Route 66

Route 66 State Park is a 424-acre public recreation area located along the Meramec River one mile east of Eureka, Missouri, occupying the site of the former town of Times Beach. The park represents a remarkable environmental reclamation success story, having risen from one of the nation's most notorious toxic contamination sites to become a popular recreational destination. Missouri opened the park in September 1999 on land that had been evacuated, purchased by the federal government, and remediated following the discovery of dioxin contamination in 1982. The park's visitor center occupies the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that served travelers on the original Route 66 highway. Today, the park offers hiking, cycling, and equestrian trails along with river access for fishing and boating. The park preserves the memory of both the iconic Mother Road and the community that once stood on this ground, while celebrating the environmental restoration that made its recreational use possible.

Route 66 State Park supports diverse wildlife populations that have recolonized the reclaimed landscape since environmental remediation was completed. White-tailed deer are abundant throughout the park and are frequently observed by visitors along trails and in open areas. Wild turkey populations have established themselves in the forested sections of the park. More than 40 different bird species have been documented within the park boundaries, taking advantage of the varied habitats including riverside, forest, and open meadow environments. The Meramec River corridor provides habitat for aquatic species including various fish that attract anglers to the park's riverfront. Small mammals including rabbits, squirrels, and raccoons are common throughout the park. The return of wildlife to this once-contaminated site demonstrates the resilience of natural systems and the success of the remediation efforts. The diverse habitats ranging from open fields to mature woodlands to riparian zones support a functioning ecosystem that continues to recover and develop.

The vegetation of Route 66 State Park includes both native species that have naturally recolonized the site and planted species that were established during the remediation and park development process. The forested areas are dominated by oak and hickory trees typical of the eastern Missouri Ozark border region, along with river birch, cottonwood, and various pine species. The riverfront areas support riparian vegetation adapted to the floodplain environment along the Meramec River. Open meadows and old field areas are colonized by native grasses, wildflowers, and successional woody species that are gradually developing toward forest conditions. The park's location in the Meramec River valley places it within a transition zone between Ozark and prairie ecosystems, resulting in a mix of plant communities representing both influences. The restoration of vegetation following remediation has been an ongoing process, with the plant communities continuing to mature and diversify over time. Native plantings have been emphasized to support wildlife habitat and ecological function.

Route 66 State Park is situated along the Meramec River in the geological transition zone between the Ozark Plateau and the Missouri River valley. The underlying bedrock consists of Ordovician-age limestone and dolomite formations that characterize much of eastern Missouri. The Meramec River has carved its valley through these rock layers over geological time, creating the floodplain that the park occupies. Alluvial deposits from the river have built up the bottomland soils, while higher elevations within the park may expose bedrock or feature residual soils developed from the limestone parent material. The river corridor has been shaped by both gradual erosional processes and periodic flooding events that continue to modify the landscape. The Meramec River U.S. 66 Bridge, completed in 1932, spans the river near the park, demonstrating the engineering challenges posed by the river's width and flow. The park's terrain is generally level due to its floodplain location, making it accessible for a variety of recreational activities.

Route 66 State Park experiences a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons typical of the St. Louis metropolitan region. Summers are warm to hot and humid, with high temperatures frequently reaching the upper 80s to mid-90s Fahrenheit, accompanied by occasional severe thunderstorms. Winters are moderately cold with temperatures averaging in the mid-30s and periodic snowfall. The Meramec River is subject to flooding during periods of heavy rainfall, particularly in spring and early summer, which may temporarily affect access to low-lying areas of the park. Annual precipitation averages approximately 40 inches, distributed fairly evenly throughout the year. Spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions for outdoor recreation, with moderate temperatures and lower humidity. The forested areas of the park provide shade during summer months, while the river creates cooling breezes along the waterfront. Visitors should monitor weather forecasts and river conditions, especially during the spring flood season.

