MERAMEC STATE PARK
The beauty of the Meramec River and its surrounding bluffs, caves and forests have pleased visitors since the park opened in 1927. In 1933, the craftsmen of the Civilian Conservation Corps began blending a variety of visitor facilities into the park's rugged landscape.
This popular 6,896-acre park offers year-round access to camping, picnicking and trails. Guided tours of Fisher Cave, one of more than 40 caves in the park, are provided on a seasonal basis for a nominal fee. Water enthusiasts will enjoy swimming, fishing, rafting and canoeing in the Meramec River. Weekdays offer substantially more solitude than weekends.
Additional facilities include a park store that offers raft and canoe rentals, campsites (including three group sites), rental cabins, motel rooms and a conference center. The park's rustic dining lodge offers good food and one of the best views in the park. Some services and facilities are only available on a seasonal basis.
Meramec State Park's visitor center offers a mix of educational exhibits including large aquariums that display the amazing variety of aquatic life found in the river. Here, guests can orient themselves to the park's many permanent and seasonal attractions and facilities before venturing out into the park.
The Hickory Ridge Conference Center is used as a rental hall and can handle a variety of functions such as meetings, parties, receptions and banquets. Rental information and catering services must be obtained from the park concessionaire. The building's capacity is 125 people maximum. For additional information or reservations, please call (573) 468-6519, 1-888-Meramec(637-2632).
Lodging in the park's many rental cabins and motel rooms is available April through October. Rental is coordinated at the park store. For further information or reservations, please call (573) 468-6519, 1-888-Meramec (637-2632) or visit www.meramecpark.com. Reservations are not accepted by e-mail.
Following are rates for 2006.
Cabins 1-8 : one bedroom : $85 per night for up to four people
Cabin 9 : two bedrooms : $100 per night for up to six people; add $10 for each additional person
Cabins 10/11 and 18/19 : five-bedroom duplexes : $200 per night for up to 12 people; add $10 for each additional person
Cabins 12-17 : two-bedroom duplexes : $100 per night for up to six people; add $10 for each additional person
Cabin 20 : four bedrooms : $180 per night for up to nine people; add $5 for each additional person
Hickory Ridge Motel : $60 for two people : $70 for three people : $80 for four people : $90 for loft room
The park has no designated swimming areas, but people are allowed to swim at their own risk throughout the park. Access to the river is available throughout the park and guests should choose their own spot to swim at their own discretion.
There is one concrete motorboat launch and canoe launch located near the park store. They are available during park hours. A gravel boat launch is located in the campground and is available only for the camping patrons. There are no launch fees.
Canoe Rental : Canoeing and rafting are very popular park activities. Canoes and rafts can be rented at the park. Rental prices include shuttle, transportation, paddles and life jackets. Weekday floats typically offer substantially more solitude than weekends.
For more information, please call (573) 468-6519, 1-888-Meramec(637-2632)
Fishing:
The Meramec River is one of the most diversified rivers in North America. More than half of the fish in Missouri are found in the Meramec River. All three of the black bass can be fished, along with catfish and panfish.
Meramec State Park is located near Saint Clair, Sullivan and Union
There are three picnic shelters available for use and can be reserved for $35 per day. If not reserved, the shelters are available at no charge on a first-come, first-served basis. All three shelters are located in the picnic area. Occupancy is, on average, 75 people per shelter.
There are two playgrounds located in the park. One is located in the picnic area near Shelter 3, while the other is located in the campground near showerhouse #1.
A wide variety of nature programs are presented daily during the on-season (April through October). A nature program schedule is produced every Thursday for a week of nature walks, river wades, evening programs and cave tours.
The park offers a diverse range of bird species, including warblers and vireos. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as forests, caves, river bluffs and glades. The Wilderness Trail is particularly popular for spotting birds like the Pileated Woodpecker or Barred Owl. In winter months, Bald Eagles are often seen near the Meramec River.
Cave Tours
Fisher Cave is truly one of the park's most spectacular natural wonders. Naturalist-led tours, offered on a seasonal basis, provide an interesting adventure for park visitors. From the low, narrow streamside passages to the huge rooms filled with calcite deposits, Fisher Cave offers one outstanding cave scene after another. Inside these rooms and passages are well-preserved bear claw marks, cave wildlife and a vast array of calcite deposits ranging from intricate hellectites to massive columns 30 feet tall.
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