REC Festival

Date: May 13
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

National Great Rivers Museum, East Alton, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, invites you to REC Fest – the largest recreation and safety festival within the Riverbend! Kick off the summer season with your family at the National Great Rivers Museum from 10:00A to 4:00P for this FREE, adventure-themed event (rain-or-shine).

“Our goal with this new, exciting event is to encourage families to explore their outdoor recreational opportunities and learn how to go about them safely.” says Park Ranger and Event Coordinator Travis Smith. “From archery and hiking to weather and first aid there will be plenty for you and your family to test out and learn.” With over 20 partnering organizations planning to provide fun, interactive activities you are sure to be exposed to something new – climb the rock wall with Upper Limits Rock Gym & Pro Shop, throw a spear (atlatl) with the Missouri Atlatl Association, see what it takes to hit a bullseye with the National Park Service, and so much more! Live animal shows presented by Bob Tarter of NHECM: Animalogy starting at 11:00A and again and 1:00P. Visit the Facebook event page for more information.

In addition to all things recreation, 4th grade students can visit the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers station to receive a FREE Every Kid Outdoors Pass – an America the Beautiful pass option granting students and their families FREE admission to all National Parks and public lands! What better way to start the summer? For more information on the pass please visit https://www.nationalparks.org/…/camp…/every-kid-outdoors

Alton Memorial Day Parade

Date: May 29
Time: 10:00 a.m.

Downtown Alton, IL – This annual parade in honor of all those that have served and sacrificed to defend our country is one of the largest around. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, attends with Bobber the Water Safety Dog and park rangers in promotion of recreating safely on the water.

Paddle Festival

Date: June 3
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, MO – Paddle with the Mississippi River Water Trail Association (MRWTA) in the calm backwaters of the Mississippi River. Try out your skills and learn how to safely paddle in a kayak or canoe, test your balance on a stand-up paddle board, or take a guided tour at this ACA-sanctioned event. Guests can enjoy complimentary lifejackets, safety boaters, and paddling tips. Pre-registration is required.

Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair

Date: June 10
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Pere Marquette State Park, Grafton, IL – Held in celebration of National Fishing Week and co-sponsored by Pere Marquette State Park, Two Rivers National Wildlife Refuge, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the Two Rivers Family Fishing Fair offers fun and information for the entire family. Numerous seminars, educational activities, and awesome prizes! Concessions will be open to purchase food or refreshments.

National Public Lands Day

Date: September 23
Time: TBD

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, MO – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, is partnering with local organizations to host a variety of stewardship activities that will give members of the community a chance to enjoy their federal lands and take an active role in their conservation in celebration of National Public Lands Day.

Clarksville Apple Festival

Date: October 7-8
Time: All Day

Lock and Dam 24, Clarksville, MO – Enjoy a beautiful, scenic drive along Highway 79 and spend the day in Clarksville where the annual Applefest calls home. A variety of fall activities await including a parade, car and motorcycle show, horse drawn carriage rides, and craft and food vendors. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, will be in attendance as well offering free, educational tours of the historic Lock and Dam 24.

Who Works the River

Date: October 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.

National Great Rivers Museum, East Alton, IL – RiversWorks Discovery brings in representatives of the industry that service and utilize our inland waterways in hopes to encourage today’s youth to consider the vast career opportunities that are associated with the Mississippi River.

Alton Halloween Parade

Date: October 31
Time: 7:00 p.m.

Downtown Alton, IL – Ghouls and goblins will return to Alton in this annual parade. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project, plans to make a spooky appearance in hopes to scare you into partaking in good water safety practices.

NGRM 20th Anniversary Celebration

Date: November 4
Time: TBD

National Great Rivers Museum, East Alton, IL – TBD

Ice Jam at the Dam

Date: February 18
Time: 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

National Great Rivers Museum, East Alton, IL – The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, hosts the second annual Ice Jam at the Dam – an outdoor, winter-themed festival to promote outdoor recreation and celebrate all things icy along the river. The event will, of course, feature live-music from Chris Cahill & Co., tours of the locks and dam, warm food and beverage vendors, Park Ranger campfire programs, education booths, and more! Visit our Facebook event page to learn all the icy details!

MDC Eagle Days

Date: February 11
Time: 9:00 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton, MO – The Missouri Department of Conservation invites you to view eagles through spotting scopes staffed by trained volunteers, as well as attend a live Bald Eagle program presented by the World Bird Sanctuary.

Clarksville Eagle Days

Witness the currently, dewatered main lock and learn how the USACE maintains the navigational locks on the Mississippi river. Visit our Facebook Event Page for more information on how to participate.

Date: January 28-29
Time: All Day

Lock and Dam 24, Clarksville, MO – Quite possibly one of the best locations to witness over one hundred American Bald Eagles is Clarksville, MO in winter. Join the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Rivers Project Office, and the community of Clarksville for a day full of eagle related activities. Live eagle presentations, spotting scopes, tours of Lock and Dam 24, and food and craft vendors. Bundle up and enjoy watching the eagles soar!