By Deb Sanders
For residents of North St. Charles, the Mississippi River is not just a weekend escape—it is a way of life. Located just minutes from numerous marinas, this vibrant "River Rat" community spans all generations, drawing singles and families alike into a tight-knit network bound by a shared love for the water.
Sandbars, Slips, and Family Traditions
For Orchard Farm residents Pete and Brianna Higgins, life naturally revolves around the water. Navigating the river on their 28-foot boat, they found an incredibly welcoming community. "You meet people, you make friends, and suddenly you’re making lifelong connections at the docks and on the sandbars," Brianna says.
The social hubs of this community are the massive sandbars and islands dotting the river, such as "The 521," "The 522," Enterprise, and "The 360." However, the ultimate hotspot is Two Branch. On a typical summer Saturday, as many as 100 boats swarm these islands. Two Branch is especially popular for its shallow waters, which allow boaters to easily wade and tie their boats side-by-side. The weekend routine often kicks off with dock parties at local slips, followed by weekday traditions like cruising over to the Grafton Pub for "Taco Tuesday."
Charlestowne residents Jessica and Blake Zerr live just 12 minutes from the river. Keeping their boat in a slip next to Jessica’s sister makes weekends a true family event, especially when their parents jump on board. A typical day starts before 11 a.m. to claim a prime sandbar spot where their two children can play in the sand and trek upstream to float back down on the current. The Zerrs also boat over to Grafton for lunch, turning holidays like Mother's Day into full-day excursions complete with a ride on the Grafton Sky Tour and the Alpine coaster. "The best time is our family boat time," Blake emphasizes.
Kayla Zeller (of Arnold) and her boyfriend Dave Hill (of O’Fallon) spend their weekends on this stretch of the Mississippi. Along with Kayla's son, Luke, the trio alternates between overnight boat stays and camping in their RV.
Bonding with fellow boaters over restoration projects, Kayla noticed a massive, unmet demand for marine upholstery. After teaching herself to use a vintage industrial Singer sewing machine, DIY projects quickly turned into a business.
Kayla dubbed her venture Hydro Seams—a clever nod to water (hydro) and sewing (seams). She designed a logo featuring a mermaid, printing up a handful of hats to market her upholstery work. "Everyone loved the name and the logo, and I couldn't keep the hats in stock," Kayla laughs. Hydro Seams quickly expanded into beach towels, shirts, and eventually, a custom swimsuit line. While apparel drives the business today, Kayla continues to master her upholstery skills, chasing the financial freedom to spend even more time on the water.
Keeping the River Moving
The summer fun on the river is enhanced by events like a recent Poker Run. Designed to break boaters out of their usual weekend routines and support riverfront businesses, the event was a massive success. Promoted through Hydro Seams’ social media channels, registration sold out in just 20 minutes. The energy was so infectious that unregistered boaters joined the convoy anyway, simply to enjoy the day cruising together.
Kayla’s signature summer event is her annual Rippin’ the Sippi bash, held annually in late June. Evolving from a simple boat run into a massive beach party and customer appreciation day, the event showcases local river culture. Kayla elevates the experience by booking live music directly on the sandbar. This laid-back event has become a massive "melting pot," attracting boaters from West Virginia, Wisconsin, Indiana, and beyond.
Where to Eat & Drink Riverside
You don’t need a boat to experience the river lifestyle. As a follow-up to our May feature exploring Grafton, "The Commoners"—our dedicated research team of Debbie, Jeannie, Danielle, and Christine (fondly named for their close ties to our parent company, The Commons) shifted focus to the Missouri side of the Mississippi, scouting out waterfront venues in North St. Charles County.
The journey began at The Longshot Tiki Bar, a casual, open-air spot right on the water. Jeannie and Debbie visited on a Saturday afternoon just as local band Russo & Co was setting up to perform that evening. The drinks were cold, the atmosphere casual and relaxing. Nice selection of cocktails, but the food menu was a bit limited.
On a late Friday afternoon, all four of “The Commoners” headed to The Boathouse which proved to be the ultimate sweet spot and a clear favorite among local river rats. Situated right on the water, it balances great atmosphere with an impressive American food menu and fun drink menu. By a stroke of luck, Russo & Co was performing there that night. The stage is set up on the deck perfectly, allowing guests to watch the band and the river simultaneously. Anthony Russo, a longtime river rat himself, shared with the crowd how deeply the river culture runs in his veins. Just 13 minutes from New Town, this is a great place to party whether you are a “river rat” or a “commoner.”
- The Boathouse Food & Deck: 601 North Shore, St. Charles
- The Longshot Tiki Bar: 1545 River View Drive, Portage Des Sioux