Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 5 Of Missouri’s Least-Visited State Parks
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 08, 2022
×
Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Any time’s a good time for a road trip, and we have countless destinations that make roadtripping so much fun in Missouri. Get to know some of the least-visited state parks in Missouri a little better on this unforgettable road trip. You’ll visit five incredible state parks and get to see a whole lot of natural beauty and local wildlife while learning about some of Missouri’s rich history.
Here are the Google Map directions for the road trip. Customizing the map is easy, and you can add or remove stops to meet your timeframe and interests.
We'll kick off our road trip at Crowder State Park, a beautiful spot that spans more than 1,900 acres. If you're a fan of the water, you'll love the cozy 18-acre Crowder Lake, where you can go boating or fishing. The state park also offers hiking, biking, picnic tables, and camping. Here's the official website of Crowder State Park.
Advertisement
2. Route 66 State Park – Eureka
Route 66 State Park, 97 N Outer Rd, Eureka, MO 63025, USA
Stretching 419 acres, Route 66 State Park offers a glimpse into the rich history of the Mother Road. Start at the Visitor Center that's brimming with Route 66 memorabilia. Exploring the park is easy whether you feel like hiking, biking, or horseback riding. Snuggled near the Meramec River, the park offers a boat ramp and is perfect for a leisurely picnic before you head to our next stop. Learn more on the official website of Route 66 State Park.
Chances are you'll feel a million miles away from it all in the sprawling 800-acre Don Robinson State Park. You'll definitely want to bring your camera, because the park is brimming with gorgeous natural landscape - from glades to sandstone box canyons. The state park doesn't boast as many amenities as other state parks, but it's perfect for exploring on its scenic hiking trails. You might want to bring along a picnic, too. Visit the official website of Don Robinson State Park.
4. Van Meter State Park – Miami
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, 32146 MO-122, Miami, MO 65344, USA
Get a glimpse at the past when you visit Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, the site of Missouria Indian village remnants. If you're a history buff, you'll fall head over heels at this state park, which is also home to Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center. You'll also find a full menu of activities at the park - hiking, boating, fishing, camping, and a playground for the kiddos. Stop by the official website of Van Meter State Park for more information.
5. Wallace State Park – Cameron
Wallace State Park, 10621 MO-121, Cameron, MO 64429, USA
Our final stop brings us to the lush Wallace State Park, a tiny state park that's just 500 acres but brimming with natural beauty. The six-acre lake is popular for boating and fishing, and you can explore the park on one of four scenic hiking trails. Head over to the official website of Wallace State Park for more information.
