Fort Defiance, Protected area at Mississippi-Ohio rivers confluence in Cairo, Illinois.
Fort Defiance State Park sits where two major rivers meet in Illinois, with trails and viewing areas that let visitors explore the landscape. The park spans open grounds near the water, offering different vantage points to see how these rivers come together.
In 1803, this location served as a training base for the Lewis and Clark expedition, where members learned navigation and survival skills. The site prepared them for their journey across the continent that would shape early American exploration.
The site honors members of the Lewis and Clark expedition through markers that recognize their contributions, including tributes to York and a notable dog from that era.
The park features easy trails across flat ground that most visitors can walk without difficulty. Allow extra time to fully explore the riverbanks and visit the different viewing areas throughout the grounds.
This spot marks where two rivers flow side by side before blending, a rare sight visible along the water. The different colors and flows of each river remain separate for a while before finally mixing together.
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