Confluence Tower

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is a 180 foot tower with viewing platforms at 50, 100 and 150 feet.  Located in Hartford, Illinois, the tower is about four miles north of Interstate 270 on Illinois Highway 3.  It provides unobstructed views of the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers as well as views of downtown St. Louis 14 miles to the south and the cliffs of Pere Marquette State Park over 25 miles to the northwest.  The volunteers and staff were friendly, knowledgeable and patient.  They rightfully proud of their town and its ability to build and operate such an iconic structure. Besides promoting the town, they also provided information about a variety of recreational and educational activities available throughout Madison County in the small visitor center.  Each tour is conducted by one of the staff and lasts approximately 30 minutes.  Tours may be suspended due to inclement weather including high winds.  We visited the tower during our July 2014 trip to St. Louis.

The three observation platforms from the parking area

The Lewis leg and the Clark leg

Ample parking is available for automobiles, RVs and tour buses

The Madison County Transit (MCT) Confluence Trail is atop the levee adjacent to the tower

At 100 feet, the Mississippi River is visible

At 150 feet, the confluence of the Missouri with the Mississippi is clearly visible

Wood River Power Station four miles northwest in Alton, Illinois

Sioux Energy Center twelve miles away in West Alton, Missouri

Downtown St. Louis end-on to the Gateway Arch (dark gray spire to the left of the Stan Musial Bridge)

The MCT Confluence Trail for pedestrians and bicyclists

Confluence Tower from the bike trail

Old Glory

Tickets to the viewing platforms are $4 for adults and $2 for children 12 and under and may be purchased at the vase of the tower.

The tower website is http://www.confluencetower.com/.