Discover the original home of the Kanza Indians in the state that bears their name and the location of the first celebration of Independence Day in the West.

Independence Creek: Lewis & Clark Historic Site is the campsite where the Lewis & Clark expedition spent the night on July 4, 1804. The area covers 13.5 acres of native grasses & wildflowers. Today, a re-created Kanza Earthlodge is connected to the Atchison Riverfront by a hiking/biking trail.

Located five miles north of Atchison’s Main Street, this site may be reached by car or by hiking/biking trail. The site has reestablished the prairie as seen by the Corps of Discovery and encompasses a stretch of Independence Creek referred to by Captain William Clark in his July 4, 1804 journal entry. A pedestrian bridge completes the 5-mile trail link to the Atchison Riverfront.