Fort Belle Fontaine — Attraction in Alton

Very nice morning hike, just me and the birds and a couple of dog walkers. The trail follows an old road, so it's always nice and wide, mostly level surface and there are just a couple of inclines (depending on which way you go). You can start at the prairie/lake (today it was surrounded by fields of white fox glove, a.k.a. beardtongue, and looking pretty)or go up the road the other way a bit and start in the woods The trail is mostly in the woods.

One reviewer said it was hard to follow the trail. I don't know if that's exactly right, but there are no trail markers once you get on. I did use my AllTrails map the first time I walked it, and it's pretty simple once you've done it.

It takes you along the Missouri river, and then along Coldwater Creek, neither of which you can really get down to, but you can see them. after the rains we've had Coldwater Creek was flowing quickly and actually looked kind of pretty.

Don't forget to run up and down the Grand Staircase and keep your eye out for the other stone buildings and walls that are along the way.

You do have to stop in at the main gate to tell them your business - the park is on the grounds of a boys home, and then the trailhead is just a little further to the left.

This time they had porta potties at the trailhead, they don't always, though.

It's close to my home, and an easy walk that I know won't be terribly muddy after storms, like last night's.

Lots of history to this place, and plaques along the way to tell you about it, including Louis...

There is a 3 mile trail with relatively low inclines. You check in with the guard at entrance due to the fact there is a boys home there as well. You can drive directly to the grand staircase which is all the way at the back. You will see the cannon then park. If you want to hike the trail then right after the guard that you check in with, the trail head parking is immediately to the left and starts with an open meadow with beautiful wild flowers. Then the trail goes in the woods following a creek until it meets the river. There seems to be a quarry on the other side of the creek due to smells unfortunately. However, I have gone on several hikes and it isnt overwhemling. Interesting points of random stonework, walls, firepits ect sprinkle along the trail (which are in the above pics)until you meet the largest structure, the stairs which is 6 floors high per my fitbit.

You can cut the hike short by climbing the staircase and walk through the boys home parking lots or keep following near the river. However at that point there are no more structures except a small rock wall. Note: I avoid this place during summer due to lots of mosquitos. They to reenactment here from time to time. I recommend them. They also have hay rides in the fall.

Very...

Fort Belle Fontaine is a remarkable place where history, nature, and a sense of peace seamlessly come together. As I entered the park, a guard greeted me, asking for my name and my reason for visiting. I simply replied, "To walk the trails." With a smile, he directed me toward the staircase, and I couldn’t have been more grateful.

The grand staircase is breathtaking in its stature and design, drawing you down toward the river’s edge. With each step, the Mississippi River comes into view, adding to the serene beauty. At the bottom, a lovely nature trail winds along the riverbank, immersing you in the sounds and sights of God’s creation. It’s a place where you feel closer to Him, with the calm river and vibrant greenery reminding you of His handiwork.

This park, once a bustling fur trading post and starting point for explorers like Lewis and Clark, now serves as a sanctuary for anyone seeking peace, clarity, and a connection to both history and creation. Fort Belle Fontaine is more than a park; it’s a journey into the past and a place for...