Graham Cave State Park, a Missouri State Park

USA

Missouri

Graham Cave State Park

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volunteer positions open

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volunteer positions open

Nearby Parks:
Mineola State Wildlife Area
Baldwin State Wildlife Area
Danville State Wildlife Area
Thornhill and Schulz State Wildlife Area
Wellsville Lake State Wildlife Management Ar
Whetstone Creek State Wildlife Area
Marshall I Diggs State Wildlife Management A
Daniel Boone Memorial State Forest
Little Lost Creek State Forest

State Park Contact Information:
	Graham Cave State Park	Area Accommodations
Adopt-A-Park Contacts:
	Yogi's Helper: volunteer positions open Nature Programs: volunteer positions open Photography: volunteer positions open

State Park Overview:
	Nestled in the hills above the Loutre River in Montgomery County, Graham Cave State Park features an unusual sandstone cave that contained evidence that rewrote history books. Once used for shelter, Graham Cave became historically significant when archaeologists discovered how long ago human occupancy had occurred. University of Missouri archaeologists uncovered artifacts revealing human use of the cave dating back to as early as 10,000 years ago. Clues to the lifestyle of the ancient Dalton and Archaic period Native Americans were uncovered. Today, visitors are allowed in the entrance of the cave, where interpretive signs point out interesting discoveries. Surrounding Graham Cave is 356 acres of naturally diverse land designated as Graham Cave State Park. Several trails wind throughout the park's forests and glades. A boat ramp on the Loutre River provides access for boating and fishing. An open picnic shelter, playground areas and picnic sites make the park an ideal place for a day of family fun. For those in need of a longer retreat, a wooded camping area offers basic and electric campsites, modern restrooms and hot showers. Come explore the history that unfolded at Graham Cave and enjoy nature at Graham Cave State Park.
Nature of the Area:
	Graham Cave Glades Natural Area is an 82-acre tract made up of sandstone and dolomite glades that support a rich diversity of characteristic glade species. Graham Cave State Park has many species of animals such as white tailed deer, raccoons, opossum, beaver and coyote. A variety of native plants can also be found in the park, such as Carolina anemones, prickly pear cactus, purple prairie clover, wild geranium, rock pinks, and columbines.
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Trails:
	Graham Cave was the first archaeological site in the United States to be designated a National Historic Landmark in 1961. Several hiking and bicycling trails wind through the park allowing visitors to enjoy an up-close look at the park's combination of moist bottomland forests, rocky oak-hickory forest and glades. Fern Ridge Trail is an accessible walking trail that meanders around the interpretive shelter and picnic area and connects with Graham Cave Trail. Loutre River Trail is the longest hiking and bicycling trail in the park. This trail travels from the picnic shelter at the south end of the park to the north camping areas. Loutre River Trail has much to offer in the way of a scenic view as you ride or hike along side of the Loutre River. Indian Glade Trail is an accessible walking trail that leads to the entrance of the cave, where interpretive signs point out some of the interesting discoveries. This trail also connects to the camping areas. Graham Cave Trail is a walking trail only that leads to the main feature of the park, Graham Cave. Graham Cave Trail connects with an asphalt trail leading to the interpretive shelter. The asphalt trail has a high degree of incline.
Trail Accessories:

Picnicking:
	There are four scattered picnic sites located near the boat ramp, interpretive shelter and visitor center. The playgrounds nearby are under renovation at the present time. These amenities help make Graham Cave State Park an ideal family retreat. The covered shelter is reservable April through October for $30 and is available on a first-come, first-served basis during the off season. The shelter can occupy up to 80 people. Reservations must be made two weeks in advance by calling the park office at (573) 564-3476.
Boating:
	Located at the south end of the park, a paved boat ramp provides easy access to the Loutre River for boating and fishing. There are no fees for the boat ramp, and avid fishermen and boaters can enjoy the river between 7 a.m. and sunset. A picnic area is also near the boat ramp for gatherings of friends or families. The boat ramp is closed from Dec. 2 through March 15.
Fishing and Hunting:
	Fishing: Anglers can enjoy casting a line in the Loutre River for a chance at catfish and bluegill. There is no designated fishing area in the park. Fishing is allowed from 7 a.m. to sunset.
Fishing and Hunting Accessories:

Area Accommodations

Hermann Hill Vineyard & Inn - Hermann, MO
We built our upscale inn in 1995 specifically to be a bed and breakfast. All rooms have fireplaces, jacuzzi-style tubs, king size beds, large showers, DVD,VCR, and CD players, phones, refrigerators
Price Range: $157 - $331
Web Site: http://www.hermannhill.com

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