The Mississippi River Water Trail provides some of the most accessible trip-style canoeing adjacent the Orchard Farm area. With its position between two major locks—the Winfield L&D and the Alton L&D—the river flow is almost lake-like and passes through some of the best beach camping and conservation areas that this river system has to offer. Take a look at our most recent trip, as a father-son duo over the endless days of Summer.
Nestled within the heart of the Midwest lies a hidden gem waiting to be explored—the Mississippi River Water Trail. Our recent expedition along this historic waterway proved to be an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, tranquility and natural beauty.
The trip began with loading our trusty Wenonah canoe atop the van and setting off towards the Cuivre River Boat Ramp. Located just a short drive from the esoteric town of Old Monroe, Mo., this tranquil spot served as the perfect point to launch our paddling adventure.
As the sun set, casting the familiar golden hue over the surrounding landscape, we took off into the gentle currents of the Cuivre River until we hit the confluence with the Mississippi. With each stroke of the paddle, we found ourselves drawn deeper into sync with the river flow, looking forward to a few days away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
The Mississippi River Water Trail runs along a route through Pool 26, offering a serene path that meanders around islands and rich farmland on both banks. The low flow of this section of river—between the Winfield and Alton Locks and Dam—allows for a leisurely paddling pace, with plenty of time to fully immerse in the surrounding sights and sounds of nature. Our first night's rest awaited us at Two Branch Beach, a secluded stretch of shoreline on Two Branch Island that offered the perfect sanctuary for our group. As we set up camp beneath the starlit sky, the campfire light slowly brightened against the nightfall. There is something magical about sleeping along the steady flow of the Mississippi— with the gentle lapping of the river creating a rhythmic sound that brings peace-of-mind and a good night’s rest.
The next day, we eagerly resumed our journey, our spirits buoyed by a breakfast of freshly warmed tortillas, cheese and salami over a campfire skillet. Along the way, we were treated to sightings of majestic bald eagles soaring overhead and herons methodically hunting in the shallow pools of sandbars, a testament to the river's rich biodiversity.
A midday stop at The Boathouse Restaurant provided a welcome opportunity to refuel both body and spirit, with pub fare and stunning river views serving as the perfect combination after a hard morning’s paddle. Fueled up and with great company, we set off once more, our destination set for a second night of camping beneath the stars—this time on the Iowa Island Beach, just a few clicks away from the Boathouse.
As the sun dipped below the horizon through the second evening, a full moonrise graced our presence—reflected on the mirror-like surface of the Mississippi River. The driftwood we collected earlier in the day proved to create a long-lasting fire into the evening. With our toes buried in the sandy shoreline, we sat around the fire until the embers glowed and we retired to our tents for another peaceful sleep.
The final leg of our journey brought with it a sense of accomplishment as we bid farewell to the Mississippi River Water Trail at Hideaway Harbor. Though our adventure had come to an end, the memories made on this father-son duo canoe trip will last a lifetime—and one that we will look forward to every summer for years to come. The proximity of this river trail—to the neighborhoods of New Town and Charlestowne—allows for a truly unique backyard adventure that might be hard to find elsewhere.
In the end, our expedition along the Mississippi River had been more than just a canoe trip—it had been a transformative experience that had allowed us to connect with nature, disconnect from the stresses of daily life and create these lasting memories. Truly, the Mississippi River Water Trail is a hidden gem just waiting to be discovered by adventurous souls looking for a break amidst the beauty of the great outdoors.