Free Family Event - River Trails & Tales: Exploring Missouri’s Waterways

Sat Apr 11 2026 at 10:00 am to 12:00 pm UTC-05:00

3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO, United States, Missouri 65201 | Columbia

Boone County History & Culture Center
Publisher/HostBoone County History & Culture Center
Free Family Event - River Trails & Tales: Exploring Missouri\u2019s Waterways
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River Trails & Tales: Exploring Missouri’s Waterways
Rivers have always been more than flowing water—they were Missouri’s very first pathways. Long before highways and railroads, rivers helped people travel, trade, and connect with one another. From Native American communities to early explorers and settlers, these waterways shaped daily life and carried stories from one generation to the next.
At River Trails & Tales, families will discover how rivers guided journeys, supported communities, and helped shape the land we call home. Through hands-on activities and creative play, children and adults alike can explore the many ways rivers continue to inspire learning and imagination.
Hands-On Activities Include:
- Walking by the River Art Project – Use stamps, crayons, and scissors to create a colorful artwork inspired by river landscapes.
- Tracing the Corps of Discovery – Follow the journey of Lewis and Clark by making your own map of their famous river expedition west.
- Origami Fish & Frogs – Fold paper to create fun river creatures while learning about aquatic life.
Whether you love history, enjoy crafting, or simply want to explore together, River Trails & Tales invites your family to dive in, get creative, and discover the stories that flow through our rivers and our communities.

Boone Youth Explorers is our free monthly program designed to spark curiosity and connect kids with local history through hands-on experiences.
Boone Youth Explorers is generously supported by Missouri Humanities and Missouri Arts Council. Financial assistance for this program has been provided by the City of Columbia, Office of Cultural Affairs.
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3801 Ponderosa St, Columbia, MO, United States, Missouri 65201

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