HARTFORD – A crowd recently gathered at the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower for their grand reopening ceremony.
On Thursday, May 14, 2026, the Village of Hartford and Great Rivers and Routes Tourism Bureau came together for a ribbon-cutting to mark the end of construction at the tower. Cory Jobe, president and CEO of Great Rivers and Routes, welcomed visitors and explained that the tower has undergone a major renovation.
“What a great day it is to be here in Hartford as we celebrate the grand reopening of the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower,” he said. “Today isn’t just about reopening a structure. It’s about reopening an experience, a destination and a story that is deeply rooted in who we are as a region.”
Over the past year, the tower has seen a park expansion, the installation of new public art and a playground, and upgrades to the visitor area. This project included $2.8 million in investments through grants obtained by Great Rivers and Routes and the Village of Hartford.
“This kind of investment doesn’t happen without hard work and partnership,” Jobe said. “Today is a testament to what can be accomplished when communities, organizations and leaders come together with a shared vision.”
Jobe thanked the partners who made this renovation possible, including the State of Illinois, the Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Metro East Parks and Recreation, Colman’s Country Campers, and others. He also acknowledged each company that contributed to the tower’s construction.
Jobe shared that the Lewis and Clark Confluence Tower serves as “a symbol” of exploration and history. Visitors can view the intersection of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers from the tower. In the visitors’ center, there are exhibits that share information about the expedition of Meriwether Lewis and William Clark.
Earlier today, the tower welcomed tourists from Pennsylvania. Yesterday, a group from the Czech Republic visited.
Jobe pointed to these examples as evidence that the tower is “a global attraction.” He added that the renovation “elevate[s] the entire visitor experience.”
“This tower stands at one of the most remarkable natural meeting points in North America, where the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers come together, and where history, exploration and opportunity have intersected for generations,” he added. “For more than 20 years, this tower has served as a symbol of that connection. It has welcomed families, students, travelers and history enthusiasts from all over the world, offering not just a view, but a perspective, a chance to stand above it all and reflect on the journeys that shape this nation.”
