Meramec State Park

About this park

Meramec State Park protects a dramatic stretch of the Meramec River, where the water flows past majestic bluffs, dense woodlands, and one of the park's signature features: the atmospheric entrance to Fisher Cave, which visitors can tour by hand-held light for a genuinely old-fashioned caving experience rarely offered at other Missouri parks. More than 13 miles of hiking trails wind through the surrounding bluffs and forest, giving hikers extensive access to the river valley's scenery. The Meramec River itself supports swimming, fishing for largemouth and smallmouth bass, catfish, and sunfish, rafting, and boating, though propeller boats are discouraged given the river's shallower stretches. A visitor center interprets both the natural and cultural history of the park, while a modern campground, cabins, and a motel give visitors a genuine range of overnight options within this heavily forested stretch of east-central Missouri. As one of the Missouri state park system's most consistently popular destinations, Meramec combines accessible location, just off I-44 near Sullivan, with a genuinely complete recreational package spanning caving, river sports, and forest hiking. The Fireside Store and Grill and River Stop Store round out the park's amenities, making it an easy weekend destination for St. Louis-area visitors seeking Ozark scenery without a long drive.