Originally developed as the Alton Club, a summer retreat for employees and customers of the Alton Box Board Company, Current River State Park features lodging and recreational facilities constructed circa 1937–1945. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the property reflects the rustic architectural style associated with the National Park Service and Civilian Conservation Corps era.
Farnsworth Group was retained to assess the park’s existing facilities and design renovations that preserve their historic character while supporting their continued use. Improvements encompass the lodge, lower dormitory, game room, gymnasium and family cabin, also known as the manager’s lodge.
The project also expands opportunities for visitors with six new two-bedroom cabins at the park’s upper lake. Supporting infrastructure improvements include upgrades to the park entry road, wastewater treatment facilities and water service lines, addressing both the buildings and the essential systems that support the park.
Together, these improvements are helping preserve the character of this historic property while enhancing its facilities and infrastructure for continued recreational use. The project demonstrates a comprehensive approach that brings together historic preservation, architecture and engineering to support the long-term future of Current River State Park.
