Mississippi-Ohio River Confluence - 4 Things to Know Before Visiting

Fort Defiance State Park, is a great place to enjoy the outdoors. A picturesque lake surrounded by grassy trails, fields and woodlands invites visitors to explore and reconnect with nature. During the summer months, boating enthusiasts can rent boats or set sail on their own kayak or stand-up paddleboard. Throughout the year, parkgoers can take advantage of one of the several picnic areas available, watching birds swoop down looking for food.

Fort Defiance State Park, situated in Ballard County, Kentucky, is a historic site and natural sanctuary that offers visitors a captivating blend of cultural heritage, scenic beauty, and outdoor recreation. Perched atop a bluff overlooking the confluence of the Mississippi and Ohio Rivers, this picturesque park provides a unique opportunity to explore the area's rich history while enjoying stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

The Cairo Mississippi River Bridge has the unique distinction of connecting two states. Kansas to the north and Missouri to the south. Constructed in 1964, this bridge stands 856 feet long and is 133 feet tall. It carries traffic along U.S. Route 51/ IL Route 3 its length of four spans across the Mississippi River and provides safe passage for thousands of vehicles each day. The bridge offers a stunning view at sunset as well as other times of day and has become an iconic landmark.

The Cairo Ohio River Bridge, connecting Ballard County, Kentucky, with Cairo, Illinois, stands as a vital transportation link and a historic landmark spanning the mighty Ohio River. This iconic bridge serves as a symbol of connectivity between the two states, facilitating commerce, travel, and cultural exchange across the river.

The Cairo Custom House Museum is a great place to experience the rich cultural history of the city. The museum features exhibits such as period photographs, artifacts from local events, and even items from the once-thriving cotton trade market. You can also explore a one-room log cabin from 1814 and its furnished living room, kitchen, parlor and bedroom that helps bring to life the lifestyles of early settlers in southern Illinois.

Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site is an archaeological site located in the Pope County area of Illinois and it was a former Native American village from approximately 1000 AD to 1350 AD. The largest feature at this location is a 15-foot-tall stone burial mound that is believed to have been a ceremonial observatory. Within the nearby village, archeologists have discovered early sculptures, utensils, tools, and other items that were used by the people who once inhabited the area.