1000 Riverlands Way
West Alton, Missouri
636-899-1135

In 1721, French explorer, Father Pierre Francois de Charlevoix, wrote of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, "I believe this is the finest confluence in the world. The two rivers are much the same breadth, each about half a league: but the Missouri is by for the most rapid, and seems to enter the Mississippi like a conqueror, through which it carries its white waters to the opposite shore without mixing them, afterwards, it gives its color to the Mississippi which it never loses again but carries quite down to the sea ..."

Visitors can still witness the 2 rivers as they merge at this 1,118-acre park located on the north side of the Missouri River at its confluence with the Mississippi River north of St. Louis. The park was named for Pat and the late Edward “Ted” Jones, for their contributions to the Missouri park system. The Joneses were largely responsible for the development of the 225-mile-long KATY Trail, a rails-to-trails project that created a trail that runs alongside the Missouri River and crosses the state.

NOTE: THIS PARK IS OFTEN CLOSED DUE TO FLOODING & FLOOD DAMAGE
It is recommended to call the Audubon Center at 636-899-0090 to see if it is open.

The Lewis and Clark Connection
On May 14, 1804, William Clark wrote "Set out at 4 oClock P.M. in the presence of many of the Neighbouring inhabitents, and proceeded on under a jentle brease up the Missourie..." The Lewis and Clark Expedition began at this confluence although the confluence point has moved 2 miles downstream from the point where the Corps of Discovery entered into the Missouri River. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources intends to restore a natural floodplain reminiscent of what Lewis and Clark might have seen along the lower Missouri River. This will include native vegetation and natural wetlands and feature forests, prairies, and marshes.

Visit our special Lewis and Clark Section to learn more about the Corps of Discovery’s experience during their stay in the Middle Mississippi River Valley. greatriverroad.com’s special coverage includes information on all of the region’s sites and events as well as supplemental articles relating to the expedition’s experience during the winter of 1803-04.

Bird Watching
The confluence point is one of the area's best places for bird watching as millions of birds migrate along the Mississippi River corridor each spring & fall. Commons birds seen in the area include American Bald Eagles, great blue herons, geese, gulls, American White Pelicans, and many kinds of songbirds. The park features interpretive panels that explain the Lewis & Clark expedition, the surrounding wetlands, and the history of the two rivers. A 1/4 mile handicapped accessible paved trail leads winds through maple and willow trees to the point where visitors have an unobstructed view of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers.

Confluence Point State Park is listed on the National Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail. They report that birders should for similar species of migratory and resident species of birds of the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary. Click here for a printable birding checklist.

Visiting Confluence Point State Park
Visiting Hours
Park grounds are open daily from 8 a.m. to one-half hour after sunset.
There is no charge to visit Confluence Point State Park