🏆 Official Guide: Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park — 1,121 acres at the meeting of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, where the Lewis and Clark Expedition set off and millions of migrating birds pass each year.
Stand at the tip of Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park and you are watching two of North America’s mightiest rivers become one: the Missouri joins the Mississippi right at your feet. This is where American westward expansion literally began — the Lewis and Clark Expedition launched up the Missouri from this confluence in 1804 and returned here in 1806.
The park’s 1,121 acres of shoreline and bottomland in St. Charles County opened on May 9, 2004, funded by a $2.2 million gift from Edward D. “Ted” Jones — of the Edward Jones investment firm — and his wife Pat, longtime conservationists. Its restored wetlands sit squarely on the Mississippi Flyway, making Confluence Point one of the St. Louis area’s premier bird-watching spots. Entry and parking are free.
What Makes This Park Unique
Two Rivers Become One
Walk to the actual point where the Missouri and Mississippi merge — a rare, dramatic geography you can stand on.
Lewis & Clark Launch Site
The Corps of Discovery set off up the Missouri from this confluence in 1804 — the doorstep of the American West.
Mississippi Flyway Birding
Restored wetlands draw waterfowl, raptors, and wintering bald eagles as millions of birds migrate along the river corridor each spring and fall.
A Conservationists’ Gift
Ted and Pat Jones donated $2.2 million to create and develop the park, which opened in 2004.
Things to Do
Birding & wildlife: The wetlands and bottomland forest are the draw — bring binoculars for waterfowl, shorebirds, and eagles, best in spring and fall migration and winter.
Walking the point: A trail and viewing area lead to the confluence itself, with interpretive signs on the rivers and the Lewis and Clark story.
Photography: Sunrise over the merging rivers and the big-sky wetlands make this one of the region’s most photogenic spots.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Entry Fee | FREE — no entrance or parking fees at Missouri State Parks |
| Size | 1,121 acres of shoreline and bottomland |
| Opened | May 9, 2004 (Jones family gift) |
| Camping | Day-use only — no camping |
| Highlight | Missouri–Mississippi confluence; Lewis & Clark launch |
| Location | West Alton, MO 63386 (St. Charles County) |
| Official Info | Missouri State Parks – Confluence Point |
Getting There
From St. Louis, cross into West Alton and follow Highway 94 to Riverlands, then the park road to the point — about 40 minutes from downtown. The final stretch runs through the Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, worth a stop of its own.
Nearby Parks Worth Combining
Pair Confluence Point with the paved Katy Trail across the river in St. Charles for a river-history day. The Missouri state parks guide has the full picture.
Facts verified against Missouri State Parks (DNR) and public records, July 2026. Hours can change with river flooding — check the official park page before your trip.
Park Location
Plan your gear for Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
