In Salmon, Idaho, there is a small museum dedicated to Sacajawea, who famously helped guide the Lewis and Clark expedition to the Pacific Ocean. The Sacajawea Center is an interpretive cultural museum with lots of information and a few different trails that educate about Sacajawea and Lewis & Clark who passed right through Salmon. We had a great time spending a few hours doing all of the activities.
On our short visit to the Sacajawea Center, we learned so much. First of all, Sacajawea was from this area. In fact, things may have gone badly for the expedition, as several key members of the expedition were captured by the Native people living in the valley. Suddenly, Sacajawea was there, hugging her brother, who was the leader at that time. This miraculous coincidence saved the explorers and helped outfit them for the journey. We also learned that most experts pronounce her name Sac-Ah-Ga-Wea.
Volunteers check you in at the small museum. There is a short video and several displays inside the small building. We really enjoyed the animal display with different furs to touch. They also have coloring pages and activities for young kids. Outside there are a few statues, including Sacajawea and Merriwether Lewis’s dog, Seaman.
There are a few trails behind the Sacajawea Center that show what the area would have looked like before modern settlements, as well as a bit about Sacajawea’s people. One shorter trail walks in a loop and you can see a fish weir, teepee, and summer lodges. The longer trail is a riverside stroll and walks through the trees and by the river. If you take the longer loop, you can also see most of the shorter loop structures as well with just a little extra walking. You can also walk these grounds even if the building is closed.
The Sacajawea Center is inexpensive at just $5/person older than 6, or $12 for an immediate family. This museum won’t take long to visit, but it is an interesting adventure on your visit to Salmon, Idaho. If you enjoy this museum, make sure to stop by the free historical museum in downtown Salmon. This is an outdoor walkthrough museum with no docent. Simply walk through and read the signs detailing a fuller history of the area. You can also check out Idaho Adventures for some white water rafting or floating down the river.
For current info about hours and pricing and location, check out their website: Sacajawea Center.
