spirit mound

fatzaz

As far as local landmarks go, this one is worth visiting at least once. It has well done markers regarding the history and the geography of Spirit Mound (a Lewis & Clark stopping point), and it is a nice little walk to the top. As another reviewer stated, it is nice at sunset. We take our dogs up there on a fairly regular basis because if you want a bit of a hill to climb it is about the only place around for miles! The path is well maintained throughout the year except for snow.

RoseH49

It was fun to see after not being near Vermillion for over 35 years. Still nicely maintained. Roads are well maintained to the site. Good history spot to show children.

mzplacedinphilly

So it is a mound. Pretty at sunset. Interesting story behind it. Hard to rate. Would I tear off the freeway to see it? Probably not. If I was making a stop in town, would make this an additional one.

Baba-Kahawa

We were here during a cloudy day between the rain. The walk takes about 1 hour, the distance from the parking lot is 8 tens of a mile one way. Great way to take a break while traveling. No one else was there while we were there. It must be a great place to see the vista on a clear day. A nice place to visit if you are a Lewis and Clark fan.

958davidy

Straight-forward. It's a large mound of dirt with a spiral path leading to a bench on the top. Windy- I enjoyed the fresh air and had a picnic when we got to the top. Nothing too exciting. Check it out if you enjoy hiking. : )

FredPurdue

Wander through fields being restored to natural prairie grass and climb a small hill to a place where Lewis and Clark are known to have been, and you can be there with them. This is not a place overwhelmed with tourists, so you can linger and take photographs as you wish. Photographers: bring a zoom lens with wide angle capability. Also, I regretted not having my polarizer.

sdflatlander

That is the statement made by the intrepid explorers regarding their view from the top of this small aberration in the immediate landscape. Now it is corn and soybean fields but wonderful to climb the hill, stand there and imagine the absence of the majority of trees, no roads, fences or power lines. Take a short drive to the Vermillion - Newcastle Bridge to see a semblance of what the Missouri may have looked like when the Corp of Discovery came past. A nice day trip for us folks who live nearby or a good side trip worth the time for folks traveling across this once wild west turf.

DianeL133

Spirit Mound is one of the few locations that Lewis and Clark are known, without a doubt, to have set foot. The surrounding area had, until recently, been the site of a feedlot. A long-time resident of Vermillion, who passed away several years ago, spearheaded the effort to return this historic site to its original state. Land was purchased, native species of grasses and flowers planted, informational signs erected, so today visitors can clearly imagine what the early explorers might have seen.

kateydid50

Only ones there - it WAS a "butiful landscape" as Lewis & Clark stated in their journal. A bit of a hike but so much to see of prairie foliage and lots of birds!

coolecg

The hisotry of the site is significant, able to stand where Lewis and Clark stood, but not much there

jessk46

The area is beautiful and has a nice hiking trail. View from the top is wonderful!

JuliaC535

Experience the journey of Lewis and Clark as they did over two hundred years ago. Literature about the history and ecosystem is available on site to guide you through the mixed grass prairie. The hike to the top is family friendly, but come prepared...you will be exposed to the elements as was the Expedition.

Mark3501

If you are close, make the detour and visit. You won't be disappointed. A great experience.

HenryH844

This is one of only two sites that we know exactly where L&C stood on their 1804 journey. The view is spectacular. The buffalo,elk and deer herds are missing but the prairie is still the expanse they marveled at. The hill itself has been restored with native grasses and flowers and a nice nature trail has been added from the parking lot to the summit. There is a restroom and water outlet. Dogs on leashes welcome. Vermillion is a nice town with great hotel accommodations and a variety of restaurants.

Alyssa103

Every time I have a stressful day, I like hiking up Spirit Mound and getting some fresh air.