Community Development Updates

at Rock Island Trail State Park

Map showing the path and development of Rock Island Trail

cole camp

  • Awarded $500,000 in federal grant funds.
  • Cole Camp Community Betterment Association will contribute $124,000 to the project.
  • Trail to be built is 1.77 miles of trail to the west and includes a trailhead at Hwy. U. 
  • On track for construction to be completed by fall 2026.

Versailles

  • Awarded $440,861.62 in federal grant funds.
  • The city is providing $149,563.96 in local matching funds.
  • Trail to be built is 2 miles within city limits, trail surface only.
  • On track for construction to be completed by Oct. 2026.

Eldon

  • Trail to be built is a .25 mile section.
  • Future plans to continue the trail with grants.

Belle

  • Awarded $202,000 in federal grant funds.
  • The city is providing $48,000 in local matching funds.
  • Trail to be built is 1.67 miles of trail within city limits, includes trail surface, a kiosk and water at the trailhead.
  • A groundbreaking ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
  • On track for construction to be completed by Oct. 2026.

Owensville

  • Awarded $510,000 in federal grant funds.
  • The city is providing $80,000 in local matching funds.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
  • The 2.5 miles of trail is open to the public and connects to the Gasconade County 2.8 mile section.
  • Tap Grant awarded for a sidewalk to connect the Owensville library to the Rock Island Trail.
  • An additional Tap Grant awarded to complete a 0.82 mile section from Hwy. Y to the western city limits. This grant will also be used to build a restroom and kiosk at the trailhead.

Gasconade County

  • Awarded $467,972 in federal grant funds.
  • The county is providing $116,993 in local matching funds.
  • Trail to be built is 2.8 miles of trail connecting the portion of Rock Island Trail that the City of Owensville is constructing and heading east to the Soap Creek Bridge.
  • Ribbon cutting was held on May 30, 2026 celebrating the opening of the trail.
  • This 2.8 miles of trail connects to the Owensville trail.

Gerald

Completed:

  • Surface has been grading and debris removal.
  • Culvert replacement and multiple drainage issues addressed.
  • Base rock installed.
  • Katy Trail blend surface materials have been installed.
  • Trailhead parking and 1 mile of trail construction were completed in February 2025.
  • A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held May 31, 2025.
  • Trail is open to the public.

Click here to see the Gerald community development updates photo album.