Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park, one of the newest additions to the Missouri State Park System, is now a reality. Situated on the 409-acre site of the formerly dioxin- contaminated community of Times Beach in St. Louis County, the park is dedicated to Historic Route 66.
The new park, officially opened on September 11, 1999, fills a need in Missouri by offering a stopping point of recognized value to all Route 66 travelers, while also serving as a powerful magnet for local visitation and use. The park now clearly serves as both a tourist destination and local attraction.
The park provides a wide variety of recreational opportunities. This includes boater access to the Meramec River which flows through the park, picnic sites for individuals and groups, a special event area for activities such as festivals, car displays and the “75th anniversary of 66” party in November 2001, and more than 13 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and equestrians. The trail system in the park will also be an important link in connecting many other parks in the area.
The former restaurant building at the site has been converted into park offices and a visitor center with an exhibit area and gift shop. Other plans being considered for the visitor center include a permanent museum, large-scale permanent map displays, and unique, renewable displays of memorabilia and related exhibits of historical interest.
Visit the official park web site.
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