Mississippi River falling at Tower Rock, but nearest road is closed

The water level on the Mississippi River is getting to be low enough at Tower Rock that some people are once again walking to visit what is usually an island in the middle of the river.

The river at Cape Girardeau has fallen to low stage at 5.3 feet as of Tuesday. Last September and October, the Mississippi fell to as low as 1.5 feet and hundreds of curiosity seekers walked daily from the Missouri side to Tower Rock.

However, this year Perry County has closed the road to Tower Rock.

County Road 460 is closed due to pipeline construction. The road will reopen when construction is finished.

Last year the narrow road became impassable with so many cars parking alongside, even on the side of nearby railroad tracks. At least one truck was damaged when it was hit by a passing train.