Van Meter State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Van Meter State Park |
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Missouri tribe fort at the park
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 Van Meter State Park
Location in Missouri
Van Meter State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Saline, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,104.63 acres (4.4703 km2) |
| Elevation | 663 ft (202 m) |
| Established | 1932 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Van Meter State Park |
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Van Meter State Park Combination Building
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| Nearest city | Marshall, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps; National Park Service |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000537 |
| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1985 |
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Van Meter State Park Shelter Building
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| Nearest city | Marshall, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1935 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps; National Park Service |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000538 |
| Added to NRHP | February 28, 1985 |
Van Meter State Park is a fun outdoor area in Saline County, Missouri. It is located near the Missouri River. This park covers about 1,105 acres. It has many different types of land. You can find hills, deep ravines, and wet marsh areas. There are also fens, which are like bogs. The park includes low-lying floodplains and higher forest areas. This special place is known as "the Pinnacles."
Van Meter State Park is important for its history. It has several old Native American sites. There is also a cultural center to learn more. You can enjoy camping, hiking, and fishing here. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources takes care of the park.
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Park History and Native American Sites
This park and the land around it were once home to Native American tribes. One tribe was called the "Oumessourit" by French settlers. We know them today as the Missouri Indians. You can still see signs of their lives here.
Ancient Village and Fort
The park has the remains of an old Native American village. This site is called the Utz Site. There is also a large earthwork known as Old Fort. Earthworks are shapes made from earth. Both the Utz Site and Old Fort are very important. They are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are protected because of their history.
Park's Beginning and Early Buildings
The park started in 1932. A woman named Annie Vanmeter gave 369 acres of land to the state. Later, from 1934 to 1935, a group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) worked here. The CCC was a program that helped young men find jobs during the Great Depression. They built many things in parks across the country.
The CCC built a large shelter house and a smaller one in an area called Walnut Grove. These buildings are still standing today. They are also listed on the National Register of Historic Places. They show the amazing work done by the CCC.
Things to Do at Van Meter State Park
Van Meter State Park offers many activities for visitors. It's a great place to learn and have fun outdoors.
Cultural Center and Exhibits
The park has a cultural center. Here, you can learn about the area's Native American history. The center has exhibits and murals. These displays tell the stories of the first people who lived on this land. It helps visitors understand their culture and way of life.
Outdoor Fun and Recreation
You can enjoy many outdoor activities at the park.
- Camping: Spend a night or two under the stars.
- Hiking: Explore the park's trails. You can see different landscapes.
- Fishing: Cast a line in the park's 18-acre lake. It's a peaceful way to spend time.
