Bangert Island (Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area)

The Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area (a.k.a. "Bangert Island") is located in St. Charles: These trails are between the Katy Trail and the Missouri River just south of the Blanchette Bridge & downtown St. Charles.

Description:
The Louis H. Bangert Memorial Wildlife Area opened in May of 2008 and it is on an island in the Missouri River just south of the Blanchette Bridge in St. Charles. Guests may enter the 160-acre park from the Katy Trail entrance along Old South River Road in St. Charles and then cross a slough that connects Bangert Island to the mainland. While using the park's 2.6 miles of natural surface trail for hiking or mountain biking, guests may encounter white-tailed deer, turkey, raccoons, opossums, and a variety of songbirds. A typical wooded Missouri River island, the land features cottonwood, sycamore, box elder, silver maple, and black willow trees.

Trails:
Slough Loop:  1.5 miles
Sandy Loop:  1.3 miles
Kurtz' Loop:  1.0 miles
River Link:     0.4 miles

A total of 4.2 miles made up of 3 looped trails and 1 shorter connecting trail. The trails are natural surface, with some sandy areas and some lead to scenic views of the river. The Sandy Loop weaves in and out of the drainage troughs alongside the river edge, offering a change of pace from the flats on the main loops.  Be sure to check the Cancellation/Closure Hotline to make sure the area is open:  (636) 949-7475.

Directions:
Take I-70 to the 5th Street exit in St. Charles, and head South on 5th Street. Bear left onto the South River Road, and then left again onto Old South River Road. Parking is available on both sides of Old South River Road. Look for the Bangert Island sign near the Katy Trail.

Bangert Island
Bangert Island Trail Map
Bangert Island on Google Maps