History lovers unite for a wonderful museum in Hartford, Illinois that is all about a time before we were the Land of Lincoln. This Lewis & Clark museum preserves ancient history through replicas and interactive exhibits you’ll never forget. Check it out:

A fabulous museum that captures life before Illinois was a state, the Lewis & Clark State Historical Site in southern Illinois sits right next to the Lewis and Clark State Memorial Park along the Mississippi River just northeast of St. Louis.

Google/Emily Neel

Spanning 14,000 square feet, this massive exhibit hall contains six different galleries that teach visitors about explorers from the early 1800s. You’ll learn about everything to do with their daily lives like food, clothing, tools, and more.

Google/Nick Jefferies

This Lewis & Clark museum teaches guests about one of the greatest expeditions in American history. President Thomas Jefferson intended for his men to explore the west side of the Mississippi to the Pacific Ocean for commerce reasons, but as we know, much more took place.

Google/Rodyna L Zabbit

With this expedition, America was able to map out more of its land and claim more future states. Learn all about Sacagawea, the boats used to cross America’s rivers in the 1800s, as well as what all was found along the way at this unique attraction.

Google/Bob Buchanan

This historic cite memorializes Camp Dubois, which was the winter establishment for Lewis and Clark. Just outside the visitors center is a reconstruction of this camp.

Google/Gina Casey

Staff are on hand daily to inform guests about the history of this log-cabin settlement. The design of the structures reflects 1803 Army regulations for military posts.

Google/Pam Reithmaier

This fabulous museum is open daily between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Enjoy life-size replicas of log-cabins, ancient forts, and original riverboat models when you visit this educational and historic facility.

Google/Vickie Wilmeth

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is located at 1 Lewis and Clark Trail, Hartford, IL 62048.

Google/Emily Neel

Google/Nick Jefferies

Google/Rodyna L Zabbit

Google/Bob Buchanan

Google/Gina Casey

Google/Pam Reithmaier

Google/Vickie Wilmeth

For more like this, check out these eight hands-on museums in Illinois that have a little something for everyone.

If you’ve ever been to this Lewis & Clark museum, we’d love to hear from you. Please share your experiences and photos with us below in the comments.

OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.