Mississippi River low enough again to walk to Tower Rock

For the third year in a row, levels on the Mississippi River have fallen enough to give you the chance to walk out to a southeast Missouri river landmark.

People are making their way to Perry County across from Grand Tower, Illinois, to get an up-close look at Tower Rock while river levels are low.

According to the Missouri Department of Conservation, the rock formation is usually a midstream island, but when the Mississippi River drops below 1.5 feet at Chester, a rock walkway is exposed that attracts hundreds of curious hikers. 

River forecasts don't show any sign of the river rising in the immediate future.

The Department of Conservation offers tips if you’re going to Tower Rock, including to avoid blocking the narrow county roads. In 2022, Perry County Road 460 became impassable with many cars parking alongside the nearby railroad tracks. At least one truck was damaged when it was hit by a passing train.

Also remember that climbing up the steep faces of the rock is not allowed.



(Photo Missouri Dept. of Conservation)