Living history at Fort Clatsop

Lewis and Clark National Historical Park will offer special programs about the Corps of Discovery's winter at Fort Clatsop on the days following Christmas. Beginning Dec. 26, Fort Clatsop will feature scheduled park ranger living history programs every day through Dec. 31 from 9:30 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. Rangers in period clothing will present talks and demonstrations about various aspects of the explorers' winter at Fort Clatsop.

The recently renovated visitor center features exhibits, the Fort Clatsop Bookstore, and movies in the theater. "A Clatsop Winter Story," a 22-minute movie about the 1805-06 winter from a Clatsop Indian perspective, and "Lewis and Clark: Confluence of Time and Courage," a 34-minute movie about the entire voyage, will be offered each hour. The bookstore, operated by park partner Lewis & Clark National Park Association, specializes in books, media, historical recreations, and other items that complement the interpretive themes experienced in a park visit.

The park is closed on Christmas Eve Day, December 24 and Christmas Day, December 25.

A unit of the National Park Service, Lewis and Clark National Historical Park, Fort Clatsop is located southwest of Astoria, Oregon, three miles southeast of U.S. Highway 101. The park, including the Fort to Sea Trail, the visitor center, Fort Clatsop, Netul River Trail, and the parking lots, is open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

For an authentic experience, visit these sites during winter, the time of year the expedition was here. Dogs that are leashed to their humans are welcome on the trails and at the outdoor programs. Admission to the park is $10 per adult (16 and over). America the Beautiful passes and the Oregon Pacific Coast pass are accepted for free admission. For further information, call the park at 503-861-4414 or visit the park's website at http://www.nps.gov/lewi.