Known for its bird-watching potential and its history -- it was the starting point for the Lewis and Clark Expedition -- Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park marks the exact spot where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet. Located in St. Charles County's easternmost town, West Alton, Confluence State Park was named for its benefactors, Ted and Pat Jones, who also provided the necessary funding for Katy Trail State Park. The 600-acre park is home to an interpretative walking trail that leads to the confluence point, which is one of the best places in the country for bird watching.
For a true state park experience and to glimpse as much as possible of Missouri's wild lands and cities as possible, dust off your bicycle or hiking boots and hit the Katy State Trail Park. The 250-mile path begins in Machens, a city in eastern St. Charles County, and travels west, where it ends in the Henry County city of Clinton. Designed specifically for bikers and hikers, the trail is perfect for any skill level, from day hikes or week-long bike rides.
If you are visiting St. Charles County for the park experience, consider one of the county's four conservation areas, specifically the 7,000-acre August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, which boasts 72 fishing lakes and jetties, boat rentals, hunting facilities, hiking trails and more. The 425-acre Weldon Spring Conservation Area, 2,500-acre Howell Island Conservation Area and 900-acre Marais Temps Clair Conservation Area all provide similar activities, but on a smaller scale. St. Charles County is also home to a section of the Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, a 350-mile migratory bird conservation area along the Mississippi River.
Katy State Trail Park covers approximately 40 miles of St. Charles County. To see the entire county portion by bike or by foot, begin at mile marker 26.9, in Machens, and ride or hike to mile marker 66.3 in Augusta. The next major mile marker, 74 in Dutzow, is in neighboring Warren County. This limestone bluff-bordered section of the trail winds through portions of the Weldon Spring Conservation Area, as well as the historic town of Defiance.
If you are a bird watcher, don't forget your binoculars when you visit Confluence State Park. Sixty percent of North America's bird species and 40 percent of its waterfowl migrate here, including rare bald eagles, great blue herons, and songbirds.
