Grand Tower Island, River island in Perry County, United States.
Grand Tower Island is a river island in Perry County, situated in the Mississippi River and connected to the mainland by Island Road. Most of its land is used for farming, kept dry by a system of levees that hold back seasonal floodwaters.
In 1698, French-Canadian priests erected a cross on the island, establishing one of the earliest known European footholds in this part of the Mississippi valley. The location mattered to early explorers because it sat along a key stretch of the river used for travel and trade.
Local anglers gather at the island's lake for fishing events, with bass and crappie being the primary catch throughout the year. The lake serves as a meeting place for the fishing community.
Island Road is the only way onto the island and can be flooded or closed during periods of high water on the river. Visiting during drier months generally means the road stays open and the surrounding landscape is easier to take in.
The lake on the island has an unusual water chemistry, with a higher ratio of barium to calcium than most nearby water bodies. This reflects the particular geology of this stretch of the river valley and sets the lake apart from others in the area.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
