Tour of Meeker Isand Lock and Dam ruins offered

On Sat., Oct. 23, from 10 a.m. to noon, Friends of the Mississippi River Gorge Stewards and the National Park Service will offer an interpretive tour of the Meeker Island Lock and Dam ruins by Dr. John O. Anfinson.

Dr. Anfinson has written and spoken about the Meeker ruins, but during this walking tour participants will be able to see and touch the remains of the Mississippi River's first lock and dam. Starting on the bluff top on East River Road at Emerald Street Dr. Anfinson will provide an overview of the lock and dam's construction, discuss the site's historical significance, and explain why the Corps partially destroyed the structures after only five years. The tour will begin near the foundation of the lock master's house, lead participants down the bluff face (on iron stairs built about 1899) to the ruins of the lock and associated buildings.

If you are interested in attending this presentation, please sign up in advance with Beth Storey, Friends of the Mississippi River, at 651/222-2193 ext. 16 or via email at bstorey@fmr.org. This tour will involve walking along some steep stairs and uneven terrain. There is no fee for this program but space is limited