Discover Missouri River History
Sergeant Floyd River Museum & Welcome Center / Permanent Exhibits
Permanent Exhibits
From the Lewis and Clark Expedition to a major trade route.
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Lewis and Clark Expedition
A special focus has been taken on the 1804 expedition, because of its importance in American history and the significant role Siouxland played in the nation's exploration.
A forensic reconstruction of Sgt. Charles Floyd, the only fatality of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 is among the first displays on the self-guided tour.
Using a plaster cast of Sgt. Floyd’s skull and other skeletal measurements, a forensic scientist, Sharon Long, was able to re-create the image of Sgt. Charles Floyd, one of the nine young Kentuckians selected by the famous voyagers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
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River Transportation History
Our exhibits chronicle the Missouri River’s development as a major shipping route and the key to Sioux City’s success in the early years of its founding.
The visitor will also see the history of Missouri River transportation through rare photographs, artifacts and dioramas. Among the special features are Native American artifacts, an authentic dug-out canoe, and fur-trapping industry. The displays feature one of America’s largest displays of scale Missouri River steamboat and keelboats.
The Restored 3rd Deck
The vessel itself is an artifact of Missouri River history. The third level of the Motor Vessel, Sergeant Floyd has been restored to its original appearance. Visitors may walk through the diesel-powered vessel, see the engines that powered her and venture to the hurricane deck and the pilothouse.
Here one may experience the feeling of former pilots who were at the controls, high above the water as they directed the flagship of the United States Corps of Engineers.