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| Spend a day or two exploring the many museums and art centers in the area |
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Explore the Lewis and Clark Discovery Center at Hells Gate Park
 | | | Part of the exterior of the Discovery Center, where visitors can explore gardens, sculptures, and outdoor interpretive exhibits. |
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On the Snake River a few miles south of Lewiston, Idaho, is Hells Gate State Park just north of Hell's Canyon. The Lewis and Clark expedition did not spend much time here--they were very anxious about moving on downriver in advance of the approaching winter--but there is an interpretive center in Hells Gate State Park that is quite impressive. It is not one of the big "stars" in the interpretive universe, but well worth a visit.
See Exhibits, sculptures, and film presentations that interpret the Corps of Discovery and their 1805-06 journeys through Nez Perce Country. The park is located four miles south of Lewiston on Snake River Avenue.
The Lewis and Clark Discovery Center features indoor educational displays, a two acre outdoor interpretive plaza along the banks of the Snake River and a beautiful moving stream with sculptures by Artist Rip Caswell. See an original 32 minute film, From the Mountains to the Sea; Lewis and Clark in Idaho. Don't miss the Lewis and Clark gift shop while you're at the center.
This is Nez Perce country, historically and culturally, and many of the exhibits focus on expedition-Nez Perce interactions. One text panel describes how the Nez Perce discovered the expedition as they entered the area. This is the only site I've seen so far with a specific display about Weetxuwiis, the Nez Perce woman who possibly saved the expedition from an untimely death. When native leaders and warriors were debating what to do about the expedition and contemplated killing them as one of the options, Weetxuwiis (variously spelled in the literature) stepped forward and said that her previous experience with non-Indians had been positive and that it was unwarranted to kill these strange intruders.
Explore the Lewis-Clark Center for Arts and History
Admission is free and all are welcome.
Donations are always appreciated but not required. | | | Located at 415 Main Street, Lewiston |
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The mission is to educate and engage the community in an appreciation of culture, history and arts.
The vision of The Center for Arts & History is to provide for all citizens of the region a common ground for the integration of all art. The Center offers the opportunity for increased understanding and participation. We present our region's history with respect and clarity, maintaining goals of artistic excellence, and accessibility for all.
Since 1991 we have worked within the scope of our mission and vision to promote community exposure to; involvement in; and understanding of; Performing, Literary, and Visual Arts and area history.
The Lewis-Clark State College Center for Arts & History is located in the heart of historic downtown Lewiston, Idaho. The 12,000 square foot building, designed by renowned Western architect Kirtland Cutter, was built in 1884 as the Vollmer Great Bargain Store and is on the National Register of Historic Places.
 | | | Since opening in October, 1991 the Center has welcomed more than 75,000 visitors |
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The First National Bank of Lewiston occupied the facility from 1904-1946, when it was sold to First Security Bank which continued operations until 1989.
In March 1991 First Security Bank of Idaho donated the building to the Lewis-Clark State College Foundation for use as a center for arts and culture. Since opening in October, 1991 the Center has welcomed more than 75,000 visitors from all fifty states and 38 foreign countries.
On March 5, 2009, the Center for Arts & History experienced a fire that closed the Main Street location for over a year. The Center opened its doors in a temporary location at 721 Seventh Avenue in Lewiston, on Friday, July 31, 2009. Today, the Center at 415 Main Street is restored and back in business! The building also houses LCSC Continuing Education & Community Events on the second floor of the Center.
Tour the Asotin County Museum
See many hands-on displays; tour various buildings
Location: 215 Filmore Street, Asotin Washington | | | Asotin County Museum main building |
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Most tours are by appointment only, so please call ahead during business hours, Tuesday - Saturday, 10am - 2pm, 509-243-4659.
The cement block building was constructed in 1920 for use as a funeral parlor by Henry R. merchant Sr.
The facility was then donated by the Merchant Family to be used as a museum. In 1972 it became the Asotin County Historical Society.
On the grounds you can tour a pioneer house, sheepherders cabin, one-room schoolhouse, primitive log cabin, river barge, pole barn, blacksmith's shop and a Nez Perce Tepee. Also view thousands of artifacts on display in the main building.
The museum features many hand-on displays for the public's enjoyment. | | | Directions to the Asotin County Museum in Asotin |
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The map at the right shows how you can find the museum, located just a few miles South of Clarkston at Asotin.
See the Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage and Education Center
Located within Hells Gate State Park
The Jack O'Connor Center (http://www.jack-oconnor.org) is ideally situated above the banks of the Snake River and tells the story of the famous outdoor writer Jack O'Connor, along with displays of his extensive collection of hunting trophies.
The Jack O'Connor Hunting Heritage & Education Center:
· Serves as a memorial to the legacy of Jack O'Connor, one of the foremost outdoor writers of the 20th century.
· Promotes and perpetuates the hunting heritage of America.
· Educates the public about the important role hunting plays in modern resource management.
· Educates future generations of Americans about safe and ethical hunting.
Jack O'Connor was the undisputed dean of outdoor writers. For decades, his feature articles in Outdoor Life Magazine brought excitement, enjoyment and a sense of appreciation for wildlife and hunting to millions of people throughout the world.
The sense of adventure that came alive in his many writings inspired, informed, and educated outdoorsmen and hunters about wildlife conservation and modern wildlife management.
The Jack O'Connor Center opened June 3, 2006. It is the permanent home of the O'Connor wildlife collection, which is comprised of 65 mounted heads from around the world, numerous photographs and O'Connor memorabilia, as well as a complete collection of O'Connor books and many outdoor magazine articles.
Jack's famous Biesen stocked M-70 .270 is on display as is Eleanor O'Connor's 7x57 Mauser. These two rifles have appeared in more articles and had more written about them than any rifles in history. Other O'Connor firearms are also on display.
The center houses a gift shop with clothing and other logoed merchandise as well as original O'Connor books for sale.
See fine art exhibits at the Valley Art Center
842 6th Street, Clarkston
Open Monday through Friday.
The Valley Art Center in Clarkston was established in 1968.
Displaying rotating art works of local artists throughout the year, the Valley Art Center is a great place to admire the beauty of art. Featuring special events and showcasing many different artists, each experience is unique and thought-provoking. The center also offers seminars and classes throughout the year. |
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