Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center Faces Staff Departures, Closure and Renovation Amid Federal Cuts
The center draws about 50,000 visitors a year, but officials are unsure whether its three U.S. Forest Service jobs will be refilled.
- The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls will lose its entire full-time staff of three this year, forcing temporary closure from October 1, 2026, through April 1, 2027, for exhibit renovations.
- Declining financial and staffing support from the U.S. Forest Service has strained operations as the federal agency undergoes a massive reorganization, affecting interpretive centers across its portfolio.
- Since opening in 1998, the center has drawn 50,000 visitors annually and remains a key regional tourism draw, with the community raising more than $3 million to match federal funds for construction.
- Kelly Paladino, executive director of the Lewis and Clark Foundation, announced the organization will manage facility rentals, admissions, and marketing during the closure to maintain operations.
- While Paladino expressed confidence in continued U.S. Forest Service support, it remains unclear whether the federal agency will fill the three vacated staff positions after the April 2027 reopening.
11 Articles
11 Articles
The Billings Gazette
Federal support in question at Great Falls’ popular interpretive center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center remains a big tourism draw, but its three remaining full-time employees are set to leave with no apparent plan to replace them.
Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center in Great Falls faces staff changes, plans major renovation
Talk of federal budget cuts has caused concerns over the future of the Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, but an organization dedicated to telling the story of the famous expedition is stepping up to help.The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center remains one of the top tourist attractions in Great Falls.(WATCH: Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center faces staff departures, closure and renovation amid federal cuts) Lewis and Clark Interpretive Cente…
Federal support in question at Great Falls' popular interpretive center
The Lewis and Clark Interpretive Center, considered a tourism jewel in central Montana that draws some 50,000 visitors each year, will lose its entire full-time staff of three this year to retirements and a resignation. The post Federal support in question at Great Falls’ popular interpretive center appeared first on Montana Free Press.
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