The Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park (FoRIT), in partnership with the Gasconade County Commission and regional trail advocates, invites the public to celebrate the opening of another completed segment of Rock Island Trail State Park on Saturday, May 30.

Since Missouri established its 93rd State Park in June 2023, Rock Island Trail State Park has emerged as one of the most ambitious outdoor recreation and rural revitalization projects in Missouri history. The largely unopened nearly 200-mile corridor has the potential to transform tourism, recreation, and economic development across dozens of communities while creating a nationally significant 450-mile trail experience when connected to the Katy Trail, according to FoRIT.

“The Rock Island Trail is far more than a trail project,” said Rick Mihalevich with the trail friends group. “It represents a generational investment in rural communities, small businesses, outdoor recreation, and regional economic growth across Missouri.”

Thanks to grants, local partnerships, advocacy efforts, and private donations, development along the eastern corridor continues to gain momentum. Communities across Osage, Maries, Gasconade, and Franklin counties are seeing new opportunities emerge as additional trail segments open to the public.

The May 30th celebration marks the official opening of the 2.8-mile section from the Highway 19 overpass to Soap Creek Bridge in Gasconade County, connecting to the existing 2.4-mile trail segment in Owensville.

The event will feature remarks from Missouri State Parks staff, elected officials, trail advocates, and community leaders, followed by a ceremonial ribbon cutting. Attendees will also be among the first to experience the newly opened trail segment to Soap Creek Bridge, where organizers promise a special surprise.

Local organizations, including the Rosebud Area Enrichment Association, the East 24 Group, and FoRIT, will also provide project updates and information about continued trail development efforts.

The ribbon cutting and official opening of the Highway 19 to Soap Creek Bridge segment of the Rock Island Trail State Park is being hosted by the Gasconade County Commission with support from the Friends of Rock Island Trail State Park. The program begins at 10 a.m. and those planning to attend are expected to gather on the parking lot of Lakeside Book Company’s paper dock, 1005 Commercial Avenue.