Lewis and Clark - Into the Wild Epic Tour

Lewis and Clark Trail Marker

Lewis and Clark Trail Marker

Print out Scavenger Hunt for this tour

Imagine this:
 
* Your arms are numb from fighting the raging current of the Missouri River for eight hours each day;
 
* Your life and the lives of every member of the expedition are threatened by hostile Native Americans;
 
* You've endured a winter in which soul-piercing temperatures regularly fell to -45 Fahrenheit, not including the wind;
 
* Vicious animals such as Grizzly Bears and rattlesnakes and thundering herds of Buffalo were constant threats;
 
* Torrential rains threatened to wash out the expedition and rock-sized hailstones relentlessly pounded on you from above;
 
* Scorching temperatures during arduous summer portages tested every fiber of your being;
 
* Fleas, lice, and dense swarms of mosquitoes sucked away your blood;
 
* Needle-sharp spines from pesky prickly pears, seemingly destined to pierce your feet did their job and destroyed your moccasins at the same time;
 
* Miles and miles of towering snow-capped mountains stood in your way. Crossing them would result in frostbite, near-starvation, and the hopeless realization that the ranges might never end, and you may die, lost forever among the rocky peaks and snowdrifts.
 
* Finally, after you managed to survive and endure all of the hardships and physical and mental challenges, and at the climax of an epic journey, you spend an entire winter devoid of sunshine, soaked by an unrelenting, cold rain in a 50 square foot, fetid cabin with at least 40 other people.

Does this sound like an EPIC dystopian novel or movie that sounds incredible? This journey was every bit as amazing as those from the Hunger Games or Divergent, except it was real. This was the reality of any of the 42 members of the Corps of Discovery in the Lewis and Clark adventure. Can you imagine?

The 1804-1806 Lewis and Clark journey was a real-life adventure story that could rival any in fiction or non-fiction today. It is a story of adventure and discovery, of reunion and redemption, and perseverance and innovation. Over the course of two years, William Clark, Meriwether Lewis and 40 other pioneers traversed and mapped the unexplored Louisiana Territory by boat and by foot and documented over 300 new species of animals and plants as well as numerous Native American groups. Miraculously, only one member of the Corps of Discovery died during the two-year journey, and he died of a burst appendix early in the journey. Learn all about this amazing, true story by taking the MrNussbaum.com EPIC journey of Lewis and Clark.

Discussion Questions

  • What do you think was the most difficult part of the Lewis and Clark journey?
  • Why was the expedition so important for the United States?
  • How would you prepare for a journey like this today?
  • What can we learn from the courage and determination of the Corps of Discovery?

    • Start Tour - INTO THE WILD

    Imagine the Journey

    Imagine paddling for eight hours a day on the Missouri River with numb arms. You face dangers from wild animals, freezing winters, hot summers, and even attacks. Bugs bite constantly, and sharp plants tear up your shoes and feet. Storms and mountains make travel nearly impossible. After all that, you spend a cold, wet winter with 40 people in a tiny cabin.

    Hardship and Survival

    It might sound like something out of a movie or a dystopian book, but this was real life for the 42 members of the Lewis and Clark expedition. The journey was filled with danger and discomfort, but also with adventure and courage.

    The Corps of Discovery

    From 1804 to 1806, Lewis, Clark, and their team explored the Louisiana Territory. They traveled by boat and on foot, mapping the land and discovering over 300 new animals and plants. They also met many Native American groups and recorded important information about them.

    An Amazing Achievement

    Even though the journey was long and full of danger, only one person died—early in the trip due to illness. The story of Lewis and Clark is one of the most incredible real-life adventures in American history.

    Start Tour - INTO THE WILD