One of our favorite things to do is drive along river routes, and particularly the Great River Route – The Mississippi. The river winds up and down the United States, providing beautiful views from bluffs or scenic reeds shifting in the wind. No matter how many times we drive along the Mississippi, we discovered something new!

Recently, while on a drive along the river, we stopped at the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower in Hartford, IL. The tower is part of the Lewis and Clark Historical Trail, making it part of the National Park system. We decided to stop off and take a trip to the top. The views are extensive and truly provide you the opportunity to see how expansive the flood plains are naturally. The top of the tower also affords a view of the place where the two largest rivers in North America meet – the Missouri and the Mississippi. The stop off takes only 10-15 minutes, making it an easy and fun point along the Great River Road.