The Thomson Causeway Recreation Area, located in Thomson, Illinois, is a unique recreation area in that it is built mainly on an island in the backwaters of the Mississippi River. Slow moving water on the eastern edge of the main recreation area creates an environment in which wildlife and fish abound. This backwater area, known as Potter's Marsh, is named after the original owner of the island, Frank Potter. Mr. Potter farmed a portion of the land on which the park is located, and actually created the original road or causeway leading out to the island.
The western edge of the recreation area gives the visitor an unobstructed view of the widest spot on the Upper Mississippi River Basin, 3.5 miles from shore-to-shore. Watching the huge barges and towboats as they pass near the Illinois shoreline of the river is possible from many of the campsites and also from the day use area within the park.
The original human inhabitants of this area, the Woodland Indians, also saw the value of such a location. Although the river system looked dramatically different hundreds of years ago, these native American tribes used this very spot for many activities including hunting, fishing, tool making and as a burial site. An example of these burial "mounds" is still in place along the shoreline of the river in the park's day use area.
For the camper, angler, small boater, birder, or nature lover, Thomson Causeway is an ideal recreation spot any time of the year. Come experience the Mississippi River Project's largest and most visited recreation area today!
Opening Date: April 9, 2010
Closing Date: October 24, 2010
Camping Fees: $10.00, $16.00, and $18.00
Reservations will not be available during the 2010 season.
Fee Booth Hours:
6-9 p.m. Daily
9-11 a.m. Friday and Saturday
Reserving a Picnic Shelter
*Two Shelters
*Cost: $25.00/day
*Phone Number: (815) 259-3628
**NOTICE TO VISITORS : UPDATED JUNE 29, 2010
The Thomson Causeway Recreation Area in Thomson Illinois, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Mississippi River Project, is announcing that construction will soon begin on new sanitary facilities. In order to prepare for the work, the following regulations and closures are in affect:
The Indian Mound Day Use shower building is now closed for repairs and renovation.
Water is currently not available in the Hickory Point loop and day use area
The Lewis Avenue Dump Station is closed. Campers may use the dump station located near the fee attendant booth.
The River Birch Camping Loop and River Birch Road will close on May 16.
The bike trail along River Birch Road will be rerouted to follow Lewis Ave beginning May 16.
The speed limit along Lewis Avenue is being reduced to 10MPH for the duration of construction. The remainder of the park will stay at 10MPH.
For the safety of our visitors and workers please obey all posted regulations.
While these improvements will greatly benefit park visitors in the future, there will be some inconveniences during the construction phases of the project. To prepare for the construction work we are implementing the following policy changes for the 2010 recreation season:
- There will be no reservations accepted for camp sites or picnic shelters during the 2010 season. Camping and use of the picnic shelters will still be allowed where construction is not in progress.
- All campsites or shelters not affected by construction will be available on a first-come first-serve basis only.
- Camping loops or the entire recreation area may close intermittently during the season.
- Reservations will resume upon completion of the work.
While it is our intention to keep the recreation area open and accessible to the public to the greatest extent possible, the above limitations are needed to ensure the safety and security of our visitors, construction workers, and employees.
We look forward to the completion of these much needed infrastructure improvements and greatly appreciate your patience and cooperation during construction.
When complete, the improvements will include: partial renovation of the two existing shower facilities; Thomson city sewer and water brought into the recreation area to serve existing facilities; and a renovated multi-lane dump station along Lewis Avenue. Updated information is available at http://www.mvr.usace.army.mil/missriver or by calling the Thomson Ranger Office at 815-259-3628.
Thank you,
Thomson Park Rangers
U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Rock Island District
Mississippi River Project
Source: US Army Corps of Engineers
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