The human history of the Route 66 State Park site is inextricably linked to the story of Times Beach, the town that once occupied this ground. Times Beach began in 1925 as a newspaper promotion when the St. Louis Times offered subscribers a six-month subscription plus a small lot in a summer resort along the Meramec River for $67.50. During the Great Depression, the resort community transitioned into a permanent residential area as affordable housing attracted working-class families. The completion of the Meramec River Route 66 bridge in 1932 connected the community to the famous highway and facilitated commuting to St. Louis. The Bridgehead Inn, built in 1935, served highway travelers and became a local landmark under various names including Steiny's Inn and the Galley West. The community's fate changed dramatically in December 1982 when officials discovered that waste oil sprayed on unpaved roads to control dust had been contaminated with dioxin, making Times Beach one of the most contaminated residential sites in America.

The transformation of Times Beach into Route 66 State Park represents one of America's most significant environmental remediation successes. Following the discovery of dioxin contamination in 1982, the federal government purchased all properties and evacuated residents, designating Times Beach a Superfund site. The cleanup took 14 years and cost approximately $110 million, involving the incineration of contaminated soil and the removal of all structures except the historic roadhouse. Missouri opened Route 66 State Park on the remediated site in September 1999, marking the rebirth of the land for public use. The former Bridgehead Inn was preserved and converted into the park's visitor center, featuring Route 66 memorabilia and exhibits about the highway's history. The park's development included construction of trails, picnic facilities, and river access amenities. The name honors both the famous highway that passed through the site and the broader cultural heritage of the Mother Road era. The park stands as a testament to the possibility of environmental restoration and the power of turning tragedy into opportunity.

Route 66 State Park offers over 10 miles of trails for hiking, cycling, and equestrian use winding through forests and along the Meramec River. The relatively level terrain makes the trails accessible to visitors of varying abilities and suitable for families with children. The visitor center, housed in the historic 1935 Bridgehead Inn, serves as the park's primary attraction, featuring exhibits of Route 66 memorabilia that showcase the roadside architecture and culture of the Mother Road era from the 1930s through the 1960s. A gift shop specializing in Route 66 merchandise occupies the historic building alongside the interpretive displays. The Meramec River frontage provides opportunities for fishing and launching small watercraft. Picnic areas allow visitors to enjoy meals in scenic riverside and woodland settings. The trail system connects various areas of the park, enabling visitors to explore the diverse habitats while learning about both the natural environment and the cultural history of the site. Interpretive signage throughout the park explains the history of Times Beach and the environmental restoration.

Route 66 State Park provides facilities designed to accommodate day visitors exploring the park's trails and natural areas. The visitor center, open March through October from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. daily, offers interpretive exhibits, a gift shop, and restroom facilities. Picnic areas with shelters are available for family gatherings and group events. A boat ramp provides access to the Meramec River for fishing and paddling. Parking areas serve the visitor center and major trailheads. The park is located one mile east of Eureka, Missouri, easily accessible from Interstate 44 and within a short drive of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The park's proximity to the city makes it a popular destination for day trips. Trails accommodate hiking, cycling, and horseback riding, though equestrians should verify current regulations and designated routes. The park is open year-round, though visitor center hours are seasonal and portions of the park may be temporarily closed during Meramec River flooding events. Visitors should check current conditions before planning trips during high-water periods.

Route 66 State Park embodies the principles of environmental restoration and sustainable land management. The successful remediation of one of America's most notorious toxic contamination sites demonstrated that even severely degraded landscapes can be restored to productive ecological and recreational use. Ongoing conservation efforts focus on maintaining and enhancing the natural habitats that have developed since remediation, including forest management, invasive species control, and native vegetation establishment. The Meramec River corridor receives particular attention due to its importance for water quality and aquatic habitat. The park's trail system is designed to provide public access while minimizing impacts to sensitive natural areas. Educational programs and interpretive materials help visitors understand both the environmental history of the site and the ongoing conservation challenges facing the Meramec River watershed. The park serves as an example of how contaminated lands can be transformed into community assets that provide ecological, recreational, and economic benefits. The preservation of the historic Bridgehead Inn maintains the cultural connection to Route 66 while demonstrating adaptive reuse of historic structures.