801 Strodtman Road
Saint Louis, MO
314-877-6014
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is situated at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers just downstream from the site of Lewis and Clark's 1803-04 winter camp. Located in north St. Louis County, this 4,318-acre area was purchased in 1997 to create an urban conservation area. A small town once known as Columbia and later as St. Vrain was located in this flood plain in the mid 1800s but was gone by 1870. The Missouri Department Conservation manages Columbia Bottom and has created a mosaic of bottomland habitats that includes shallow wetlands, bottomland hardwoods, prairie, croplands, 6.5 miles of river frontage, and a 110-acre island. These habitats attract a wide variety of resident and migratory wildlife for the enjoyment of all of our state's residents and visitors. One of the Department of Conservation's goals in managing Columbia Bottoms is to restore portions of the area to the conditions that prevailed at the time of Lewis and Clark's journey.
Columbia Bottom Conservation Area has a number of features that visitors can take advantage. Bicyclists and walkers can use an accessible five-mile limestone biking trail and there is an additional three-mile hiking trail runs parallel to the Missouri River. Activities at the site include birding, educational programs, canoeing or kayaking, and participating in managed hunts. An accessible boat ramp and an accessible fishing pier are located on the Missouri River. A unique feature of the area is a viewing deck at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers.
Bird Watching
The managed wetlands at Columbia Bottom Conservation Area provide resting and feeding areas for ducks, geese and other migratory birds including herons, egrets, and pelicans. An accessible boardwalk over the bottomland waters make it easy to get into the natural area. The site also offers superb birding opportunities in the spring. Ebird maintains a checklist for this site.
Visiting the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Visiting Hours
April 1 - September 30: 6 am to 10 pm daily
Winter Hours: 6 am - 7 pm daily
Visitor Center Hours
Monday - Friday: 8 am to 5 pm
Closed Saturdays and Sundays
There is no charge to visit to visit the Columbia Bottom Conservation Area
Use the official site of Columbia Bottom Conservation Area to find the answers to the questions about Columbia Bottom Conservation Area that you may have.
