Meramec River in Missouri

Trip Overview

A Playground For All!

Missouri's Upper Meramec is an awesome playground for St. Louis and all River lovers. Its natural state is protected for future generations, and enjoyed by untold thousands of people annually. The industry that has developed around its recreational use pours much needed revenue into a rural economy, which often lacks ample opportunities for employment or profitable business ventures.

Local float liveries offer a variety of options to floaters; inner tubes, kayaks, canoes, jonboats, and river rafts, are instantly available to satisfy the needs of even the most discriminating floaters. Riverfront campgrounds and lodges offer everything from primitive camping, to horseback trail rides, to catered luxury cabins. Nearby, there is ample state forest and numerous wildlife and conservation areas set aside for hiking, hunting, and exploring nature. Meramec State Park in Sullivan offers a wide variety of services and activities (including a free tour of Fisher Cave), and the natural wonders of Onondaga Cave and Meramec Caverns complete the setting.

During summer months, hordes of relief seeking city dwellers, and others, come to enjoy the simple yet satisfying outdoor pleasures of the river. Leaving the noisy hustle bustle of modern life behind, they lose the stress, and relax for a time, while gliding over cool clear water, past scenic bluffs and forests. People of all walks of life and socio-economic levels come and enjoy the natural environment and, in the water or on the beaches, many of the social trappings and divisions which normally separate them disappear. After all, as the river rises from many connected sources to become one, we are all part of a river of humanity, equally connected to our genetic ancestral sources. What better way can there be to renew the connection with our primordial past, and revive the pleasure of our natural heritage, than being in, on, or around, the Meramec River.

Accommodations:

Numerous Hotels, Motels and lodges are located along the Interstate 44 route to this area, numerous outfitters along the river provide all types of lodging.

Fees:

Resident or non-resident fishing permits are required to fish.

Directions:

It is located Southwest of St. Louis, MO.