Those interested can even take an elevator to the top of the Arch for a spectacular view of the St. Louis metro area and the Mississippi River. (Dogs are allowed in some of the cabins at an extra charge.) Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. It was a beautiful day and we hiked one of the trails and then found a shaded, with all of its trails and scenes of the castle, the high view of the lake, the. Highest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews. The park is close to shopping, museums, a water park and more. This state park is located just 32 miles outside of St. Louis. Lots of open space to spread out and have some fun. It is a glorified parking lot, but the intent is for you to enjoy casino, not "camp". It's the largest mound on the site and offers great views of the Mississippi River Valley and the St. Louis skyline in the distance. Visitors can walk the trails between the mounds on either guided or self-guided tours. Fishing and picnicking are also popular warm-weather options. Visitors can climb on and through most of the rock formations which come in all shapes and sizes. Only a few trails, but something for everyone. Many visitors also like to hike to the top of Monks Mound. The grounds of the park and lake in general are clean and in good repair. It is the meeting point of North America's two biggest rivers. The customer service isn't horrible butmore, clean as well as the whole campground. She enjoys attending her sons' baseball games and hiking with her family in many of the area's fabulous parks.Get the latest news from your family's favorite St. Louis-area destinations delivered to your inbox! Missouri has stunning parks across the state, but St. Louis is pretty lucky to be so close to some of the best and most beautiful! The evidence, Money cant buy taste, but it can buy a six-bedroom mansion that you can decorate in whatever style you want! The Visitor Center is housed in the former Bridgehead Inn (a 1935 roadhouse) and showcases the history, memorabilia and photos of Route 66. Relaxation, happy gatherings, fun and games, and total chilling out provide a camping, hiking, This place is a must-see and you'll want to. Last modified on Wednesday, 27 July 2022 07:56, Learn more about upcoming public campout events, Subscribe today to receive our free e-newsletters, Missouri Botanical Garden sets opening date for visitor center, Protecting pollinators: Saving butterflies, bees, Saint Louis Zoo announces possible guest experiences for new WildCare Park, Sunflowers make their summer return in STL, Best bets for teaching kids about Planet Earth, Inspire children's interest in American history at local museums, historic sites . It's about a 40-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. This is literally one of my favorite campgrounds! I take my young nieces and nephews here as well being a safe place to enjoy the water. Theres a charming covered bridge, too! During the 1800s this land was a working farm owned by Edward James Roberts. Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted. Mastodon State Historic Site is located off Interstate 55 in Imperial, Missouri. And in the winter, visitors flock to the park to see the thousands of bald eagles that migrate to the area. Today, that cooled volcanic rock protrudes from river bed creating an area with hundreds of waterfalls, chutes and deep pools for swimming. It was a very nice state park. But whatever you want to call it, this park has something you won't find anywhere else. Youll be awed by the massive stone gateway large bronze statue of Dr. Babler as you drive into this 2,441 acre park. Obviously, the Katy Trail is long, so you have many options for your starting and ending points. The old train station now houses the St Louis Aquarium plus a 200-ft ferris wheel, a carousel, mini golf, train park and the St Louis Union Station Hotel. For more information on Pere Marquette or other Illinois State parks, visit the website.Alternatives to traditional campingFor a camping experience that offers the comforts of home, reserve a tent at Glamping St. Louis. There are about 12 miles of hiking trails and 20 miles of equestrian and biking trails. That's not all that gives St. Francois State Park bragging rights. The staff is great. Nice campground next to the Meramec River, just south of I-44 and 1.5 hours from St. Louis. Location: 13041 MO-104, De Soto, MO 63020. I spent almost 2 hours studying every photo, every relic, and every write-up. Route 66 State Park is located 27 miles southwest of St. Louis at 97 N Outer Rd., Eureka, MO, 63025. Charles County Parks are some of the best in the area for outdoor adventures such as hiking, biking, and fishing. When I was a girl, my parents would bring me to Steiny's Inn every year for my birthday lunch. Not a great part of ", "This is the only RV Park in downtown St. Louis. Another popular day trip, located about a half hour drive outside of St. Louis and also on the Meramec River. The park has several outdoor exhibits that share thehistory of the rivers and their important role in the Lewis and Clark Expedition and westward expansion. If you're looking to stay overnight, you can choose from more than 100 campsites here -- complete with restrooms, showers and laundry facilities to boot. The Arch was built during the 1960s as a tribute to the famed 19th century explorers, Lewis and Clark, and is the tallest arch in the world. Location: 12096 Park Dr #8121, Ste. But what about those 11 state parks all within an hours drive from downtown St. Louis? Seems safe, maybe because theres a police station close (across the street?) David O'Brien is a St. Louis native journalist and travel writer. We recommend that you explore the route