hands-on with history as students uncover the challenges faced by Lewis and Clark.

• 60-minute exhibit hall tour – Journey through our exhibits and walk in the footsteps of America’s greatest explorers.

• 20-minute interpretive film – Experience Confluence of Time and Courage: Portage at Great Falls, a powerful story that brings the expedition to life.

Program Details:

• Cost per student: $2.00

• Teachers & Chaperones: One free admission for every 10 students

• Additional adults: $8.00 standard entrance fee (Federal Recreational Passes accepted)

• Advance reservations required

 Souvenirs & Keepsakes:
Students can take a piece of history home! The Portage Cache Store offers affordable mementos (from $1–$20). Teachers can even request a price list in advance.

To Learn More:
Contact the Lewis & Clark Foundation at 406-452-5661 for details about scholarships or gift shop options.​

Program Availability

• Days Offered: Tuesday through Friday

• Season: September through June

• Note: May fills up quickly—consider other months

Scheduling Your Visit

• Phone: Call (406) 727-8733

• Advance Notice: Schedule at least 2 weeks ahead

• Booking: First-come, first-served basis

 Information to Have Ready When You Call

• Preferred dates and time

• School name and contact info

• Grades and number of students (maximum 90)

• Program choice

• Method of payment

• Any special student needs

Preparing for Your Lewis & Clark Adventure

Once your reservation is confirmed, we’ll email you everything you need for a smooth and memorable visit:

• Guidelines for a Successful Tour – tips to share with your students and chaperones.

• Bus Unloading & Loading Instructions – for everyone’s safety.

• A Pre-Visit Activity – tailored to the education program you selected, to spark curiosity before you arrive!

Before Your Visit

• Chaperones: Please plan for one adult chaperone per 10 students (these adults are admitted free).

  • If your group includes students with special needs, additional chaperones can be arranged in advance.

  • Be sure to brief chaperones on their role in organizing students, maintaining discipline, and ensuring a positive learning experience

  • Student Preparation:

    • Encourage students to come ready to learn and explore!

    • Remind them that respectful behavior helps make the experience enjoyable for everyone.

On the Day of Your Visit

• Group Organization:

  • Divide students into groups of ten before entering the building.

  • Assign each group a chaperone prior to arrival.

• What to Bring (and Not Bring):

  • Students should leave food, jackets, beverages, and gum on the bus.

  • Notebooks are welcome for note-taking or sketches.

  • If using electronic devices, please remind students to do so discreetly and respectfully.

• Payment Information:

  • Have all fees ready to present at the fee window upon arrival.

  • Accepted forms of payment: cash, personal check (made out to USDA Forest Service), credit card, or purchase order.

  • Please do not mail payment in advance.

  • Refunds are not available.

Programs Offered

Primary Grades (K-2)
Home, Sweet Home
Lewis and Clark met many American Indian tribes on their journey across North America. They discovered tipis were only one style of Indian home. Indian tribes used nature’s materials to fashion their homes, and those materials changed with the landscape. Students become familiar with Indian homes from the Plains, Plateau and Coastal regions. They create their own miniature home as a remembrance of their visit. Curriculum connection: History: SS.H.2.1, SS.H.4.1, Economics: SS.E.2.3, Geography: SS.G.3.2, Life Science: LS.K.2, LS.1.1, LS.2.1, LS.4.1, IEFA.EU.1.

Intermediate Grades (3-5)
Let’s Make a Deal!
Explorers of the American West interacted and traded with American Indians for diplomacy and commerce. Students learn how and why Captains Lewis and Clark exchanged gifts and goods with Indian tribes they met. Students negotiate their own trade using beads provided by the Center, then create their own necklace using beads they collected in their simulated trade. Curriculum connection: Social Studies: SS.E.K.1, SS.E.1.2, SS.E.2.3, SS.E.4.4, SS.E.5.4, SS.E.6.1, IFEA.EU.1, IFEA.EU.6.

How Did They Get There?
Lewis and Clark used several modes of transportation during their 4,000-mile journey to the Pacific. Indian transportation varied as well. Students learn how both cultures traveled the West, and compare transportation in the 1800s to modern systems. Students carve their own dugout canoe. Exhibit hall tour assesses modes of travel. Curriculum connection: History: SS.H.2.1, SS.H.4.3, Geography: SS.G.5.3, IEFA.EU.1, IEFA.EU.6.

A Private’s Life
The Corps of Discovery was a military enterprise mostly made up of privates. Students will learn about the equipment carried by privates in the army of 1804 and learn how to roll a candy cartridge. Exhibit hall tour focuses on military life and the Native American cultures encountered by the expedition. Curriculum connection: History: SS.H.2.1, SS.H.4.1, SS.H.4.3, SS.H.5.2.

