Missouri River: Museums, Exhibitions & Discounts

The Missouri River, the longest river in North America, has played a crucial role in shaping the cultural and historical landscape of the United States. Beginning in the Rocky Mountains of western Montana, it flows eastward and southward for 2,341 miles before joining the Mississippi River near St. Louis, Missouri.

The river has historically served as a vital transportation route, first for Native American tribes and later for European explorers, including Lewis and Clark during their famous expedition of 1804-1806. Throughout the 19th century, the river facilitated trade, settlement, and cultural exchange across the American frontier.

Today, the Missouri River continues to influence the region's cultural heritage, with numerous historical sites, museums, and cultural institutions along its banks preserving and sharing stories of the area's rich past. The river's valley contains significant archaeological sites that provide insights into prehistoric Native American cultures, while its modern communities maintain strong connections to their riverine heritage through art, festivals, and educational programs.