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Travel through history on The Mother Road at Route 66 State Park. Route 66 captured Americans’ imagination and exposed millions of citizens to small towns and different cultures across the country. Sample a slice of that at Route 66 State Park’s visitor center, which has displays showcasing the road. The visitor center is the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. The park’s location, close to metro St. Louis provides visitors with a quick getaway to nature. More than 40 types of birds have been identified in the park and picnic sites are sprinkled throughout the park.
Route 66 State Park showcases the history and mystique of a highway that has been called “The Main Street of America.” Located along the historic Route 66 corridor outside of Eureka, this park is a boon to park visitors who want to enjoy nature and take in some interesting displays showcasing Route 66 across Missouri.
THE MOTHER ROAD
The highway has come to represent American mobility, independence and spirit of adventure. It became one of the greatest migration routes in our country’s history and has been labeled by author John Steinbeck as the “Mother Road.” A portion of the original Route 66, including a historic bridge across the Meramec River, runs through Route 66 State Park. The bridge is no longer open to vehicle or pedestrian traffic.
ROADHOUSE
A roadhouse along Route 66, built in 1935, serves as the park’s visitor center. This roadhouse comes alive with the memories of many travelers who visited it during the Route 66 era and ate at the restaurant, which was known for its marvelous food. Depending on the year of visit, the roadhouse had four different owners. It opened as the Bridgehead Inn in 1935; Steiny’s Inn in 1946; Bridgehead Inn in 1972; and the Galley West in 1980.
PARK FEATURES
The park features level walking, as well as, bicycling and equestrian trails that are perfect for beginning riders and health-conscious visitors. On any day, you can see senior citizens bicycling and walking along with their grandchildren, who are busily learning how to ride their first bikes with training wheels. The trails are also perfect for persons with disabilities, providing access to miles of pleasant serenity. The trails link to a new trail system in Eureka and will eventually link with portions of Castlewood State Park in Ballwin.
Excellent opportunities to bike and walk, as well as, bird watch or study nature are provided. The park area abounds with oak, hickory, river birch, cottonwood and pine trees and is home to a diverse set of plants, many deer and wild turkeys. A variety of more than 40 different bird types have been identified in the park.
In addition to bicycling and walking, the picnic grounds – nestled among the shade trees – offer the park visitor a relaxing place to sit and have a snack, or just time to enjoy the serene splendor of nature. Get easy access to the Meramec River with the park’s boat ramp. There are no fees for use of the ramp. Ramp users must exit the park before gate closure time; gates no longer allow automatic exit after closure.
PARK HOURS & FEES
Contact Park
PARK PHONE
636-938-7198
PARK ADDRESS
97 North Outer Road
Eureka, MO 63025
For more information click HERE.
Have you visited this state park? If so, please leave a comment. Thanks.
BREATHE LIFE!
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