Symbols in Society
Throughout history, people have used symbols to represent larger concepts or ideas. Many cultures utilized symbols found from nature to illustrate life events or beliefs. Students learn the meaning of some symbols and how American Indians and Lewis & Clark used symbols in the 1800s. Students decorate their own miniature tipi with symbols they design. Curriculum connection: History: 2.1, 2.2, 3.3; IEFA: EU.3, EU.6.

To Bleed or Not to Bleed (Grades 4th-8th)
Learn about typical ailments experienced by members of the Expedition. Compare and contrast the medical treatments with current day techniques. Practice applying results of medical treatments “then & now” in simulated situations. Visit includes the Portage film. Curriculum connection: Social Studies: SS.H.6-8.1, SS.H.6-8.2, SS.H.8.5, Science: MS-LS1-3, IFEA.EU.3, IFEA.EU.6.

 

Middle & High School Grades (6-12)
Mapping the Way West
Captain Clark created fantastic maps of the West for President Jefferson. Students learn the primary instruments used by mapmakers to chart their course, then use these newfound mapping skills to determine the distance and direction along the Corps’ portage around the Great Falls. Curriculum connection: Geography: SS.G.K.2, SS.G.6-8.1, SS.G.9-12.3.

​

The Grand Tour (7-12)

This visit includes a 60-minute comprehensive tour of the exhibit hall and is intended for groups who inly intend to visit the Center once. There is no on-site activity or film generally included. Curriculum connections: Geography: SS.G.4.2, SS.G.6-8.5, SS.G.5.3, SS.G.11.4, SS.G.11.8, History: SS.H.2.1, SS.H.4.4, SS.H.5.3, SS.H.6-8.2, SS.H.11.1, SS.H.11.4, Civics and Government: SS.CG.2.1, IFEA.EU.1, IFEA.EU.2, IFEA.EU.6.

​

Lewis & Clark Amongst the Grizzlies (Multi-grade)

Lewis & Clark encountered numerous grizzlies along their journey. Students will learn about the physical features, their habitat, and their diet. They will also hear about some of the harrowing encounters the Corps of Discovery experienced with these bears. They will contrast Lewis' & Clark's attitudes about the grizzlies with Native Americans' attitudes. Students will create their own bear claw & bead necklace using materials supplied by the Center. Curriculum connections: History: SS.H.3.2, SS.H.4.3, SS.H.11.7, SS.H.11.10, Life Science: 3-LS1-1, 3-LS3-2, 4-LS1-1, 4LS1-2, MS-LS4, IFEA.EU.3

​

ACTIVITIES:

Junior Explorers

If you are between the ages of 5 and 12, Come to the Lewis and Clark Interpretive center and become a Junior Explorer to the Corps of Discovery! Each successful Junior Explorer earns a certificate and a patch as well as the honor of calling themselves a Junior Explorer! Just follow the simple steps below:
Step 1: Stop by the front desk and say, "I want to be a Junior Explorer!"
Step 2: After listening to the instructions, go through the exhibit hall and fill out at least three pages from the booklet.
Step 3: Go back to the front desk and receive your official certificate and badge!

​

Junior Rangers

Become a Junior Ranger and receive a US Forest Service badge. Just tell the docent at the front desk that you want to become a Junior Ranger and complete the booklet. An office Forest Service Ranger will swear you in and present your badge.

​

Lewis & Clark Lookout Scavenger Hunt

Ask for the scavenger hunt at the front desk, grab your camera or cell camera, and find the items on the page. Take a self with at least 8 out of 10 objects you discover, present your findings to the docent at the front desk, and choose a souvenir from our treasure chest.

​

Teacher Continuing Education Programs

In addition to our classroom programs, the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center periodically offer continuing education/recertification classes for educators.

Our main offering is in collaboration with the annual teacher's conference. Typically, we provide 1-hour course that offers different aspects of the Lewis and Clark story, along with hands-on exposure to the classroom programs offered to students during the school year. The program is aimed primarily at intermediate-grade elementary school teachers and it can also be useful for secondary-level teachers who want deeper background on the story of Lewis and Clark. Contact the Center's Education Coordinator at (406) 727-8733 for additional information.​

• In May, we offer a Certificate of Interpretive Guiding (CIG) through the National Association for Interpretation. This 32-hour course includes the history, definition, and principles of interpretation. Techniques to make presentations purposeful, enjoyable, relevant, organized, and thematic. Experience in using tangible objects to connect your students to intangible ideas and universal concepts. The certificate of completion includes a one-year NAI membership. This opportunity is aimed primarily at educators who want to improve their presentation skills and deepen their student impact. Contact the Center's Education Coordinator at (406) 727-8733 for additional information.

 

​