Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:
Big Trails, Big Rivers


Presentation by Brett Dufur
Wednesday, March 11th at 7PM
- 7 pm presentation (6 pm social hour)
- Bike Stop Cafe in St. Charles – 701 S Riverside Dr, St Charles, MO 63301
- Google Maps
Hosted by the Greenway Network
Guidebook author and river guide Brett Dufur will share his knowledge and infectious passion for getting outside in Missouri. Through reading his original poems about the Missouri River, sharing his most magical spots along the Katy Trail, and making a case for getting involved in the development of the Rock Island Trail, Brett will compell his audience to enjoy the wonders in our own backyards.
Brett highlights the Katy Trail State Park, which is America’s Longest Rails to Trails Project at 240 miles long. Biking the entire Katy Trail is an “Every person’s Everest” challenge. His guidebook, now in its 11th edition, has been a handy resource for cyclists exploring the trail for 30 years.
Brett will also share tips for exploring Missouri's big rivers by canoe and kayak. As a river guide with Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals, he guided floats on the Missouri River for 15 years.
And last but not least, for trail lovers, Brett recently wrote a new guidebook to Missouri’s Rock Island Trail, and is eager to encourage folks to explore the 60 miles that are open, and the 144 miles that will be developed, creating the 4th longest rails to trails project. Once completed, the Katy Trail and Rock Island Trails will create a world-class 450-mile biking loop through unique, picturesque, historic and unforgettable towns and countryside all around Mid Missouri. The Rock Island Trail is awaiting more funding, so getting the trail completed will require advocacy work, and Brett will show you how to get involved to help shape Missouri’s outdoor future.
Meet Your Presenter

Brett Dufur
, Author
Rocheport author Brett Dufur loves exploring Missouri and writing about our trails and rivers. His most recent books include a guidebook to the Rock Island Trail and a book of river poetry entitled Endless River. His Katy Trail Guidebook is now in its 11th edition. He is a former writer and editor for the Conservation Department. He operated Mighty Mo Canoe Rentals on the Missouri River for 15 years and also the Katy Trail Bed & Breakfast in Rocheport.
Related Presentations
Resources & Links
For more information on this topic, check out these resources:
- Purchase one of Brett’s books at: pebblepublishing.com
- More on Katy Trail State Park
- More on Rock Island State Park
Upcoming Presentations

Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy
November 10, 2026Columbia, MO
Join us for a journey through time celebrating 25 years of Missouri River Relief's work on the Big Muddy.
See Event
Plastic Pollution, Gulf Hypoxia, and Water Quality
November 11, 2026St Charles, MO
Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.
See Event