This year, during their peak season, The Boathouse has been open fewer than 10 days total.

ST. CHARLES, Mo. — As the flood waters around St. Louis reached historic levels this year, it also drained customers and cash from a lot of popular businesses, such as The Boathouse right on the Mississippi River.

When we visited back in May, a boat was the only way to get there.

Their tiki-themed deck is built so high, water hadn't touched it in years. This year, during their peak season, The Boathouse has been open fewer than 10 days total.

But after months of a dry spell, drinks are finally flowing and cash is pouring in during the Independence Day weekend.

These doors were supposed to be open for the season back in March and it's been a financial burden. Physically, their location saw some damage.

But not being able to open until the Fourth of July has also been hard. Plus, it's been tough recruiting past employees since many of them had to find new jobs.

One bartender, Alicia Cumberland, is also the general manager here. Because of the high waters, she hasn't been able to pour some drinks for the past few months. But now, Cumberland, along with The Boathouse are back and ready to take on this season after a tough battle against mother nature.

Owner Toni Luttrell isn't just thankful to be open once again, she's also grateful for the community that helped them get there.

"The community came in and they are the ones who helped us through the mud and filth so we can open on the Fourth of July," Luttrell said.