The tan interpretive center is surrounded by large green, shade trees, water and green grass can be seen in the distance. A bench sits outside the center on red and grey concrete pavers with an open A-frame sitting in the middle of the cement pavers.
Two uncovered teepees are set in a brown and green field with blue skies and wispy clouds. Trees line the background with a bridge poking out between them.
A welcome plaque with the park map sits on a rock foundation in front of a historic tan building. The plaque and building are shaded by the trees and surrounded by grass.
A rock monument from the Daughters of the Pioneers of Washington is set in a gravel pad with green grass and shade trees around the pad.  The river can be seen in the distance.
Inside the Interpretive Center, a small statue of Sacajawea sits on a podium with a narrative of the history of the Lewis and Clark Trail journey behind her. Other displays can be seen in the background.

Sacajawea Interpretive Center

2503 Sacajawea Park Road, Pasco, WA 99301

Overview

Sacajawea Interpretive Center tells the remarkable story of Native American interpreter and guide Sacagawea, as well as the Lewis & Clark Corps of Discovery.

Map & visitor guide

Additional information

With views of the Snake and Columbia rivers confluence where Lewis & Clark rested in 1805, the Sacajawea State Park Interpretive Center tells the history about the Lewis & Clark Trail and American Indian artifacts. Exhibits include American Indian tool creations and use, the role and life of Sacagawea and the journey of Lewis & Clark.

Interpretive programs are available year-round by request, to schedule a class trip or request the Traveling Trunk. Call (509) 520-4013 for more information.

Operating Season

The center is open Wednesday - Sunday, April through October. 

 

History

This interpretive center features exhibits on Lewis and Clark, the Corps of Discovery, and Native American guide and interpreter Sacagawea. When the Lewis and Clark expedition left Illinois in May 1804, half a continent of land largely unmapped lay to the west. No one realized the journey ahead would cover more than 7,500 miles and last almost two and a half years. On October 16, 1805, the expedition arrived at the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers- the site of today's Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center. They camped here for two nights, hunting, repairing equipment, and meeting some 200 Sahaptin-speaking Native Americans in the area. 

The woman traveling with the Expedition known as Sacagawea was not merely the guide of legend, but a hardworking member of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. She was a food gatherer, interpreter, and in the lands along the Snake and Columbia rivers, a symbol of peace and friendship between the Expedition and other Native Americans.

The interpretive center is part of Sacajawea State Park, a 267-acre marine/day-use park. It features 9,100 feet of freshwater shoreline. The area offers excellent views of the confluence of the Snake and Columbia rivers.

Pronunciation of the name

Recent scholarly research and extensive study of the original journals indicate that both the preferred spelling and pronunciation of the Shoshone woman's name are with a "g". Because the park has been known as Sacajawea for many decades, the "j" spelling is retained. Elsewhere in brochures, exhibits, and programs, the "g" is used.