Our Epic Northwestern Journey – Part 27 – Following The Lewis & Clark Expedition

I have a few more fun posts from our big epic Northwestern Journey. We have now entered back into the United States, entering from Waterton, Alberta, Canada into Montana.

When we first entered Montana, it looked very similar to Waterton, but as we continued to drive through Montana, it became more and more like green pasture land, with beautiful rolling hills. Montana is very sparsely populated, with only about 1.6 million people. We were still traveling through the Rocky Mountains though, so there are still plenty of mountains all around too.

Montana is definitely cowboy country. There are way more cattle than people.

Apparently, Montana was also home to the dinosaurs millions of years ago.

We were heading south towards Harding, where we were staying for the night. Of course we made some fun, historical stops along the way though. This was the big dam we passed as we were heading towards the Lewis & Clark National Interpretive Center.

We made it to the Lewis & Clark National Interpretive Center. It was fascinating. I don’t think Lewis and Clark knew what they were in for when they signed up for the expedition, but we are all so glad they made it. Because of their fearless excursion, the United States grew into the very large land mass and country that it is today.

The Lewis & Clark expedition took place under Thomas Jefferson’s presidency, when we acquired all the western land as part of the Louisiana purchase in 1804. The trek was to go as far west as possible, to the Pacific Ocean, from the Mississippi River. The excursion lasted over two years. Along the way they confronted harsh weather, unforgiving terrain, treacherous waters, injuries, starvation, disease and both friendly and hostile Native Americans. Nevertheless, the approximately 8,000-mile journey was deemed a huge success and provided new geographic, ecological and cultural information about previously uncharted areas of North America.

The interpretive center did a great job of presenting the expedition and the trials and tribulations that Lewis & Clark and their men, faced along the way.

We all thoroughly enjoyed our stop at the interpretive center. We all learned a lot of new things too. For all those people who say they don’t like history and that history is boring, it really can be fun, especially when done right. 🙂

After leaving the interpretive center, we continued southward to Harding where we were stopping for the night. Montana is still home to many Native American peoples. We passed through Black Feet territory, and I am sure more as well along the way. Harding is home to a lot of Crow peoples.

Montana is known as Big Sky Country. You can see how it got that name too.

Overlooking Billings.

This is a good place to stop. I have oh so much more to share, but that will have to wait just a bit longer. 🙂

Life is meant to be explored to be lived. Explore the world around you. I’m sure you will be amazed at what you find, or what finds you. Have a great day and make everyday great. Stay safe and stay well. ‘Til next time.