City of Saint Louis Port Authority

The St. Louis Port Authority stands as the administrative and operational backbone of the Port of St. Louis, one of the busiest inland ports in the United States. Situated along a 19-mile stretch of the Mississippi River, the port is uniquely positioned as the northernmost lock-free and ice-free port on the river, permitting uninterrupted barge traffic year-round. The port supports a vast 6,000-acre district encompassing multiple industrial and commercial terminals and provides strategic access to 29 major industrial centers, directly connecting the Midwest to the world. Serving primarily agricultural, industrial, and bulk commodity shippers, the port's extensive infrastructure—fleeting areas, docking facilities, and intermodal connections—helps funnel millions of tons of goods through the heart of North America. Not only does it handle cargo and barge traffic, but it also welcomes river cruise vessels, boosting regional tourism. As a regional economic powerhouse, the port authority manages public and private leases, oversees infrastructure improvements, and coordinates development initiatives, solidifying its pivotal role in U.S. inland waterways trade.