Establishment Creek

Establishment Creek is a major stream in northeastern Ste. Genevieve County. It is an independent stream with Ozarks tendencies; meaning it has clear water and is fed by springs. There aren't as many pronounced entrenched meanders on this creek as there are on other creeks. Nonetheless, its valley is steep. Establishment Creek rises in a sparsely populated area of Ste. Genevieve County and flows northeast. It is dammed to form Lake Ocie and Lake Wanda Lee. Below the lakes, the valley flattens out and the creek hugs the right side against the bluffs. It flows under Interstate 55 and meets its major tributary from the north: Fourche a Du Clos. The creek slows down here and winds its way through steep hills typical of Ste. Genevieve County. Near Clement, the creek turns southeast and enters the Mississippi River behind Schmidt Island.