Start your journey along the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway with a visit to the Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower. The Tower officially opens May 14, 2026, and is open May through October and in January, Thursday through Sunday, 10 a.m. - 5 p.m, and closed on holidays. Tours are available every 30 minutes from 10:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Tickets are $10 per person and can be purchased at the door.

Located just one mile from the Lewis & Clark State Historic Site in Hartford, IL, the tower rises 180 feet above the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers. Three tower viewing platforms - at 50, 100 and 150 feet - highlight the stories of the surrounding area, including the Village of Hartford, the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the Lewis & Clark journey and, of course, the two great rivers.

A garden representing plants collected by explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark on their westward journey and an outdoor amphitheater sit at the base of the tower and are also part of the visitor experience.

The indoor visitor center has an interactive exhibit with videos and graphic panels which tell the stories of the history, wildlife and communities along the byway.

Ticket Pricing:
Individuals: $10 per person
Children age 5 and younger: Free admission

Group rate for 12 or more people: $5 per person
Group/Student field trip rate: $4 per person

*Pre-planned group tours and field trips can be scheduled 5 days a week during normal business hours by calling the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau at 618-465-6676, ext. 2102.