We are taking reservations for renting the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center! We are welcoming corporate meetings, receptions, team-building, and more… and we will give you a walk-through outlining ways to socially distance and keep guests and participants safe. Email us at lewisandclark@lewisandclarkvirginia.org for more information and to tell us about the event you’re planning!

Located in Darden Towe Park, the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center combines modern elegance with a beautiful view of the Rivanna River and a woodland setting with ample trails. Winner of the 2018 American Institute of Architects Virginia top award for best new building design, the Lewis & Clark Exploratory Center has floor-to-ceiling glass windows and a steel and concrete frame that angles inwards towards the river, referring by its shape to the Keelboat of the Lewis & Clark Expedition.  A large terrace also extends from the building, some of it sheltered by the extension of the green roof above.

Inside the 2517 square-foot building, there is a large 1021 square-foot event space, suitable for seated meetings of up to 36 people, and standing receptions of up to 70, our occupancy limit. Larger standing receptions are also available with the use of our 2457 square-foot terrace at the ground level and a 1419 square-foot upper terrace adjacent to a 1731 square-foot green roof, with additional outdoor areas.  This large room, the Rivanna Room, has served non-profit, government, and corporate strategic planning meetings; teachers’ conferences; mindfulness training workshops; a new business launch; staff appreciation events; birthday parties; and fundraising, wedding rehearsal, and retirement dinners, both seated and standing. The space has even hosted a graduation for the Center for Non-Profit Excellence Board Academy graduates.

We also offer facilitated team-building activities, including boat building, photography and video group assignments, hiking and journaling, and watercolor workshops, all inspired by the journals of the Lewis & Clark Expedition. We have historical challenge activities and group competitions that are both indoor and outdoor. Gentle kayaking is also available depending on the weather and condition of the river. You may also request a guided tour of our exhibits and replica boats as part of your meeting, if it fits into your schedule.

Adjacent to the Rivanna Room is the Home Front Chapter Library, a 352 square-foot space with window blinds for optimal slide show and presentation projection.  The Home Front Chapter library can be a main meeting room or a break-out room for up to eighteen people seated at tables, and up to twenty five with theater row seating.

The Garden Room (183 square-feet) can be used as a break-out room for a small group of up to eight.

Included in the rental rate are 36 comfortable black chairs and eleven custom-made, 6 ft. long rectangular wooden tables, all of which can be reconfigured within the three rooms. We have three additional food serving tables, and we have six six-foot long picnic tables available outside.  We offer a hot spot wifi connection with a password entry.  We also have a projector available with a USB connector and a portable screen.

We look forward to hearing from you!