Lincoln-Shields Recreation Area

Lincoln-Shields Recreation Area is a riverside park and public boat ramps area on the Missouri side of the the Mississippi River just across from the old downtown of Alton, Illinois. Here was once the location of the old lock and dam system that has since been upgraded and rebuilt to a new location just a bit downstream.

There is plenty of boat trailer parking here, 2 river access boat ramps. a pair of restrooms, and some picnic tables. There is also an overlook platform created from the remains of the old dam tower. Nearby to that is a monument for the Confederate prisoners who died in the area during the Civil War.

Lincoln-Shields Recreation Area can be a little difficult to find the first time. If you are coming from Alton, there are two ways to get here. Look for the first entrance (unmarked) on the right lane just after crossing the river into Missouri. You might miss it unless there is a car attempting to get back on Highway 67. Otherwise, the easier (but a bit longer) way to get there is to get off at the Philips 66 gas station that is located just a bit further on the left side of the road. If coming from St. Louis, that would be the same place you get off to get there.

Once off the highway, there is a small road immediately adjacent to the gas station that takes you towards the river and loops under the bridge and back to the entrance of the recreation area. See the Google map for a better understanding.