On July 22, 1804, the expedition made camp at a site approximately ten miles upstream of the Platte confluence, on the east side of the Missouri River. One of the men caught what was likely a channel catfish, which inspired the encampment’s name – White Catfish Camp. They stayed until July 26, replenishing food, refitting equipment, and attempting to contact the Otoe and Pawnee tribes. Clark wrote, “This being a good Situation and much nearer the Otteaus town than the Mouth of the Platt, we concluded to delay at this place a few days and Send for Some of the Chiefs of that nation to let them Know of the Change of Government, The wishes of our Government to Cultivate friendship with them, the Objects of our journey and to present them with a flag and Some Small presents.” A party sent overland located an Otoe village near the confluence of the Elkhorn and Platte rivers but found it empty. The expedition again stayed at this camp during the return journey on September 8, 1806.
The exact location of White Catfish Camp is unknown. Although Lewis and Clark camped on what is now the Iowa side of Missouri, the site is now most likely submerged by the river channel. The Iowa side of the river is privately owned but on the Nebraska side Fontenelle Forest (a National Natural Landmark) provides public access via an excellent system of hiking trails that include Lewis and Clark interpretive wayside exhibits.
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Fontenelle Forest, Bellevue Boulevard North, Bellevue, NE, USA
Distance: 0.00 Away
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours Tribal Experiences Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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El Museo Latino, South 25th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 2.72 Away
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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3701 S 10th St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
Distance: 3.22 Away
Museums and Interpretive Centers
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Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium, South 10th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 3.22 Away
Lake Manawa State Park, South Shore Drive, Council Bluffs, IA, USA
Distance: 3.49 Away
Lauritzen Gardens, 100 Bancroft St, Omaha, NE 68108, USA
Distance: 3.75 Away
The Durham Museum, South 10th Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 4.99 Away
Guided Tours Museums and Interpretive Centers
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3202 Woolworth Ave, Omaha, NE 68105, USA
Distance: 5.06 Away
General History Outdoor Experiences
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734 S 12th St, Omaha, NE 68102, USA
Distance: 5.07 Away
The Old Market, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 5.28 Away
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Heartland of America Park at The RiverFront, Douglas Street, Omaha, NE, USA
Distance: 5.33 Away
Galleries and Venues Outdoor Experiences
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