The confluence of the Ohio and Mississippi—one of the largest in the world—is a world-wide travel destination. For those following the Lewis and Clark Trail, the expedition camped near here arriving on November 14, 1803 and departing November 20:
“[P]assed Wilkinson ville about 12 Oclock oposite to which is the first or great chain of rocks streching in an oblique manner across the Oho this evening landed on the point at which the Ohio and Mississippi form there junchon”
—Meriwether Lewis (November 14, 1803)
While at ‘The Point’ the captains trained recent recruits, surveyed and too celestial observations, and explored the opposite shores of both rivers. Today, you can drive across the Ohio and Mississippi via bridges on US Highway 51 and 62, respectively.
Fort Defiance State Park has picnic facilities and a concrete observation building. It also the southern—most point and lowest elevation in Illinois. Cairo’s Custom House and Historic Park District are nearby.
Cairo Custom House Museum, Washington Avenue, Cairo, IL, USA
Distance: 1.93 mi (straight line)
LC Features Museums and Interpretive Centers
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2723 Washington Ave, Cairo, IL 62914, USA
Distance: 2.69 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Other Guided Tours
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Wickliffe Mounds State Historic Site, Green Street, Wickliffe, KY, USA
Distance: 3.05 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Walks and Hikes Tribal Experiences
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1903 Sycamore St, Cairo, IL 62914, USA
Distance: 3.36 mi (straight line)
Fort Jefferson Hill Park and Memorial Cross, Wickliffe, KY, USA
Distance: 3.49 mi (straight line)
Mound City National Cemetery, Illinois 37, Mound City, IL, USA
Distance: 7.27 mi (straight line)
18615 East Side Dr, Olive Branch, IL 62969, USA
Distance: 13.10 mi (straight line)
Columbus Belmont State Park, Park Road, Columbus, KY, USA
Distance: 15.25 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Outdoor Experiences RV and Camping Walks and Hikes Fun and Sports
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110 S Church Rd, Grand Chain, IL 62941, USA
Distance: 19.62 mi (straight line)
Beggs Family Farm, State Highway U, Sikeston, MO, USA
Distance: 21.86 mi (straight line)
Tunnel Hill State Trail, Karnak, IL, USA
Distance: 23.40 mi (straight line)
Outdoor Experiences Walks and Hikes
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Thebes Courthouse, Oak Street, Thebes, IL, USA
Distance: 23.74 mi (straight line)
135 Riverview Dr, Thebes, IL 62990, USA
Distance: 24.06 mi (straight line)
General History Guided Tours Viewpoints
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Fort Massac State Park, East 5th Street, Metropolis, IL, USA
Distance: 26.29 mi (straight line)
Misty Pond Alpaca and Maremmas, Lebanon Church Road, Paducah, KY, USA
Distance: 27.25 mi (straight line)
Red House Interpretive Center, Aquamsi Street, Cape Girardeau, MO, USA
Distance: 29.99 mi (straight line)
Museums and Interpretive Centers Guided Tours
View ListingOur bi-weekly newsletter provides news, history, and information for those interested in traveling along along the Lewis & Clark Trail.