Located near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, St. Louis, MO, is one of the largest and most important urban areas in the Midwestern United States. While the city itself is home to plenty of local landmarks and tourist spots, it is also an excellent base to go on road trips and explore the numerous state parks and nature reserves of the region. These are some destinations you should not miss while in town. 
3 Amazing State Parks to Visit Near St. Louis, MO
1. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
A popular destination for kayaking, canoeing, boating, hiking, rock climbing, mountain biking, horseback riding, and other outdoor sports and activities, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park was established in 1955 and is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Covering an area of almost 9,000 acres, this place is one of the most popular weekend destinations among visitors from St. Louis and other towns and cities in the region.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is located about 100 miles southwest of downtown St. Louis, making it possible to reach it in about an hour and 40 minutes by car along routes I-55 and US-67. With your brand-new 2022 Chevrolet Silverado and its all-wheel-drive capabilities, you will be able to easily drive on the unpaved roads and challenging terrain of this nature reserve, letting you access even its most remote parts safely and comfortably.
2. Pere Marquette State Park
Spanning a little over 8,000 acres, Pere Marquette State Park is another top-rated destination that offers plenty of recreational facilities for visitors from all over the country. Located near the small city of Grafton, IL, this place can be reached in about one hour from downtown St. Louis, driving 45 miles northwest along route IL-100 and Great River Road. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, this state park is home to old cabins dating back to the 1930s.
Once you make your way to Pere Marquette State Park, some of the areas you should check out include the visitor center’s museum, which features exhibits on local ecology and the history of the region. This nature reserve is also home to an extensive network of hiking and mountain biking trails, a designated hunting area, a horseback riding stable, as well as launching ramps along the banks of the Illinois and Mississippi Rivers.
3. Castlewood State Park
Castlewood State Park is the most popular weekend destination among St. Louis residents looking for an outdoor escape, thanks to its privileged location just 25 miles west of the city center. This nature reserve covers an area of over 1,800 acres and was established in 1974 by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. Getting here takes about half an hour by car, driving along route I-64.
Are you ready to hit the road and explore these and other fantastic nature reserves around St. Louis? Before you leave, visit us at Bommarito Chevrolet South County! Check out our different models, learn about the flexible financing plans we have available for our customers, and take home a brand-new vehicle for you and your family.
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