Mississippi River Overlook — Attraction in East St. Louis

Here’s the good and the bad from a cyclist’s point-of-view. The good… So many people are afraid to travel from the Missouri side over to East St. Louis. Why? Except for special occasions (like the 4th of July at night) the park is practically deserted. And with a casino only a stone’s throw away, you know security plus the police are going to be nearby. Although not seen all the time, a security guard for the park is on duty during operational hours. Getting there from the St. Louis side is super-easy via the Eads Bridge. Cross the bridge, make a left on Riverpark Dr. and another left on S. Front St. Ta-Da! You’re there. There’s also the Metro-Link train which stops near the casino. Spectacular view is the first words that pop into one’s mind. Granted, you’ll find much of the area is industrial. So bring a camera with zoom capabilities. Don’t be afraid to bring along friends, the kids and/or other relatives.

The bad… If you plan on traversing the bridge on a bicycle via the pedestrian sidewalk – you damn well better have flat resistant tires. It’s littered with broken glass, beer and/or soda cans – anything you can imagine that low-lifes might chuck out the passenger window of a car. Riding a bicycle in the traffic lanes is permissible by law since it’s not an interstate highway or other “limited access road” with both a posted speed limit and minimum. However, 99% of motorists travel well above the posted low speed limit. The good news is…early on a Sunday morning seems to be the best time to use the normal traffic lanes. By incorporating a bright flashing taillight (and headlight too) I’ve never had a problem on an early...

In April, I took my wife on an Alaskan cruise, my 49th state visited in my lifetime along with about 25 foreign countries. In May, our son got married in Chicago (his wife's family's home). Thought I'd use the opportunity, being from SC, to go & knock out my much needed 50th state, ND! On our way back home to SC, we took a road trip & visited the countryside of many states. Stopped by the Arch for a photo op. Wanted to up but when we went through St. Louis, it was early morning & not open to the public yet. We went across & took some photos & headed off to our next stop, Chattanooga, then home the next day. A very enjoyable trip & time spent with my wife of 22 yrs, as we gazed the American cities and countryside. Next...

Fascinating way to see St. Louis from a different perspective. You do have to walk up to get to the overlook. If you are disabled in any way, this could be a challenge. If you have someone pushing your wheelchair, they should be strong. There is no elevator. The top of the Overlook is very good and offers an excellent view. Caution: This place is in East St. Louis, infamous for being bombed out for the past decades. So, DO NOT come from the east to get to it, unless you are adventurous. ONLY come across the Eads Bridge from Downtown St. Louis, and wind your way past the Casino Queen to get to...