Castlewood State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Castlewood State Park |
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Bluff view in Castlewood State Park
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 Castlewood State Park
Location in Missouri
Castlewood State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | St. Louis, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,818.77 acres (7.3603 km2) |
| Elevation | 417 ft (127 m) |
| Established | 1974 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Castlewood State Park |
Castlewood State Park is a large public park in St. Louis County, Missouri. It covers about 1,818 acres of land. The park sits along the Meramec River.
Most visitors explore the part of the park north of the river. The southern part of the park can be reached from Lone Elk County Park. This area also includes the World Bird Sanctuary, a place that helps birds.
Contents
Park History
Lincoln Beach Resort
Long before it was a state park, this area was a busy resort town. It was called Lincoln Beach. This popular spot existed from about 1915 to the 1940s. Its busiest time was in the 1920s.
The Missouri Pacific Railroad brought many people from St. Louis to Lincoln Beach. On summer weekends, about 10,000 visitors would come to enjoy the resort. There were many places to visit, like the Lincoln Lodge and the Lone Wolf Club. These were popular spots for fun and socializing.
After World War II, fewer people visited Lincoln Beach. This was partly because air conditioning became common. People also started using cars more often. This meant they could drive to other places instead of taking the train to Lincoln Beach.
Today, not much is left of the old resort. All the buildings were destroyed over time. The beach itself was washed away by floods. You can still find some old foundations and ruins in the woods. A concrete staircase that goes up the bluff is still used by hikers. There is also another wooden staircase.
Becoming a State Park
Castlewood State Park officially opened in 1974. It became a protected area for everyone to enjoy.
The Meramec River here has strong currents. It also has sudden drop-offs. This means the river can be dangerous for swimmers. It is important to be careful when you are near the water.
Things to Do at Castlewood Park
Castlewood State Park offers many fun activities. You can go fishing or boating on the Meramec River. There are also more than 26 miles of trails. These trails are great for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding.
Park Trails
The park has several trails for different activities. Here is a list of some of the main trails:
| Trail Name | Length | What You Can Do | Notes |
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| Al Foster Trail | 4.7 miles (7.6 km) | Hiking, biking | This trail follows an old railroad bed along the river. It goes from Glencoe to Sherman Beach County Park. |
| Castlewood Loop | 2.75 miles (4.4 km) | Hiking, biking, horseback riding | This trail goes through the flat areas near the river. It passes by the old Lincoln Beach site. |
| Cedar Bluff Loop | 2.25 miles (3.6 km) | Hiking, biking | You can reach this trail from the Al Foster Trail. It climbs to the highest point in the park. |
| Chubb Trail | 6.5 miles (10.5 km) | Hiking, biking, horseback riding | This long trail connects Lone Elk County Park to West Tyson County Park. |
| Grotpeter Trail | 3.75 miles (6.0 km) | Hiking, biking, horseback riding | This trail has many ups and downs. It is a challenging path. |
| Lone Wolf Trail | 1.5 miles (2.4 km) | Hiking, biking | This is a rugged trail. It is named after an old building that used to be in the area. |
| River Scene Trail | 3.25 miles (5.2 km) | Hiking, biking | This trail goes past where the old resort used to be. The part on top of the bluffs is only for hiking. The lower part is for hiking and biking. |
| Stinging Nettle Trail | 2.5 miles (4.0 km) | Hiking, biking | This trail follows the river. It goes from Sherman Beach County Park to where it meets the Al Foster Trail. |
