Celebrate the Fourth of July with the Discovery Expedition

Celebrate America’s birthday with the Discovery Expedition in Atchison, KS and St. Charles, MO this Fourth of July.

Tossing hoops, a traditional game, is played in front of the Discovery Expedition’s red pirogue at the Manchester, MO celebration of America’s 250th anniversary.

At Riverfront Park in Atchison, visitors will be able to see our keelboat and a re-enactors camp as part of the city’s celebration July 3-5.  Re-enactors will be displaying the medicines, weapons, clothing of the era and demonstrating traditional skills such as rope-making and fire-starting.

“It’s practically impossible to miss our 55-foot long keelboat, especially when the sails and flag are flying,” said Discovery Expedition Chairman Jan Donelson.   “We look forward to sharing Independence Day with the people of Atchison, near where the Lewis and Clark Expedition celebrated Independence Day in 1804.”  The Discovery Expedition last visited Atchison in October of 2024, using the boat to re-enact part of the original expedition.

Marty shares some of the artifacts of the 1800s at the Manchester, MO celebration of America’s 250th anniversary

At the home base of the Discovery Expedition, St. Charles, MO, you can see another full-size replica boat, the red pirogue, in the Fourth of July parade on the morning of Independence Day.  The boat will feature members of the Lewis & Clark Fife and Drum Corp playing songs of the era.  Near the parade’s start, the Discovery Expedition will be part of an historical timeline, commemorating important moments in the history of the area.  The boat will later be viewable at the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum, located right on the Missouri River.

Ashley demonstrates games of the 1800s at the Manchester, MO, celebration of America250 on July 14.

“We’re excited to be partnering with our fellow historical organizations in a rolling timeline to mark America’s 250th Anniversary,” said Bob Foster, executive director.  “St.  Charles is not only rich in history, but it takes great pride in preserving and showcasing the traditions and spirit of the past.”

To learn more, visit DiscoverStCharles.com.