Louisville Waterfront Park - Lewis and Clark Trail Experience

Information

Waterfront Park Hours 6 am – 11 pm, daily Adventure Playground Hours Currently closed due to COVID-19. Splash Park Hours (in season) Currently closed due to COVID-19. Big Four Bridge Hours Open 24/7 Restroom Hours (in season) 9 am – 9 pm daily

502-574-3768

lat: 38.2607389 long: -85.7426013

Louisville Waterfront Park is both a non-profit organization and a public park in Louisville, Kentucky. Bordering the Ohio River, we are not only a destination but the front door to the city.

We connect people to the river and are devoted to preserving and growing a space that can be enjoyed by the community forever.

Once a wasteland of scrap yards and abandoned industrial buildings, Waterfront Park is now a vibrant 85-acre green space that welcomes over 2.2 million visitors each year. We are home to some of Louisville’s most exciting celebrations, such as the Fourth of July at Waterfront Park, Forecastle Festival, and WFPK Waterfront Wednesdays. If big crowds aren’t your thing, there is plenty of space to take a walk, ride your bike, do some yoga, or enjoy a breathtaking view of the city from the Big Four Bridge.

As the most utilized urban park in Louisville, Waterfront is where we come together to celebrate our unique sense of community. We are a non-profit, public park made possible by the generosity of our supporters. Your donations help us maintain and expand Waterfront Park for the entire community to enjoy.

Waterfront Wednesday Free Concert

Waterfront Wednesday Free Concert

Waterfront Wednesday

Waterfront Wednesday

Waterfront Wednesday from the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge

Waterfront Wednesday from the Big Four Pedestrian Bridge

Forecastle Festival

Forecastle Festival

Waterfront Park in the Fall

Waterfront Park in the Fall

Abraham Lincoln Statue at Waterfront Park

Abraham Lincoln Statue at Waterfront Park

Abraham Lincoln Statue by Sculptor Ed Hamilton

Abraham Lincoln Statue by Sculptor Ed Hamilton

Thunder Over Louisville Fireworks Show

Thunder Over Louisville Fireworks Show

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LCTE Travel Newsletter

Our bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.

By submitting this form, you are consenting to receive the Lewis and Clark Travel Experience newsletter provided by the Lewis & Clark Trail Alliance. You can revoke your consent at any time by using the SafeUnsubscribe® link, found at the bottom of every email. Emails are serviced by Constant Contact.

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Discover History at the Nez Perce National Histori

Discover History at the Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center!

The Nez Perce National Historical Park Visitor Center in Idaho offers a deep look into the history and culture of the Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) people, who played a crucial role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition. In 1805, after a grueling journey through the Bitterroot Mountains, the Corps of Discovery arrived in Nez Perce territory, starving and exhausted. The Nez Perce provided food, shelter, and guidance, helping Lewis and Clark continue their journey westward.

Back then, the area was home to vast prairies, towering pine forests, and winding rivers—landscapes that remain largely unchanged today. The visitor center, set against this breathtaking scenery, offers exhibits, artifacts, and stories that highlight the Nez Perce’s enduring legacy.

Fun fact: The Nez Perce not only aided Lewis and Clark but also introduced them to their expertly crafted Appaloosa horses, known for their speed and endurance.
Visitors can explore museum exhibits, watch cultural demonstrations, and walk interpretive trails. Nearby, the Lolo Trail offers a chance to experience part of the same route Lewis and Clark traveled.

For history lovers and outdoor adventurers alike, the Nez Perce National Historical Park is a must-visit!

All photos credited to Cait Clark.

Step Into History at the Lewis and Clark Interpret

Step Into History at the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Sioux City, Iowa!!

Located along the Missouri River, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center offers an in-depth look at the legendary Lewis and Clark Expedition and its impact on the region. This site is especially significant as it honors Sergeant Charles Floyd, the only member of the expedition to die during the journey. His passing in 1804 near present-day Sioux City remains an important chapter in expedition history.

During Lewis and Clark’s time, this area was an untamed wilderness of rolling prairies and towering cottonwood trees. Today, it is home to a modern interpretive center surrounded by beautiful riverfront landscapes, parks, and monuments, including the Sergeant Floyd Monument, a 100-foot obelisk marking his burial site.
Fun fact: The center features life-sized animatronic figures of Lewis, Clark, and Floyd, bringing history to life in an engaging way!

Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, historical reenactments, and educational programs. The nearby riverfront trails and parks offer a perfect place for walking, biking, and reflecting on the expedition’s journey. Whether you're a history enthusiast or just looking for a fun day out, the Sioux City Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center is a must-visit!

All photos credited to Cait Clark

Step Into History at Fort Belle Fontaine! Establi

Step Into History at Fort Belle Fontaine!

Established in 1805, Fort Belle Fontaine was the first U.S. military post west of the Mississippi River and played a key role for the Lewis and Clark Expedition. After completing their journey, the Corps of Discovery stopped here to report their findings, marking a historic moment in America’s westward expansion.

Today, Fort Belle Fontaine Park occupies the same scenic area that was once home to the fort. While the original structures are no longer standing due to natural shifts in the Missouri River’s path, visitors can still see remnants of stonework from later military installations and enjoy trails, woodlands, and views of the river. The name “Belle Fontaine” means “beautiful fountain” in French, referring to the natural springs that were once a key resource for the fort.

Fun fact: Fort Belle Fontaine was a vital outpost, not only for Lewis and Clark, but also for trade and interaction with Native American nations.

Visitors can enjoy hiking, birdwatching, and picnicking in this peaceful, historic setting. Whether you're a nature lover or history buff, Fort Belle Fontaine offers a unique glimpse into the past!

Have you visited this historic site? Share your thoughts below!

Photos courtesy of the U. S. National Park Service and Explore St. Louis

Established in 1818 by the North West Company, For

Established in 1818 by the North West Company, Fort Nez Perce was near the mouth the Walla Walla River. It is in this area that the Lewis and Clark Expedition camped April 29, 1806 in their third night with Chief Yellepet.

The current red #22 navigation marker on a tall piling sits on the spot where Ft Nez Perce was located, and is visible from the Wallula Junction area on Hwy 730 mile marker 5 and is 4/10 mile north of the mouth of the Walla Walla River. From here the Expedition headed northeast on the Overland Trail.

https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/29-apr-1806/

April 23, 1806 - the Expedition woke up at their c

April 23, 1806 - the Expedition woke up at their campsite which is behind John Day Lock and Dam but Charbonneau was missing his two horses, and so they were delayed, and one was given up as lost.

During the day they walked on loose sand for twelve miles and were happy to stop and make their next camp at Rock Creek.

Here Charbonneau made arrangements for another horse, as Clark wrote:

"Shabono made a bargin with one of the Indian men going with us, for a horse for Which he gave his Shirt. and two of the leather Sutes of his wife."

https://lewis-clark.org/day-by-day/23-apr-1806/