10 State Parks Near St. Louis That You Should've Visited By Now

By Riverfront Times Staff on Tue, Aug 30, 2016 at 6:57 pm

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. These state parks are not only gorgeous, but they're also extremely close to St. Louis, which gives you no excuse not to visit them. Whether you want to hike, bike, ride horses, camp, swim, boat, fish, float or really any other outdoor activity, there is a state park less than 90 minutes away from St. Louis. So grab those car keys -- you have some exploring to do. Information courtesy of Missouri State Parks.

Information courtesy of Missouri State Parks.

August 31, 2016

Photos by Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted. https://mostateparks.com/

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Katy Trail State Park
Machens, MO -- Clinton, MO
(573) 449-7402
Parking options here.

There are so many reasons to love Katy Trail State Park. One is the amazing views, including the one in this photo. Another is all the options it provides: Whether you simply want to take an afternoon walk or are looking for a bike trip spanning several days, you can do it all on the Katy Trail.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Obviously, the Katy Trail is long, so you have many options for your starting and ending points. We recommend that you explore the route between Defiance and Augusta by bike. 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.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

St. Francois State Park
8920 U.S. 67
Bonne Terre, MO 63628
(573) 358-2173
Estimated drive time: 59 minutes. Directions here.

St. Francois State Park has it all. Want to go hiking? St. Francois has three trails for you to roam through the Coonville Creek Wild Area. Like horseback riding? One of those trails has equestrian access. Prefer water sports? St. Francois Park gives you access to the Big River, where you can go floating and canoeing.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

That's not all that gives St. Francois State Park bragging rights. 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. There are also plenty of picnic sites and two covered shelters.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Castlewood State Park
1401 Kiefer Creek Rd.
Ballwin, MO 63021
(636) 227-4433
Estimated drive time: 35 minutes. Directions here.

The area that began as a popular partying spot for St. Louisans in the early 1900s in now a nature oasis known as Castlewood State Park. It has become an old favorite for those looking for an outdoor escape, and with good reason. Castlewood State Park has gorgeous views, hiking trails for every skill level, good fishing and more.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Looking for a bit of an adrenaline rush? Castlewood State Park is also regarded as one of the best mountain biking locations in the area. It's a great place to get a dose of adventure without having to travel far. Photo by Steve Truesdell.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Hawn State Park
12096 Park Dr.
Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
(573) 883-3603
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 20 minutes. Directions here.

MissouriStateParks.com describes Hawn State Park as "one of the loveliest parks in a system full of lovely parks." You'll find clear streams, areas covered in orchids and other beautiful views. Needless to say, the hiking in Hawn State Park is exquisite.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

We recommend you hike to the Whispering Pines Wild Area via Pickle Creek. While the Whispering Pines Trail at Hawn State Park isn't easy, the scenery is extremely difficult to match. Awesome rock formations, creeks, old forests and more await -- making the trek more than worth it.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Meramec State Park
670 Fisher Cave Drive
Sullivan, MO 63080
(573) 468-6072
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 17 minutes. Directions here.

If a float trip is calling your name, Meramec River State Park just might be your place. The Meramec River is great for many water activities, including fishing, boating, swimming and rafting. If you want to extend your trip, Meramec River State Park also boasts a campground, cabins and a hotel.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

If hiking is more your style, Meramec River State Park has that, too. You'll be able to tread more than 13 miles of trails and see everything from caves to wooded areas to bluffs.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Route 66 State Park
97 N Outer Rd E #1
Eureka, MO 63025
(636) 938-7198
Estimated drive time: 43 minutes. Directions here.

Sure, you know about Route 66 -- but have you been to Route 66 State Park? This place is great for history and nature lovers alike. You can start in the visitor center, originally a 1935 roadhouse along Route 66, to take in the display cases that feature the historic road.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

After your history lesson, go and explore the trails throughout Route 66 State Park. Keep your eyes peeled for wildlife -- more than 40 kinds of birds have been identified in this park.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

St. Joe State Park
2800 Pimville Rd.
Park Hills, MO 63601
(573) 431-1069
Estimated drive time: 1 hour, 13 minutes. Directions here.

St. Joe State Park is a little different because you may hear engines break through the soothing tones of nature -- and we're not talking about car engines. St. Joe State Park is one of the two off-road vehicle parks in the state park system. Adrenaline seekers will love the many trails reserved for off-road vehicles.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

But don't worry, four-wheeling doesn't have to be on your list of skills in order for you to enjoy St. Joe State Park. You'll also find two swimming beaches, four lakes, trails for horseback riding, a hiking and biking trail, picnic sites and two campgrounds. No matter what your interests, you're bound to find something you enjoy at St. Joe State Park.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Robertsville State Park
902 State Park Rd.
Robertsville, MO 63072
(636) 257-3788
Estimated drive time: 52 minutes. Directions here.

Both Calvey Creek and the Meramec River border Robertsville State Park, making it a great place for water activities. It's a nice place for boating and fishing thanks to a boat launch and easy water access. There is also a campground and picnic sites if you'd like to extend your stay. Photo courtesy of Instagram / pionteke.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

While exploring Robertsville State Park, you may also notice some clearings. They date back to the mid-1800s, when the park was a working farm. You'll also see beautiful bluffs, hardwood trees and a wide variety of birds. Photo courtesy of Instagram / vagabombshell.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
800 Guy Park Dr.
Wildwood, MO 63005
(636) 458-3813
Estimated drive time: 36 minutes. Directions here.

A major draw to Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park? Convenience! With just a short drive from St. Louis, you'll have a place to hike, bike, ride horses and more. Photo courtesy of Instagram / hikinggirl68.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Dr. Edmund A. Babler's Memorial State Park is also a popular spot for family gatherings and cookouts. The campgrounds provide access for both basic and RV camping, and the visitor's center offers a variety of activities each year. You're bound to find something for all ages while you're at this state park. Photo courtesy of Instagram / stacey_hoehne.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park
1000 Riverlands Way
West Alton, MO 63386
(636) 899-1135
Estimated drive time: 47 minutes. Directions here.

History buffs can geek out at Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park. Confluence Point is where the Lewis and Clark Expedition took off up the Missouri River and Western expansion truly began.

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Missouri State Parks unless otherwise noted.

Another fun fact: thanks to Confluence Point State Park's wetlands, which are part of the Mississippi River flyway, you'll have the opportunity to see waterfowl such as bald eagles and raptors. The sunsets look pretty awesome, too, if we do say so ourselves -- making for the perfect ending to the perfect day.

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10 State Parks Near St. Louis That You Should've Visited By Now

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