Mermec Caverns: Stanton, MO

Meramec Caverns

     Meramec Caverns is a natural wonder that exists in the Ozark Mountains west of St. Louis, Mo. It is claimed that the outlaw Jesse James hid out in these caverns after he did a train robbery. It can be seen how this place would be an excellent location to hide out in.

      

     The caves are stunning and have been shown in several movies. They have also served as a possible fallout shelter in case of a nuclear war.

     

      My wife and I traveled here recently and stayed at the hotel in Meramec State Park, which is named after the Meramec River. We practically had the hotel and the park to ourselves. It was delightful. The caverns also have a hotel and campground right on the banks of the river, but we felt drawn to go a bit further down the road to stay at the Park, so we could do some hiking as well as visiting the caverns.

      

     Our room at the Meramec Park Hotel had a balcony with a stunning view of the forested mountains behind us. It was incredibly peaceful, and we enjoyed the solitude.

      

     We hiked a couple of nature trails in the park that went into the hills, and down by the river. They were well maintained and lovely.

      

     We went out to eat, and we like trying to find local places to dine. There were all the normal places, like McDonalds, but very few local eateries. We did find a place on the interstate called the Du Kum Inn, which was delicious and brought many hours of infantile pleasure as I made fun of the name. They claimed to have the best fried chicken in Missouri, and they might be right.

      

     The caverns are a favorite spot for bus loads of kids going on field trips. But, luckily we got there early enough to go on a great tour that was minus the racket. Our tour guide was very knowledgeable and entertaining. We had a few kids on our tour and he answered every single question they had, with patience and humor.

       Meramac Caverns is a great road trip location. It can be a day trip. An overnight get away or just part of a long distance trip. I will definitely go back. There were several trails I did not get to hike.

      

Lake Glendale

Lake Glendale

     Lake Glendale is a fantastic family getaway spot in the Shawnee National Forest. Of course, it doesn’t have to involve your family if you happen to be someone who doesn’t like having irritating people around. But, it is a place the whole family could enjoy if they chose.

    

      There’s fishing on the lake in boats of all kinds from kayaks, to canoes, to row boats, to boats with up to 10 horse motors. There’s camping, both primitive and RV. There are also picnic areas with large beautiful shelters.

     

      The lake has a rather large beach and hiking trail that goes around the lake. It is a gravel trail mostly with several bridges over creeks, and low areas. The trail is well used and goes through several camp areas. It is used by hikers and cyclists, with several trails that lead away from the main trail.

      

     The lake was created by damming a creek sometime in the 1930’s, and has a well made concrete spillway, and retaining wall for the creek in the woods. I went and explored this area below the spillway, remembering my childhood days,  fishing below the spillway at the Du Quoin City Lake.

      

     Camping costs $12-$44 depending on whether you want electricity or not. The Beach is $5 for adults and kids are $3. There’s boat rentals, $3 for paddle boat, $5 for kayaks and canoes.

     

      These fees are pretty cheap. I cannot promise how up to date they are. A lot of places nowadays will claim to rent boats, but quit doing it because of insurance. I did not see boats for rent when I was there. But, it was before Memorial Day, and early morning, so it wasn’t open for business. But, the beach looked great.

     

      Lake Glendale looked wonderful and I enjoyed the hike. I plan to go back and camp.