at Katy Trail State Park and Rock Island Trail State Park
The Tuesdays on the Trail program utilizes open-air trams provided by the Missouri Parks Association to provide access to the Katy and Rock Island trails to as many people as possible. Similar in nature to the Katy Trail Fall Colors Tram Tours held in Rocheport each October, these trips highlight the natural and cultural history of certain sections of the trails while providing an opportunity to enjoy the trails for visitors who might otherwise not have the ability to do so.
Tours are planned for two Tuesdays in the months of May, June, September and October, for a total of eight tour dates. July and August tours are not scheduled because of extremely warm temperatures and dusty trail conditions. Tours are offered at 10 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. for each date and last two hours.
Each tour hosts approximately 50 people. An interpretive guide with a PA system will give a presentation about the history of the trail and provide commentary on natural and cultural features along the way. Snacks and bottled water will be offered to each participant. To avoid impacting regular trail users, the tours will take place during weekdays.
Tour Times:
- 10 a.m. to noon
- 1:30-3:30 p.m.
Below are the dates and locations for the 2025 tram tours. Due to high demand, registration for each tour will open on the first Tuesday of the month prior to the tour date. Tours are free, but space is limited and registration is required. To reserve your seat, call the Katy Trail State Park office at 573-449-7402 or visit our reservation page.
| Date | Tour Route | Trail | Registration Opens |
| May 13 | Windsor to Green Ridge | Katy | Apr 1 |
| May 27 | Augusta to Matson | Katy | Apr 1 |
| Jun 10 | St. Charles to Machens | Katy | May 6 |
| Jun 24 | Rocheport to McBaine | Katy | May 6 |
| Sep 9 | St. Charles to Machens | Katy | Aug 5 |
| Sep 23 | Windsor to Leeton | Rock Island | Aug 5 |
| Oct 14 | McKittrick to Rhineland | Katy | Sep 2 |
| Oct 28 | Hartsburg to North Jefferson | Katy | Sep 2 |
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Are Tuesdays on the Trail events open to only senior citizens?
The Seniors to State Parks Outreach Program is a partnership between Missouri State Parks and the Missouri Parks Association that provides exclusive incentives and special opportunities designed for seniors and individuals with disabilities to explore and enjoy Missouri’s outdoors and its past. This program was first launched in 2015 and is funded by MPA through a generous endowment received from Ben and Bettie Breeding to be used exclusively for this purpose. The Breedings lived their adult lives in Kansas City, Missouri, and felt strongly about the positive effects of outdoor activities. The trams were purchased using funds from this endowment.
The Katy Trail Fall Colors Tram Tours are open to all.
2. Is the trip a round-trip ride?
Yes, the tram tours are round-trip tours.
3. What safety precautions are being taken for those on foot or bike during the tram trip down the trail?
Signage is posted at trailheads on each tour day alerting riders to the trams' presence on the trail. The trams generally travel more quickly than bicyclists headed in the same direction and slow to allow cyclists traveling in the opposite direction space to pass. We love waving at and greeting fellow trail users as we go by!
4. What if I use a wheelchair?
We have a ramp, but we do not have the ability to tie down motorized wheelchairs. Wheelchair users can either bring a standard wheelchair, or if they are able to, they can transfer to a seat on the tram and leave their motorized chair with their vehicle.
5. Is registration required, and how soon can I register?
Registration is required and will open on the first Tuesday of the month prior to the tour date. To reserve your spot, visit icampmo.com or call the park office at 573-449-7402.
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