FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(Alton, IL – May 7, 2026) Experience the sights, history and expanded park-like experience at the newly renovated Lewis & Clark Confluence Tower, 435 Confluence Tower Dr., Hartford, during the highly anticipated Grand Re-Opening Celebration at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 14.

Major renovations at the 185-foot tall attraction – popular with residents and visitors for the 360-degree views from three viewing platforms – include a park expansion, public art installations, an expanded and updated visitor experience and a new playscape area for children. The renovations will be unveiled during the ceremony which will include representatives from the Village of Hartford, the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau and more.

The project was funded in part by a $2.5 million Capital Grant received by the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau from the State of Illinois. The Village of Hartford also received a $546,000 State of Illinois Capital Grant and a MERPD grant to fund park improvements at the site. The Tower was closed for a year as renovations took place.

Located at the start of the 33-mile stretch of the Meeting of the Great Rivers National Scenic Byway, the attraction opened to the public in 2010 and was built to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the start of the famous Lewis & Clark Expedition. That journey is honored at the nearby Lewis & Clark State Historic Site which is located one-mile south of the soaring Tower complex.

“We are thrilled that the tourism bureau could lead the enhancement and development of this great attraction along the Great River Road,” Cory Jobe, President/CEO of the Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau of Southwest Illinois. “Visitors are going to enjoy this new experience that includes new murals on the outside of the building, an enhanced visitor experience in the newly remodeled visitor center and on each of the three viewing platforms, along with a walkable park experience.”

The Confluence Tower will open to the public following the official re-opening event. The Tower features three observation decks at 50, 100 and 150 feet which are accessible by elevator or stairs. Exhibits focused on the Lewis and Clark expedition and the importance of the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri rivers are on each level.

Admission to the Tower is $10 per person for adults and children ages six and older. Children 5 and younger are free. The Tower is open Wednesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Guided tours are held every 30 minutes from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Tickets to the Tower can be purchased online at www.riversandroutes.com

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(The Great Rivers & Routes Tourism Bureau is a certified Destination Marketing Organization serving Madison, Jersey, Calhoun, Macoupin, Montgomery and Greene counties and East St. Louis in St. Clair County. The bureau is dedicated to educating visitors about the region by providing information regarding the area’s history, unique landmarks, recreational opportunities, leisure attractions, special events and scenic marvels.)