Under An Hour From St. Louis Is A Former Farm That's Now A Stunning State Park With Trails, Fishing, And Boating

You can always plan a great weekend getaway near St. Louis, whether you want to discover the wine country, visit historic towns, or immerse yourself in nature at stunning state parks. If you prefer the latter category, add Robertsville State Park to your roster. Comprising 1,225 acres of lush oak-hickory woodlands and waterfront, this beautiful destination gives you direct access to the Meramec River and Calvey Creek. With quiet camping, boating, fishing, and scenic hiking trails, you can embrace those remote nature vibes without actually being far from a major city.

Before its designation as public land, Edward James Roberts owned the 3,000-acre agricultural estate that now includes the state park. Roberts became a prominent local landowner, and the community that grew around his property eventually became the unincorporated town of Robertsville. The former farm passed through various hands before the state of Missouri acquired it in 1979. The park still preserves traces of its agricultural past, including old farmland clearings and a Roberts family cemetery.

Nowadays, outdoor lovers come to the state park for water recreation, hiking, and birdwatching. You can launch a boat and kayak on the Meramec River, or bring your fishing rod to catch a variety of species lurking in the water. Throughout the day, you can hike the park's trails that wind through hardwood forests and river floodplains, with one person on Google Maps describing it as a "great place to take the family to hike and or enjoy the beauty that Missouri hides within the forest." For multi-day park adventures, you can spend the night at the small campground, which comes with both primitive and electric sites. Nevertheless, you can still keep it brief with just a day trip from St. Louis; you'll get to the park in under an hour.

There are two hiking trails at Robertsville State Park, both of which are rated moderate. The shorter of the two is the Spice Bush Trail, which makes a 0.9-mile loop on the west side of the park. This dog-friendly path is marked in yellow, guiding you toward the river floodplains and hardwood forests. As you advance along the dirt path, you'll come across a few bridge crossings, wild mushrooms, and the trail's namesake shrub. The sycamore and black cherry trees provide plenty of shade, and keep your eyes peeled for wildlife — hikers have encountered turtles and butterflies.

The Lost Hill Trail stretches for 2.8 miles, and this dog-friendly hike takes you to the east side of the state park. Erosion separated a nearby hill from the surrounding ridges, giving the trail its name. Climbing 288 feet along the trail (according to AllTrails), you'll catch glimpses of Calvey Creek on the way, from where you'll head toward the pawpaw trees before looping back to the trailhead. Bring your binoculars with you to spot some of the birdlife, as you might see bluebirds nesting in the trees or barred owls scanning for food. Green and great blue herons are among common sightings, too, especially near the creek and river.

You can also float on the Meramec River from the single-lane boat ramp, located on the north side of the park, and the river is open to motorized watercraft and non-motorized paddling. Boat trailers can be left at the adjacent parking space. While you're floating down the water, cast your rod and fish for crappie, smallmouth bass, and bluegill. You might even catch catfish. Meanwhile, beginner anglers can test out their skills at the small pond.

Those who'd like to spend a relaxing afternoon at Robertsville State Park can pack a picnic, as there are picnic tables scattered near the park office, as well as the boat ramp area. Parties of up to 50 people can reserve one of the two picnic shelters, but unreserved shelters are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Both shelters are equipped with eight picnic tables, a barbecue grill, and a fire pit. Seasonal water and flush toilets are available from April to October, and don't forget to keep your dishes safe from bugs. There's also a playground nearby for the little ones to run around.

If you've been enjoying your time at Robertsville State Park, turn your visit into a weekend stay by claiming a site at the campground. Open year-round, the dog-friendly campground boasts 12 basic, 13 electric, and one family campsite, while two of the electric hookup spots have ADA-accessible features. Campers have access to showers and water between April and October. Other amenities include restrooms, a dump station, and a woodlot.

There's also a special primitive group camping zone for youth groups and nonprofits, with space for up to 40 guests. While you're there, you can learn about the local flora and fauna by joining an interpretive program. Otherwise, make time for other destinations, such as Pyramid State Recreation Area, the largest of its kind in Illinois, located just an hour and a half from St. Louis, and don't forget to explore St. Louis itself, home to the only U.S. national park situated entirely within a city.