NEWS

ROSEBUD, Mo.  January 27, 2026  A major local funding initiative was announced Tuesday evening that advances development of the Rock Island Trail State Park through the City of Rosebud, marking an important milestone in community-driven trail development. During a...

Owensville, Mo. — January 1, 2026 The start of 2026 was marked by a milestone moment for outdoor enthusiasts and trail supporters as hikers gathered in Owensville for the first-ever First Day Hike on a newly opened section of Rock Island Trail State Park. Organized by...

January 2026 A nationwide system of trails that millions of Americans use for walking, biking and outdoor recreation is facing a significant threat from proposed federal legislation that critics say could dismantle rail-trail development as it exists today. At the...

Missouri’s 93rd State Park Expands with Community-Led Development Across Central Missouri VERSAILLES & COLE CAMP, Mo., October 17, 2025 — Two historic central Missouri communities — Versailles and Cole Camp — celebrated major milestones Friday with groundbreaking...

Rock Island Trail Communities Celebrate Summer with Fairs, Festivals, and Family Fun Missouri – This July, communities along Missouri’s Rock Island Trail are rolling out a vibrant calendar of fairs, festivals, and heritage celebrations that highlight the local charm...

Rocheport, MO — More than 50 trail town supporters, entrepreneurs, and advocates gathered in Rocheport on June 25 for the inaugural Katy and Rock Island Merchants Summit, a landmark event celebrating Missouri’s Rails-to-Trails communities and their growing potential....

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...

East-Central Missouri – The cities of Gerald, Owensville, and Belle, in proud partnership with the Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park, hosted a historic day of celebration on Saturday, May 31, 2025, marking a major milestone in Missouri’s trail development....

[Belle, Missouri] – May 31, 2025 – The Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) today announces new steps in supporting Trail Communities and Trail Partners across Missouri’s Rock Island Trail corridor. These efforts aim to rekindle the community spirit that...

Katy Trail & Rock Island Trails Unite! Join us in beautiful Rocheport for a Trail Town Summit focused on the existing Katy Trail, with a look toward a 450 mile loop with the Rock Island Trail State Park, This vital connection between the two State Parks will have...

Eastern Central Missouri – The cities of Gerald, Owensville, and Belle, in proud collaboration with Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park, invite the public to join in celebrating a major milestone in Missouri’s trail development. A special Ribbon Cutting and...

Fall 2024 We are thrilled to announce that the Rock Island Trail State Park, a gem in the heart of Missouri, has been featured in the Green Issue of Rails to Trails magazine. This feature provides an insightful look into the future of the Rock Island Trail...

April 4, 2024, a significant groundbreaking event took place in Owensville, Missouri, marking additional progress of the development of the Rock Island Trail State Park. The event was attended by approximately 150 people, including key figures such as Rep. Bruce...

A Brief recognition and Groundbreaking ceremony will be held in Gerald Missouri on January 26th at Noon. This will mark the development of the “first mile” on the eastern section of the newest Missouri State Park. Created on June 30th, 2023, the Rock Island Trail...

Rock Island Trail State Park Established as the 93rd Missouri State Park Windsor, June 30th, 2023 - The Missouri Department of Natural Resources announced the establishment of Rock Island Trail State Park, which officially became the 93rd state park in Missouri on...

The deadline for Missouri State Parks (MSP) and Missouri Central Railroad (a subsidiary of Ameren) to finalize the transfer of the 144 mile former Rock Island Railroad corridor is December 31, 2021. Ameren’s gift of...

MO STATE PARKS HOSTS FIRST OF 3 TRAIL MEETINGS Several hundred people attended an open house forum on the Rock Island Trail hosted by Missouri State Parks on Monday, October 29 in Owensville.  A number of displays cited the costs and challenges of trail building, but...

Missouri’s long quest to acquire the Rock Island Trail corridor is near near, but not certain, according to Greg Harris, the executive director of the Rock Island Trail. Local residents had the opportunity to support the expansion of the Rock Island Trail project on...