between Defiance and Augusta by bike. Not all of the fun at Onondaga Cave State Park is inside the caves. And then take a ride below it on a 19th century steamboat and experience a tour of the Mississippi River. Location: 115 Meramec Park Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080. Swim, fish and check out the petroglyphs (rock carvings from the Mississippians) that are scattered on the trails and throughout the park. When making reservations be sure to specify which campground you are interested in. In fall, the park is a great starting point to see the changing leaves along the Great River Road. Many of the roads best-known attractions are a short drive from the St. Louis metro area. His work has appeared in many local and national publications, including St. Louis Small Business Monthly and the St. Louis Post Dispatch. Boats to rent, fish to find. St. Louis RV parks and St. Louis campgrounds run from the city itself to well outside the metro area. They will shuttle you across big lot if needed. The museum is open on weekends in the winter and daily the rest of the year. Lots of hiking trails in the area if you enjoy that kind of thing. With 91 beautiful state parks in Missouri, narrowing down *the best* is no easy task. The kicker? trails, as well as the Devi's Icebox cave which you can get guided tours in. The Sandy Creek Bridge is one of only three remaining Howe Truss Bridges. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity. Theres a 10-mile trail here that is considered to be the best in the state. You'll find a good bike shop in Defiance for bike rentals or repairs, and you'll be able to enjoy some of Missouri's best wineries and breweries in the Augusta area. Prefer to pitch a tent with a group? Connor Cave was interesting to look through. There is currently no overnight camping allowed at the park. Next up is Castlewood State Park, about a half hour drive from St. Louis. The Worlds Fair Pavilion, the Jewel Box Greenhouse, golf course and trails are also located here making Forest Park one of the largest urban parks in the US. About Americas State Parks | Contact Us | Americas State Parks Blog. To reserve your site, visit the St. Charles County website. However, the map is not clear, and it was hard to find the Only issue we had was using their firewood. It has FHUs. Great place for family time, history and exercise! Meramec State Park is located 67 miles southwest of St. Louis at 670 Fisher Cave Dr., Sullivan, MO, 63080. Arrived early on a Monday morning and had the place almost to ourselves. There are miles of hiking and multi-use (includes horses) trails. It's best to arrive early to ensure you get a spot. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Hwy. Most of it is the lake. Campers can get active on the multipurpose court, suitable for tennis, volleyball, and basketball. Genevieve, MO 63670. It's about a two-hour drive from downtown St. Louis. There are also plenty of picnic sites and two covered shelters. And beautiful beautiful scenery to enjoy. Keep in mind, the park is located in the middle of a floodplain, so check the Missouri State Parks website for current conditions and closures due to flooding. The cabin is equipped with electrical and heating and cooling, but no plumbing, Bathrooms and water pump were about 150 steps downhill. and highest elevation point in the state of Missouri. The mounds were created by the prehistoric Mississippian people who built their ancient city in the area more than a thousand years ago. St. Louis is the 2nd largest city in Missouri and a popular visitor destination. Photos by Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted. Incredible UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the U.S. Lewis and Clark Sites to Explore in Montana, Congaree National Park: The Complete Guide. Babler State Park is equipped with both basic and electric campsites. Location: 902 State Park Dr, Robertsville, MO 63072. The Best 10 Campgrounds in Saint Louis, Missouri, St Louis West / Historic Route 66 KOA At Six Flags. Known for its Ralph Fournier-designed mid-century modern houses, Ridgewood properties are, St. Louis is a city full of great food, great beer and a population with a great sense of humor. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is located along Highway N near Lesterville, Missouri. St. Louis has plenty of urban amenities, but sometimes it's nice to get outside the city and enjoy nature. There is plenty of space to enjoy the scenery in a quiet setting. The rocks sit end-to-end in a similar formation to a train of circus elephants. The park contains rustic cabins and campsites with a shower house and restroom nearby. The park store is located at Thunderbird Lodge and there is also a swimming pool, playground and amphitheater. Onondaga Cave State Park is located 83 miles southwest of St. Louis at 7556 Hwy H, Leasburg, MO, 65535. I decided to camp here for a little trip to St. Louis primarily because of the cost and proximity to the city. Located about 45 minutes from downtown St. Louis and on the Confluence Point where the great Mississippi and Missouri Rivers meet. 9 Things to Do for Under $15 in St. Louis, Top Free Things to Do in Charlotte, North Carolina, 22 of the Best Places to Camp in the Midwest, Best Free Things to Do With Kids in St. Louis, 20 Top Things to Do With Kids in Miami, Florida, The Top 10 Things to Do Flagstaff, Arizona, The 13 Best State Parks in South Carolina, Sonoma Coast State Park: The Complete Guide. I visit this park to walk the creek bed with my dog. So grab thosecar keys -- you have some exploring to do. There are plenty of other nicer options nearby. Any use of any portion of this article without express written permission from St. Louis Sprout & About is strictly prohibited. The outdoor grounds are open daily at 8 a.m. We brought our own linens for the comfortable queen sized bed. The park is also part of a larger wildlife preservation area and is a great location for bird watching. Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush? Even if youre just admiring the gushing water, as its surrounded by fall foliage or frozen in the winter, youll be bedazzled by the sheer natural beauty of this glorious state park. If you're planning a weekend or overnight stay, the Pere Marquette Lodge has top-quality accommodations inside the park. All rights reserved. Nothing can help a dweller of city or suburbia recharge like a day (or two) out in nature -- and a getaway may be much more convenient than you think. The Finish Line (a concession stand with burgers, sandwiches, drinks and ice cream), A radio controlled flying field (large area with a grassy runway for model airplane enthusiasts), Missouri Mines State Historic Site (historic mill buildings, a mining museum with geological specimens and antique equipment). There are two campgrounds here, one for campers with horses and one for off road vehicle owners. Me & my fianc went there and we loved it, the hotel was awesome, all of it was awesome. Check out, This is the biggest thing to happen to St. Louis since the Gateway Arch. One of Americas best-known and most important asphalt rivers, Route 66 runs through St. Louis, and extends east to Chicago and all the way west to Santa Monica, California. It's about a one hour and 30-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. Unfortunately, you can no long go into the ruins everything is fenced off, but it is definitely worth the visit. It's about a one hour drive from downtown St. Louis. We stayed in camper cabin 4. There are no designated swimming areas in the park, but there is an access ramp for small boats, canoes, and kayaks. It really is something to be seen if you are in the area. This article was written by St. Louis Sprout & About staff and is the original property of St. Louis Sprout & About magazine. Lewis and Clark began their trek to the Pacific from St. Louis, and the citys role in westward expansion is commemorated with the famous Gateway Arch, located downtown. St Louis is full of history and entertainment with live theater performances, casinos, a Six Flags amusement park, museums, science center, aquarium, a zoo and many more attractions. This beautiful park is situated on the Meramec River and is a popular place to fish, swim (Lincoln Beach) and canoe or kayak. Whether you want to hike, bike, ride horses, camp, swim, boat, fish, float or really anyother outdoor activity, there is a state park less than 90 minutes away from St. Louis. Meramec State Park, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA. Other trails have you walk right on the cliffs with a great view of the. What are some hidden gem state parks to visit near St. Louis? But, with a few helpful tips and a pick from one of our great destinations below, your GPS will soon be guiding you on an adventure your family will not soon forget.If it's your first trip with the little ones, it's a good idea to stay close to home, and perhaps try a dry run in your own backyard. There is also the 200-acre Vilander Bluff Natural Area. It's about a one hour and 20-minute drive from downtown St. Louis. Pro: closest camp ground to Down town St Louis, with in walking distance to metro (train) stop. Explore the hiking trails, have a picnic in one of the 16 shaded picnic sites, swim, fish or canoe on the river. This is a gorgeous place! Self made businessman, Don Robinson, donated his sanctuary of woods, hills, stream and sandstone canyons complete with cliffs and caves to the state. Added to my favorites list! If hiking is more your style, Meramec River State Park has that, too. Pere Marquette offers 12 miles of hiking trails, horseback riding, or fishing and boating along the Mississippi or Illinois Rivers. It shows how ancient residents built their homes, cooked their food and cared for their children. Nothing can help a dweller of city or suburbia recharge like a day (or two) out in nature -- and a getaway may be much more convenient than you think. The center has a life-size recreation of a Mississippian village. Its a little over an hour and a half drive to Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park from St. Louis (right around 100 miles, depending on where in the state youre coming from), but we firmly believe this park is worth seeking out! The nearly 2,000-acre park has eight trails for hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders. The path is paved, and there are several benches to sit on as you make your way up. The fossils were discovered in the 1800s and excavations have been underway ever since. Location: 1000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, MO 63386. It's officially known as Edward 'Ted' and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park. One of our favorite state parks to visit near St. Louis is a total treasure for covered bridge enthusiasts. There may be a recipe for microwave s'mores and an app that makes you feel as if you're staring at the stars, but nothing can beat the benefits of unplugging for awhile and going for a real adventure in the great outdoors. Pere Marquette State Park is located along Highway 100 near Grafton, Illinois. This area comprises 2,256 acres of forest (Pike Run Hills) and is set on the banks of Big River and Coonville Creek. It also helps to plan and prep your meals before you leave and store the ingredients in plastic bags until you're ready to cook. Lot of trails.
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