Skip to Content
Big Muddy Speaker Series logo

Big Muddy Speaker Series presents:

Big Trails, Big Rivers

Illustrated river waves in white
Presented by Brett Dufur
Big Trails, Big Rivers: Exploring Mid-Missouri

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

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.

Resources & Links

For more information on this topic, check out these resources:

Upcoming Presentations

Missouri River Relief: 25 Years on the Big Muddy

November 10, 2026
Columbia, 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, 2026
St Charles, MO

Jennifer Wendt from MidAmerica Clean Future guides us through understanding regional water quality challenges.

See Event

Disclaimer

The views and opinions expressed by our presenters do not necessarily reflect the view or policies of Missouri River Relief, the Big Muddy Speaker Series or any of the partners that support this public forum. The Big Muddy Speaker Series believes that hearing diverse perspectives is a crucial building block for an informed public.
© 2026 Missouri River Relief. Website design and development by Pixel Jam Digital