June 30, 2023 – June 2026
On June 30, 2023, Missouri made history by establishing Rock Island Trail State Park as the state’s 93rd State Park. Like the creation of Katy Trail State Park three decades earlier, the Rock Island Trail represents one of Missouri’s most ambitious outdoor recreation, tourism, and rural economic development initiatives. When completed, it will connect nearly two dozen communities and, together with the Katy Trail, create an approximately 450-mile statewide trail network unlike any other in the nation.
On June 30, 2026, just three years later, the Rock Island Trail is no longer simply a vision on paper, it is a growing reality fueled by partnerships and driven by trail communities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, businesses, volunteers, landowners, and thousands of supporters across Missouri.
Building More Than a Trail
The Rock Island Trail represents far more than a recreational pathway. It is reconnecting 23 Missouri communities that once depended upon the Chicago, Rock Island & Pacific Railroad. Communities that were separated when rail service ended are now being linked once again—this time by people walking, bicycling, running, and exploring the rich heritage of Missouri’s Rock Island Trail communities.
Visible Progress Across the Corridor
Since 2023, progress has accelerated across the state.
Major accomplishments include:
- Opening new trail segments in Gerald, Owensville, and Gasconade County.
- Groundbreaking events in Belle, Cole Camp, and Versailles.
- Continued planning and fundraising efforts in the Rosebud area and the City of Barnett, with additional communities expressing interest in trail development.
Each completed mile demonstrates that steady, local progress is transforming a former railroad corridor into a statewide destination.
Communities Have Become the Driving Force
Perhaps the greatest success story to date has been the leadership shown by Missouri’s trail communities.
Rather than waiting for development to occur, local citizens have stepped forward by:
- Raising private funds.
- Securing grants.
- Providing volunteer labor.
- Hosting community fundraising events.
- Creating local nonprofit partnerships.
- Developing trailheads, expanding recreational opportunities, establishing visitor centers, and creating iconic community landmarks such as the World’s Largest Cowbell in Belle and the World’s Largest Horseshoe in Owensville.
Gerald became the first community to construct its own trail segment through local initiative and private funding. Eldon is beginning a similar effort. Owensville completed an impressive section of trail within the city limits, while Versailles is positioned to break ground this year. Cole Camp Community Betterment organized an outstanding grassroots fundraising campaign, and the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association is working to replicate that success on the eastern end of the corridor. Barnett continues building public awareness through community events supporting future trail development.
These accomplishments demonstrate that the Rock Island Trail belongs as much to Missouri’s trail communities as it does to Missouri State Parks.
Tourism Momentum Is Growing
Trail communities continue to invest in festivals, events, heritage attractions, and visitor experiences with an eye toward the future. Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) is working to better capture these events and cross-promote communities along the entire corridor, enabling communities to realize tourism benefits even before the full development of the state park.
Communities have embraced the opportunity by creating:
- Community festivals.
- Bicycle events.
- Merchant summits.
- Historical attractions.
- Heritage tourism experiences.
- Community calendars.
- Fundraising rides.
- Trail-themed festivals.
Events such as the Katy & Rock Island Merchants Summit, Rock Island Gravel Grinder, Rock the Trail Music Fest, and numerous local festivals are introducing visitors to communities throughout the corridor while helping businesses prepare for increasing tourism.
National Recognition
The Rock Island Trail has attracted attention well beyond Missouri.
Rails-to-Trails Conservancy has featured the project nationally, recognizing both the trail’s development and the remarkable commitment of Missouri’s rural communities. This national recognition is introducing the Rock Island Trail to outdoor enthusiasts across the country while showcasing Missouri as a leader in rail-trail development.
Looking Forward
Although significant work remains on the approximately 144-mile largely undeveloped corridor, the direction is unmistakable.
Each year has brought:
- More completed trail miles.
- More community investment.
- More local fundraising.
- More volunteers.
- More public support.
- More economic opportunities.
- More statewide recognition.
Momentum continues to build.
The vision that once seemed ambitious is becoming achievable because every new trail opening inspires another community to move forward.
A Legacy for Future Generations
The establishment of Rock Island Trail State Park on June 30, 2023, marked the beginning of a new chapter in Missouri history.
Three years later, the results are evident.
- Communities once connected by railroad are reconnecting through recreation.
- Historic railroad corridors are becoming economic corridors.
- Volunteers are becoming community leaders.
- Visitors are becoming ambassadors.
- Small towns are rediscovering opportunity.
The Rock Island Trail State Park is proving that preserving history can also build the future.
The first three years have demonstrated what can happen when citizens, communities, nonprofit organizations, businesses, and state government unite behind a common vision.
The Rock Island Trail is no longer simply a trail under construction.
It has become a movement, one that is reconnecting communities, preserving history, promoting healthy lifestyles, strengthening local economies, and creating a lasting legacy for generations of Missourians yet to come.
Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park
Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT) is a Missouri nonprofit, 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to advocating, promoting, preserving, and supporting the development of Rock Island Trail State Park..
To learn more, volunteer, or support the continued development of Missouri’s newest state park, please contact us:
Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park
P.O. Box 183
Owensville, MO 65066
Website: www.rockislandtrail.org
Email: info@rockislandtrail.org
Facebook: Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park
Support the Trail
Your tax-deductible donation helps fund community trail projects, educational programs, trail promotion, and local initiatives that bring the Rock Island Trail State Park to life.
Donate online: www.rockislandtrail.org/donate
Together, we are reconnecting Missouri—one community, one mile, and one generation at a