This Riverfront is now open to recreational and commercial use. In late 2020, Hannibal put the finishing touches on the $6.6 million project. Overall, this development serves as a blueprint to what is possible regarding a multimodal riverport for a medium sized town on one of America’s waterways — that both serves commercial and recreational interests. Not only does the river commerce continue to flow through the town, but the dock will serve as a point for Mississippi River Cruises and provide a draw as an “entry point” for out-of-town visitors. By connecting the existing marina to the park/commercial dock, local and transient recreational boaters have the opportunity to launch from the public ramp or dock to enter the town — providing a further boon to the hospitality sector. For more information on the completed project visit (photos below): https://www.facebook.com/HannibalRegionalEDC/photos/a.2020132954721275/3893418010726084/ and https://wgem.com/2020/11/20/hannibal-riverfront-project-open-to-public-phase-two-begins/
Aerial View of Marina and Commercial Dock. Photo: Dave Hirner, Flying Squirrel Aerial Optics
Southern night view. Photo: Dave Hirner, Flying Squirrel Aerial Optics
Northern night view. Photo: Dave Hirner, Flying Squirrel Aerial Optics
Original Copy
In 2018, the city of Hannibal, Mo. received approval for a plan to revitalize a stretch of the town’s riverfront property to include a park and updated docking options for both recreational boaters and Mississippi River Cruise Lines. Originally slated to be near completion at the end of 2019, historic flooding and winter snow has delayed the project past the planned completion date.
Luckily — with favorable conditions this year to date — the project is back on track and finally taking shape to the original design. The $6.6 million project has called for the original marina to be moved farther South — with the existing marina space being filled in for park space. Nipper Park will be expanded to include a new walkway and green space.
Following the trends of numerous river towns along the Mississippi and other waterways of using green space technique to aid in the infrastructure to help limit flood damage, the development is meant to have an economic impact on the city and provide recreational opportunities for its citizens, as well. At the current pace, the project is close to 65% complete — with the hope that it will be finished by the end of the year and open to recreational boating by the 2021 season.
Proposed concept for Quincy, Ill. – farther North on the Mississippi River
