9 Under-Appreciated State Parks Near St. Louis You’re Sure To Love

St. Louis has so many beautiful places to visit that it can be easy to overlook all that our Missouri State Parks have to offer. Each of these parks provides a unique outdoor experience, and each is also perfect for getting away from the city for a day. Read below to see the exciting adventures that await you in these state parks! Who said St. Louis isn't amazing? Not us.

1. Edward and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park

You can watch as the Missouri River and the Mighty Mississippi River meet at this state park. It is a beautiful place to spend time on the waterfront. It's also a great bird-watching destination! You can learn more on the official Missouri State Parks website.

2. Mastodon State Historic Site

Home to the Kimmswick Bone Bed, this archaeological and paleontological site is both an educational museum and a great outdoor park. You will learn about the great mastodons that roamed Missouri once upon a time, complete with life-sized models of these fierce creatures; you can also picnic and/or hike the wooded grounds. The hiking is truly amazing.

3. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site

This state historic site is perfect for a romantic date or for seeing our history first hand. The Sandy Creek Bridge is one of only three remaining Howe Truss Bridges. It is completely restored and has been on the National Register of Historic Places since 1970. This is one of our favorite hikes in the entire state, too.

4. Gov. Daniel Dunklin's Grave State Historic Site

Dedicated to Missouri's fifth Governor, this historic site provides amazing views of the Mississippi River. It is a quiet place that is a nice retreat in nature. Learn more about this highly unusual state park on the MO state parks website.

5. Robertsville State Park

This state park is bordered by both the Meramec River and Calvey Creek. Popular activities here are fishing, boating, and camping. Visit the Missouri state parks website for all the important details.

6. Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

At Cahokia Mounds you can walk to the top of one of the oldest Native American sites in the USA. The mounds here are preserved and protected as a World Heritage Site. There is also an educational center featuring many artifacts found in the area. Learn more about the Mounds and more in this awesome article.

7. Meramec State Park

Meramec State Park might just have the most activities to offer in one stop. You can visit caves here, camp, hike, go fishing, and boat or float on the river. Our favorite, though, is definitely hiking.

8. Castlewood State Park

Castlewood State Park offers beautiful views and an abundance of outdoor activities too. This park is also an excellent choice if you like to hike. There are eight different trails offered here, with several that are open for equestrian use. We're not alone in our feeling that this park is VASTLY underrated.

9. Washington State Park

The Washington State Park is a beautiful choice for hiking, boating, and swimming, but it is the petroglyphs carved into the rocks in this park that set it apart. Who created them is unknown, but it is believed that the Middle Mississippi People used the site as a ceremonial grounds. They were listed on the National Registry of Historic Places in 1970. Learn more on the official website!

Have you ever visited these awesome state parks near St. Louis? Share your experience with us in the comments. Looking for more outside fun? Check out the otherworldly Elephant Rocks State Park near St. Louis!