The ranch is located on the island Clark noted in his journals as being the first island they came upon while searching for an area to build a fort for their winter quarters in October of 1804. This island is also the farthest point traveled by the Expedition in 1804. The trails in the woods and along the Missouri River have eagle nestings. Sergeant Ordway's journals listed on April 10, 1805; "We saw a number of large eagles which had nested on large cottonwood trees. One of our men shot a bald eagle. I took the quills to write.

This is also the area which was noted by Lewis that they were entering a country on which the foot of civilized man had never trodden.

Along this portion of the Missouri River, Clark noted in his journal on April 8, 1805 "Camped on the S.S. Opsd a high bluff". The following morning after rounding the curve upstream Sergeant Ordway noted in his journal "Saw cravelly bars which was the first we saw on this river. They were round and large".

This bridge will lead the way to a National Historic Place called High Butte Effigy - Turf Cut Turtle Effigy dating back to 300-500 A.D. This site is on the highest butte on the ranch and overlooks the Missouri River. This is a very rare Native American Site.

Ridges along high buttes were used by the Native Americans as buffalo jumps.

On this trail you will view a reconstructed frame work of a wigwam used during the years of 300-500 A.D. at which time a large number of Woodland Indians habituated this ranch.

This view is being photographed by some of our guests.