CUIVRE RIVER STATE PARK
Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise predominately agricultural landscape of northern Missouri. Although not far from St. Louis, the park is a nature lover?s paradise. A stroll through the park in the spring when many woodland wildflowers are in bloom or in the fall when the prairie grasses tower over your head is an outdoor delight.
Spend a few days at the park. Both primitive and modern campsites are available, and Lake Lincoln offers swimming, boating and fishing. The park?s two wild areas provide hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife observation activities. There are also equestrian trails and a campground for overnight stays.
Three natural areas ? areas noted for their high-quality ecosystems ? feature native prairie, sinkhole ponds, woodlands and a clear, rock-bottomed stream. Big Sugar Creek is one of the finest undisturbed streams left in northeastern Missouri. Several trails lead through the Lincoln Hills Natural Area and its many unique natural features.
Whether for a few hours or a few days, come visit one of the state?s largest and most rugged parks. You will find Cuivre River State Park to be an Ozarklike island in north Missouri?s rolling plains.
Lake Lincoln features a public swimming beach and change house. Swimming at Cuivre River State Park is restricted to the beach area only.
A concrete boat launch surface is located at Lake Lincoln. Motor use on the lake is restricted to electric trolling motors only, however, gas powered motors needn?t be detached. There are no launch fees.
Fishing:
Lake Lincoln is a 55-acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, bluegill and channel catfish. It has multiple access points for fishing. Contact the park office or visitor center at (636) 528-7247 for seasonal rules and regulations.
Cuivre River State Park is located near O Fallon, Saint Peters and Troy
There are six picnic areas located throughout the park. The park also features two picnic shelters.The stone shelter, at the end of Hwy. 147, accommodates up to 50 guests. This shelter is perfect for family gatherings or special outings, and is equipped with picnic tables, an outdoor grill and restroom facilities. There is a $40 per day reservation fee. If the shelter is not reserved, it is available daily on a first-come, first-served basis at no charge.
The lakeside shelter, at the intersection of Lincoln Hills Drive and Camp Cuivre Road, accommodates up to 120 guests. This shelter is also ideal for large groups in a day-use capacity, and is equipped with picnic tables, two outdoor grills and restroom facilities. There is a $50 per day reservation fee. This shelter available by reservation only.
To make reservations for either shelter, please contact the park office at (636) 528-7247.
Cuivre River State Park contains nine trails of varying lengths and difficulty. Many miles of trail are open to both hikers and equestrians. The trails offer scenic vistas from atop Frenchman?s Bluff; wind through forested hills and steep valleys of tall oaks and hickories; and traverse glades, restored prairies and the lush flood plain of Big Sugar Creek.
Regularly scheduled evening programs are available, weather permitting, from May through September at the campground amphitheater. Park naturalists also conduct nature hikes and a variety of interpretive programs throughout the year. Contact the park office at (636) 528-7427 for a schedule of events.
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 150 species recorded. It's home to woodland, grassland and water birds. Birders can explore the Lincoln Hills Natural Area or Big Sugar Creek Trail for sightings. The park is part of the Great Missouri Birding Trail, attracting enthusiasts year-round.
We came from Indiana and found a campground close to Warrenton. This was it and it was wounderful. We stayed a week and then I didn`t want to leave. The managers are wonderful and kind.
Great park in our backyard. My kids 5 and 3 loves going here. We visited the beach, walked the trails, played in the playground, had picnics and explored the creek. Been back many times and the kids are always excited.
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