Rocheport River Gnome – Rocheport, Missouri - Atlas Obscura
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Rocheport River Gnome

Rocheport, Missouri

This whimsical statue marks the high water level from the Great Flood of 1993. 

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Rocheport, a relaxed Central Missouri town nestled between St. Louis and Kansas City, is known for its art galleries, antique shops, cozy bed-and-breakfasts, and scenic cycling along the Katy Trail, all set against its rich history as an early 19th-century trading post. Adding to its unique charm is the River Gnome, a meaningful marker right by the Missouri River and the trail.

This gnome marks the high water mark of 377 feet from the Great Flood of 1993, which affected the Midwest, and the Missouri and Mississippi rivers and their tributaries experienced devastating high water levels. The gnome is a small monument and a heartfelt tribute to a local family impacted by the disaster. It stands as a testament to Rocheport’s resilience and its ability to come together and rebuild after tough times.

Know Before You Go

The statue is at the corner of Central and 1st Streets, right next to the Katy Trail State Park. Ample parking is available nearby and on the surrounding streets.

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Published
August 20, 2024
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