Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail

• Client: National Park Service
• Partners:
• Project Duration: September 2016 - September 2023

Project Description

The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Program is designed to support the natural assets, cultural attractions and historically important places that make the Lewis and Clark trail a unique and vibrant tourism attraction. The Program will help the people, places and businesses connected by the trail to tell the story of what’s unique and authentic about their place and create a resource for travelers to explore the length, breadth and diversity of the trail.

Our approach brought stakeholders and businesses together to understand and appreciate the trail’s significance and how tourism could bring economic vitality and social connectivity to the communities along the trail. The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail Program highlighted lesser-known sites, attractions, and businesses, increasing visitation to these places through an interactive website populated with content created by locals.

Major Activities

• Initiated outreach to key stakeholders and established the Lewis and Clark Geotourism Stewardship Council.
• Defined the process for gathering Point of Interest (POI) nominations and other content.
• Developed the nomination website and a communication calendar.
• Held local workshops, meetings, and training sessions to assist with the website nomination phase.
• Reviewed and approved POI nominations.
• Launched the website and assisted with its roll-out.
• Developed a Strategic Tourism Plan for the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
• Assisted with implementing the strategic plan.

Results

• Established the Lewis and Clark Geotourism Stewardship Council to guide and sustain the program.
• Launched a website showcasing the unique attractions along the Lewis and Clark Trail.
• Provided certificates, window stickers, and digital badges from the Lewis and Clark Stewardship Council to all featured sites, attractions, and businesses.
• Developed and implemented a strategic tourism plan to ensure the program’s long-term sustainability.
• Built a local stakeholder and traveler community through social media engagement.