Few People Know There’s A Missouri Island You Can Walk To
By Liz Oliver|Published August 25, 2018
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Liz Oliver
Author
Liz is a Missouri native with a B.A. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Non-Profit Administration from Lindenwood University. She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe!
Very few people realize that there is a Missouri River island in the Show Me State that you can access on foot. This beautiful island has over seven miles of trails and is great for all kinds of outdoor recreation. Watch for wildlife, cast a line, or simply enjoy a unique nature destination on Howell Island.
Explore one of the most unique environments in the Show Me State at Howell Island. There are more than 2,500 acres to explore on this river island.
Once you're on the other side, you can choose to explore the inner island trail or go off route. Sit along the river's edge and cast a line, there is great fishing around the island.
Take a paved road up to the access point, there is a parking lot just off Olive Street in St. Louis County. It's a popular biking area as well. If you enjoy a leisurely hike and bike Howell Island is perfect for you.
Hunting is also allowed on the island. During the proper seasons, hunters can take deer and turkey by bow. If you're really looking for a wild time, try frog gigging along the water.
Overall, Howell Island is a beautiful river oasis that is begging to be explored. Take bug spray and sunscreen so you can enjoy a full day by the river. Howell Island is open to campers who access the river by boat, and is open from 4 a.m. until 10 p.m. for those who enter by foot.
Use these directions provided by the Missouri Department of Conservation to access Howell Island, "from eastbound I-64, exit onto Chesterfield Airport Road and take Olive Street/Eatherton Road 3 miles west to the area entrance. From westbound I-64, exit onto Long Road and take Chesterfield Airport Road west 2 miles, then Olive Street/Eatherton Road west 3 miles to the area entrance."
Have you visited Howell Island? Did you walk the trails or visit for hunting and fishing? Tell us all about it in the comments below.
