St. Charles County’s newest recreation area opens on Saturday, August 18, just in time for the popular Blessing of the Fleet along the Mississippi River. Riverside Landing, the former privately-owned pay dock located between Kampville Drive and Huster Road in St. Charles, is now County Parks property and access to the river is free to the public

The 7.73-acre park was purchased in March 2018 by the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department and will be developed into a unique outdoor recreational attraction. A boat ramp and dock, boat slips and kayak launch area will be available from August 18 through the rest of the boating season. The park will close this winter to undergo major renovations, including the installation of several small and large campsites that will accommodate recreational vehicles (RV), day-use picnic areas, a walking trail, a spacious fire pit area, and a play area for children. Restroom facilities, water and electric will be available on site. It is anticipated that Riverside Landing will reopen to the public in the summer of 2019.

“Riverside Landing is going to be the place to go for kayaking, canoeing, boating and other water sports, as well as camping, fishing and hunting along the Mississippi River and Dardenne Creek,” said St. Charles County Parks Director Ryan Graham. “This popular ‘blueway’ area of the river, known as Alton Lake, is 40,000 acres and 38 miles long. It will be the perfect summer destination close to home.”

The St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department has added three new parks this year alone. In addition to the Riverside Landing, The Park at New Melle Lakes opens on Saturday, September 29 and Veterans Tribute Park in Weldon Spring opens this fall. This increases the total number of County parks open to the public from 12 to 15 and the total amount of acquired park land to 3,643 acres.

For more information about our parks, visit stccparks.org or call the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department at 636-949-7535.