Are you in the St. Louis, MO area and looking for a way to discover local nature? There are beautiful, lush spots all around you. Here are a few state parks to set you off on your adventure.
1. Castlewood State Park
Running along both sides of the Meramec River in a vibrant valley, Castlewood State Park has been a popular St. Louis area retreat since the early 1900s. With towering white limestone, boundless white and red oaks, and an area of rapidly vanishing bottomland forest, this park is great for hiking and watching wildlife, and it also boasts some of the best mountain bike trails for beginners and pros alike.
2. Route 66 State Park
Get your kicks at Route 66 State Park! Designated as a federal highway in 1926, Route 66 is America’s famous “Mother Road,” connecting rural and urban areas for over 2,000 miles. This park holds a small piece of a legacy right in your backyard. Come to learn about the history of the highway and hike, bike, and observe local wildlife along 417 acres on Route 66.
3. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
Memorializing a well-known St. Louis family, this park is a popular natural getaway amid the suburbs of St. Louis. Here you can hike or ride horseback through shady old-growth forests and hidden valleys. The area offers a bountiful habitat for many species of wildlife, so be sure to book a campsite to really immerse yourself.
4. St. Francois State Park
St. Francois Park is the perfect place for hiking, canoeing, and camping. The park is home to the state-designated natural area of Coonville Creek, a unique ecosystem specific to the fens at the edge of the water. The fens hold plant species that are considered “glacial relicts,” species that were common in Missouri 10,000 years ago. Every nature lover should put this stop on their list.
5. Washington State Park
Washington State Park is a wonderland of natural beauty. It is best known for its petroglyphs, and rock carvings that remain as evidence of ceremonies by prehistoric humans. The park also features stunning flowers, large dolomite bluffs, and a unique mixture of native forests and other landscapes. Swimmers can choose between taking a dip in the Big River or using the ADA-accessible swimming pool. This park is for everyone.
The vast St. Louis countryside will take you up rocky cliffs, down into green valleys, and floating along lazy rivers in the sun. If you’re looking for a safe but versatile car to go exploring, the 2022 Ford Explorer is just for you. Visit Schicker Ford of St. Louis for a vehicle best equipped to quench your thirst for adventure.
Image via Pixabay
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