The national bicentennial commemoration of the Lewis & Clark Expedition occurs between 2003 and 2006, with events and commemorations literally stretching coast to coast—from Monticello, Virginia, to Astoria, Oregon. (Find out all about national plans at http://www.lewisandclark200.org.) During the four-year commemoration, a total of 15 national "Signature Events" are planned—and Montana has two of those events. Find out more about the “Explore! the Big Sky” commemoration, which begins in June 2005, and make plans to attend “Clark on the Yellowstone” event in July 2006, at Pompeys Pillar.

Fort Union Trading Post (Click for a larger image)

But these signature events are just the beginning; Montana is hosting events and exhibitions all across the state from now through 2006. That should come as no surprise, since more than 2,000 miles of the entire trail (almost one-quarter of the distance traveled by the party) are in Montana. In all, the Lewis & Clark expedition spent more travel time in Montana than in any other U.S. state. Montana has its own Bicentennial Commission (http://www.montanalewisandclark.org), created in 1997 by the state legislature and charged with overall coordination, communication and leadership for bicentennial planning in Montana. Big Sky Country's own bicentennial commemorations began January 18, 2003, in Helena at the state capitol with a special "kick-off" event.

But that's just one of the many events happening across Montana during the bicentennial. Indeed, because 120 Montana communities are within a 50-mile radius of the Lewis & Clark Trail, you'll find unique happenings throughout the four-year commemoration. Consult the events calendar to find out more about them.