We feel fortunate to live in an area that has many State Parks, and the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park is one of our favorite places to visit for a few hours to just get away, be in nature and enjoy the beauty of the outdoors.
Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park
The Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park is where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers merge and where the Lewis and Clark Expedition set off on their journey up the Missouri River. You can read a little more about their expedition here.
This State Park is expansive, with a little over 1121 acres, and is a great area for birdwatching, as millions of our feathered friends migrate along the Mississippi River corridor in the spring and fall.
This area is part of the Mississippi Flyway and is used by 60% of North American bird species, which includes 40% of all waterfowl. Many birds are seen in this area including bald eagles, blue herons, pelicans, geese, and many other varieties of birds.
You can visit this website to learn more about the area, its history and future development.
Native American Marker
There is a Native American marker at the Confluence Point, which indicates that Native Americans lived in Missouri. They played an important role in our history and we both are enamored by their belief system.
While we are in the area, a favorite thing to do is to walk up to the levee to observe tugboats and barges, which are often moored at a mobile island. Sometimes we have an opportunity to watch them embark on their journey on the river, an interesting site to see. We both enjoy walking the levee and watching them, whether moored or passing by.
Good to Know
There are restrooms at the Audubon Center at the Riverlands (currently open Tuesday through Sunday from 8 am to 4 pm), a parking area to the left past the Audubon Center and at the Confluence Point parking area.
There may be times the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park is not accessible, such as during flooding, or inclement weather. You can check their website here.
There are hiking trails and picnic areas.
Access to the “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park
To visit the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park, you will enter Riverlands Way, which is close to the Clark Bridge (there is a station on the corner).
You will pass the Audubon Center at the Riverlands on the left; keep driving down the road until you are almost to the end, and you will notice a large maintenance building on the right side.
Turn to the right just past the maintenance building to access the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park. Stay on this road (you will notice farmland and the road winds and curves) for a few miles until you notice the sign for the “Ted” and Pat Jones Confluence Point State Park.
Once you see the parking area, you will notice a sign and paved area to the right, which will take you to the Confluence Point, which is about a quarter of a mile; this is where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers merge and where the Lewis and Clark Expedition set off on their journey on the Missouri River.
Other Places of Interest Nearby
The Audubon Center at the Riverlands is also a part of the Mississippi Flyway and the Riverways Migratory Bird Sanctuary and is a great place to visit, as it is a sanctuary for birds that are migrating. During the winter months, it is not unusual to see bald eagles, gulls, pellicans and other varieties in this area. They also have great exhibits, walking trails and picnic areas.
While you are in the area, you might check out the following areas in Illinois: the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, and the Melvin Price Lock and Dam 26 in Alton which offers exhibits and tours.
Missouri has so much to offer. We hope to inspire you to embark on your own day jaunts and enjoy the beauty and wonder available to us. Top of Form
