Route 66 State Park — Attraction in Eureka

The Park sits on the former Times Beach community abandondoned in the 1970's following a massive Dioxin contamination by the infamous Russel Bliss, a local industrial waste hauler who mixed the toxic soup with oil and spread it on the town roads as a means of dust mitigation. Ultimately was designated a Federal EPS Super Fund Cleanup site where 265,000 tons of soil was incinerated then buried below a grass covered berm in the east end of what is now a Missouri State Park. The site was restored by the DNR into a day use area that highlights it's proximity to the historic US interstate Route 66. Offers hiking trails along the Meramec River, boat launch, equestrian area, pavilion space for group activities and a low traffic paved loop of roughly 2 miles for runners, cyclists, and pet walkers of all ages. The park hosts a diverse population of native flora and fauna and seasonal wetlands making wildlife viewing a popular activity. The park is generally well maintained with ample parking throughout. My only complaint is around the road conditions and maintenance. It's a patchwork of varying surfaces, some newer but some decades old all in need of demolition and replacement. There is no potable water or electrical service except at the Visitor Center and you'll have to settle for vault toilets in the park area. All that being said it's still...

This was our final stop along Route 66 as we headed across country. We went into this Visitor's Center blind as to what it signified. The staff (Jan) was extremely knowledgeable and discussed the history of Times Beach, its unfortunate demise, and the future of the Route 66 bridge. The Visitor's Center has a very large gift shop of Route 66 memorabilia, a nice museum and 3D model of Times Beach, and clean bathrooms. This is a great place to see a piece of Route 66 history from a local perspective (vice the Route itself). Outside the Visitor's Center is an original neon sign from the Key Cafe and a fee info placards about the "Save the Bridge" campaign. You are unable to cross the bridge, as it does not exist at this...

Not the most scenic park, and there’s traffic noise throughout due to its proximity to I-44, but it does have its moments. There’s a small trail on the south part of the outer trail that cuts through the trees and was a lot of fun to bike. Otherwise, most of what the paths are just old roads without much scenery. Also, depending on what time of year you visit, you may or may not even be able to see the river even though it’s right there. In spring, I could see it easily and even go down for a better view. In summer, there’s so much plant growth that you can’t even tell it’s there.

One nice thing is that this park is connected to Lion’s Park (Eureka) via the...