City Guides: Things to do While Boating in Hartford, Illinois

Sandy Allen

01 Dec 2024 — 2 min read

Photo: Great Rivers and Routes (Facebook)

Though small in size, Hartford, Illinois, offers historic sites and scenic beauty, making it a fascinating destination for visitors. Boaters will appreciate the proximity of the Missouri, Illinois and Mississippi rivers, which come together in Hartford and offer hiking trails, fishing, boating, birdwatching and scenic byways. Located north of St. Louis, it’s an excellent destination to visit from private boat dock rentals and marinas.

Lewis and Clark State Historic Site

Photo: Wikimedia/Americasroof/CC by SA 3.0

The Lewis and Clark State Historic Site is a cornerstone of Hartford’s historical significance. It commemorates Camp Dubois, where Meriwether Lewis and William Clark prepared for their expedition in 1803-1804. Visitors can explore six galleries of interactive exhibits, providing insights into the early stages of the Corps of Discovery’s journey. The reconstructed Camp Dubois offers a glimpse into 19th-century military life with daily interpretive demonstrations.

Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower

The Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower is a must-visit for boaters and travelers staying at private boat slips for rent, marinas or hotels. Standing 150 feet tall, it offers beautiful views of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers’ confluence. With platforms at various heights, visitors can enjoy this area's natural beauty and historical significance, which is where the Corps of Discovery’s journey began in 1804. The tower also serves as a gateway to the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway

Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park

While technically in Missouri, we're including this one as it's just across the Mississippi River from the previous two sites. A great place to visit from private boat lifts for rent, the Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park marks the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. This scenic 1,121-acre park offers visitors breathtaking river views, hiking trails and wildlife observation opportunities. Anglers can reel in carp, catfish and bass.

The park is named after conservationists Ted and Pat Jones, who played a pivotal role in developing the Katy Trail. The park’s observation deck provides a panoramic view of this historic waterway junction, celebrating its ecological and cultural significance.

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