Maramec springs visitors center, St James MO

Came down for Old Iron Works Days
Always second weekend of every October it is so much fun live music, food trucks, arts & crafts people in period clothing $20 per car load for admission.

Such a beautiful serene place. There's so much to enjoy, your trip can be educational or purely relaxful!

Beautiful place to take your family. Highly suggest going whether you're alone or a large group. Bring quarters to feed the fish and bring bikes.

Very nice museum about the history of Meramec Springs. Loved the video about the underground cave that supplies the springs, the interactive exhibits, and see the taxidermy of the common animals to the area.

This is a nice little place to bring the family on a budget and to learn some history of the land as well. It is not a long drive and along with the museum they have a building that dates several different types of farming equipment used. There is a pretty good sized play group with a spot for basketball and tennis. The entry to the park is pay by the carload and that is for the whole day. They also sell permits for you to do some fishing.

Today we were there for Old Ironworks Day. During this time they have several vendors that sell and demonstrate what is like before modern technology. If you have not been during this event I would recommend checking it out. From showing how to make nails and horseshoes in a vintage fire place to learning how to make a rope, baskets and using a 2 person hand saw it is all hands on demonstrations and you can purchase local items as they would have been made back then. I do 100% recommend that if you checking this event out, to get the kettle corn and some of the local honey (get it by the pint, quart, creamed in different flavors, honeycomb or the single serve sticks also in 10 different flavors) it is all good!
Have fun and enjoy!

Excellent off road excursion full of history and beautiful sights. Highly recommend for all ages. Don't forget to let the kids feed the fishes!

Absolutely one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen! You could wander around all day and never be bored. So much to see and do, and interesting Civil War history.