Meramec State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Meramec State Park |
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A stalactiflat in Fisher Cave
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 Meramec State Park
Location in Missouri
Meramec State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Franklin, Crawford, Washington, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 6,896.33 acres (27.9085 km2) |
| Elevation | 571 ft (174 m) |
| Established | 1927 |
| Visitors | 676,859 (in 2017) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Meramec State Park |
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Meramec State Park Lookout House/Observation Tower
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| Nearest city | Sullivan, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | c. 1934 |
| Built by | CCC; NPS |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000530 |
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 1985 |
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Meramec State Park Pump House
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| Nearest city | Sullivan, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1934 |
| Built by | CCC; NPS |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000531 |
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 1985 |
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Meramec State Park Shelter House
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| Nearest city | Sullivan, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | CCC; NPS |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000532 |
| Added to NRHP | February 26, 1985 |
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Meramec State Park Beach Area Historic District
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| Nearest city | Sullivan, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built by | National Park Service |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 91001772 |
| Added to NRHP | December 6, 1991 |
Meramec State Park is a fun outdoor area near Sullivan, Missouri. It's about 60 miles from St. Louis. The park sits along the Meramec River.
This park is special because it has many different natural areas. You can find thick hardwood forests and open, rocky areas called glades. There are also over 40 caves hidden throughout the park! The rocks here are mostly limestone and dolomite. The most famous cave is Fisher Cave, which is close to the camping areas. The park also touches the Meramec Conservation Area.
Contents
Park History: How it Started
The state of Missouri bought the land for Meramec State Park in 1927. A few years later, between 1933 and 1935, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build up the park.
The CCC was a program during the Great Depression. Young men worked on projects to improve parks and forests. At Meramec State Park, they built trails and many buildings. These included a dining hall, a recreation hall, a snack shop, and shelters.
Saving the Meramec River
In the late 1970s, there was a plan to build a dam in the park. This dam would have created a large lake by flooding much of the park. It would have also put many animals in danger, like the Indiana bat.
But people in the community spoke up! They worked together to stop the dam project. This was a big win for people who care about protecting nature. It showed that citizens can make a difference.
Historic Buildings and Sites
Many of the buildings built by the CCC are still standing today. Three of these old structures were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. This means they are important historical sites.
- Meramec State Park Lookout House/Observation Tower: This tower was built around 1934. It's made of stone and wood. It has eight sides and was likely used to look out over the park.
- Meramec State Park Pump House: This small stone building was built in 1934. It has a pointed roof and a tiny tower on top. It used to house a pump for water.
- Meramec State Park Shelter House: This shelter was built in 1935. It's 12 feet by 16 feet. It has a sloped roof held up by strong wooden posts. It's a great place to relax.
In 1991, the Meramec State Park Beach Area Historic District was also added to the list. This area includes several old buildings and structures. You can see a picnic shelter, stone restrooms, a water fountain, another pump house, and stone steps.
Hamilton Ironworks Trail
In the southeast part of the park, you can find the old Hamilton Ironworks. This was a place where iron was made a long time ago. There's a trail called the Hamilton Iron Works Trail. Along the trail, you can read signs that tell you about the history of the blast furnace. This furnace used to work "around the clock, seven days a week."
Things to Do at Meramec State Park
Meramec State Park offers many fun activities for visitors.
- Cave Tours: You can take tours inside some of the park's amazing caves, like Fisher Cave.
- Hiking Trails: There are many trails for hiking. You can explore the forests and glades.
- River Fun: The Meramec River is perfect for fishing, swimming, and boating.
- Camping: The park has a campground where you can stay overnight.
- Visitor Center: Stop by the visitor center! It has exhibits and videos. You can learn more about the park's history and the animals and plants that live there.
