We’ve had some inquiries about how the Missouri River water level will affect us here, so thought we’d share what we know with you. As of today, Rocheport is high and dry and there are no Katy Trail closures due to water. We expect this to hold for at least another week. But even when the water rises, tourism businesses in Rocheport are not affected. The only real impact that we are anticipating for our guests is that the Katy Trail going west of Rocheport towards Boonville will be affected. This usually happens a couple of times a year anytime the river level gauge at Boonville reaches 27+feet.
The river water level must exceed 30 feet to top the Katy Trail by our city parks on the south edge of town or the trail bridge east of the Rocheport Tunnel , which are the lowest points in Rocheport. If the water level prediction is 30+ feet this summer, there is an emergency response task force ready to lay 1700 feet of plastic sheeting and concrete barriers backed with sandbags on top of this section of the Katy Trail. This will protect the trailbed itself, the few residences along First Street and the trailhead area north of the Katy Trail where the Trailside Cafe’ and Bike Rental is. The only business we anticipate to be inaccessible is the Treehouse (house on stilts) of the Katy Trail Bed and Bikefest since it is on the south side of the trail.
What does this mean for our guests? If you plan to cycle in July and August, we think the trail going east from Rocheport to at least Huntsdale and hopefully all the way into Columbia will be open and you will have a great view of the “Big Muddy” strutting her stuff that few people will get to see! All the restaurants, shops, LBV winery, A-Frame and B&B’s will be open for business as usual.
So don’t be afraid to come on down and see us in the next few weeks and take home some great photos of the Missouri River!
To track the Missouri River water level, follow this link to the Boonville river gauge.
Mike and Lisa,
Innkeepers, School House Bed and Breakfast