Mile 195.0 - Miles 195-194: RBD Duck Island

John Ruskey

20 Apr 2026 � 1 min read

195 - 194 RBD Duck Island

Duck Island is a one mile tall forested island with sandy ledge on south (bottom) end good for low, medium and even high water camps. Giant sandbar top end at low water gradually disappears as the river rises and is nowhere to be seen at high water (above 25 on the St. Louis Gage). In high south winds you could find a protected forest camp top end at most water levels up to flood stage. Avoid Bald Eagle nesting site halfway down island on East bank (main channel side).

Duck Island comes to view as you round the corner out of the Missouri River and join the waters of the Mississippi. You will have no idea that you are paddling within the vicinity of millions of city dwellers in greater St. Louis because all you see is flowing water, lines of trees, and Duck Island. This is the very first river island paddlers will encounter on the Middle Mississippi, and a good one for picnics or possible limited camping (Note: best bet for camping is further downstream on Mosenthein Island). Duck Island is considered public land, but is inhabited by families of bald eagles, coyotes, raccoons and migrating birds. Bald eagles build nests in the high branches of the tall cottonwoods along the southeastern shore. Respect the nesting eagles and make landings on the western side of the island, top or bottom.

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