Windsor, MO — June 30 marks the second anniversary of the establishment of Missouri’s 93rd state park—Rock Island Trail State Park (RITSP)—a transformative project reshaping the state’s landscape and revitalizing the historic Rock Island Railroad corridor. Since its official designation in Windsor on June 30, 2023, the Rock Island Trail State Park has catalyzed economic development, community pride, and outdoor recreation in dozens of Missouri towns.
This historic milestone made possible through years of advocacy by Missouri Rock Island Trail, Inc. (now doing business as Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park, or FoRIT), has laid the foundation for a vibrant, interconnected trail that will one day span over 200 miles across central Missouri.
A Year of Historic Firsts and Community Impact
The past two years have seen tremendous progress, as outlined in FoRIT’s Annual Reports:
- Groundbreakings and Ribbon Cuttings: Hundreds gathered to celebrate new trail segments in Gerald, Owensville, and Belle. Gerald’s “First Mile,” supported by private funding, was completed by year’s end. Owensville celebrated the opening of 2.5 miles, and Belle broke ground on its own extension—all milestones that reflect growing local investment and pride.
- Trail Community Support: FoRIT has directly supported trail communities through grants and targeted visits. In addition to support for Rosebud and Cole Camp, the Cole Camp Community Betterment organization has played a vital role in integrating trail development with downtown enhancements, events, and local business promotion. These community-based partnerships ensure the trail not only connects towns—but uplifts them.
To better serve communities, FoRIT leadership visited trail towns, promoting collaboration and helping communities prepare for trail-related development through:
-
- Promotion of local fairs, festivals, and attractions
- Improved communication of trail updates
- Connecting towns with trail-building resources and funding opportunities
- Over $2 Million in Grants Awarded: In 2023 alone, trail communities including Belle, Cole Camp, Eldon, Gasconade County, Gerald, Owensville, and Versailles received substantial grants to begin or expand their trail infrastructure.
Cultural Celebration and Small-Town Charm
In addition to infrastructure progress, communities along the Rock Island Trail are embracing the cultural and historical value of the corridor.
- In Gerald, trail supporters gathered for the ground breaking and admired a 100-foot mural depicting the town’s Rock Island heritage.
- In Owensville, visitors not only celebrated the new trail segment but also snapped selfies with what is proudly claimed as the World’s Largest Horseshoe.
- In Belle, attendees at the groundbreaking were greeted by local icons such as the town’s Largest Cow Bell, a historic railroad caboose, and the Belle Feed Mill, where the community held a post-event reception featuring book signings and special announcements.
- Cole Camp, already known for its deep German heritage and community events, has begun connecting its cultural calendar and beautification efforts with the incoming trail—making it a must-visit trail town in the making.
As the trail grows, so do the opportunities to discover the unique character of each community—from hand-painted murals, restored rail landmarks, and historic town squares, to hidden gems like ice cream parlors, bike-friendly cafes, local museums, and community festivals that are bringing new life to these towns.
“These events and landmarks show what happens when trail communities come together with shared purpose and pride,” said a FoRIT spokesperson. “Thanks to strong partnerships, support from regional planning organizations, and passionate advocates, we’re turning vision into reality and building a legacy for future generations.”
Looking Ahead
As FoRIT and its partners look toward the future, momentum continues to grow:
- Partnership Building: The inaugural Rock Island Summit in Eldon in 2023 brought together statewide trail advocates, and the momentum continued in Rocheport on June 25, 2025, with the first-ever Katy and Rock Island Merchants Summit. Co-sponsored by FoRIT, Magnificent Missouri, and Brett Dufur/Pebble Publishing, the event united more than 50 trail entrepreneurs, community leaders, and visionaries to share success stories, marketing ideas, and tools for economic development along Missouri’s emerging 450-mile Katy-Rock Island loop. Plans are already in motion for Merchant Summit 2.0, tentatively scheduled for September 16 on the Rock Island.
- Donor Engagement & Education: FoRIT organized donor tours of key trail features—Gasconade River Trestle, Osage River Bridge, and Eugene Tunnel—building critical awareness and financial support.
- Government Relations: FoRIT continues advocating for balanced trail policies, securing funding for agriculture-friendly fencing, and building support within the Missouri General Assembly.
- Funding & Planning Initiatives: FoRIT supports federal grant pursuits such as the RAISE planning grant, helping lay the groundwork for future design and engineering phases of the trail.
Through strategic events like the Merchant Summit and continued collaboration with stakeholders, FoRIT is helping ensure that the Rock Island Trail isn’t just a line on a map—but a thriving corridor of community pride, recreation, and economic vitality.
Join the Journey
As we celebrate this milestone anniversary, Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park invites Missourians and trail lovers everywhere to visit the trail, explore its towns, attend events, and contribute to the next chapter of this extraordinary story.
Learn more at www.rockislandtrail.org.
Rock island Trail Communities https://rockislandtrail.org/trail-communities/
Support FoRIT and Trail Communities https://rockislandtrail.org/support/
Media Contact:
Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT)
President@rockislandtrail.org