Explore Turquoise Waters and History at Maramec Spring Park

Missouri is known for having an abundance of beautiful natural springs. One of these springs can be viewed 90 minutes west of St. Louis at Maramec Spring Park. An area of stunning beauty, the park contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the spring daily into a pool of deep blue water.

While the brilliant turquoise water is the main attraction, the park is also filled with fascinating history, family-friendly trails, scenic overlooks, and plenty of opportunities for outdoor adventure.

Whether you’re looking for an easy Missouri day trip or a weekend getaway, here’s everything you need to know about visiting Maramec Spring Park.

The History of Maramec Spring Park

After being told of the spring and iron deposits in the area by local Native Americans, Thomas James first arrived to this area in the 1820s. He established the Maramec Iron Works at the site. Powered by the rushing spring water, the iron works mine and furnaces operated until 1876.

After Thomas’s death, his granddaughter Lucy acquired the property. She established the James Foundation to maintain the property after her death. Her hope was that the land remain privately owned yet open to the enjoyment of the people.

The Maramec Spring name can be confusing as it is spelled with an “a” while the Meramec River as well as nearby Meramec State Park are both spelled with an “e”. The original U.S. Government land survey and Civil War maps spelled Maramec with an “a,” so Lucy James specified the spring and park were to keep the historical spelling. Meremac State Park is run by the state parks department while Maramec Spring Park remains privately owned by the James Foundation.

Things to Do at Maramec Spring Park

The park features both paved and unpaved trails, a historic drive, two museums, a cafe, a campground, and a trout hatchery. This park is very popular for fishing and photography.

View the Natural Spring

The spring is the main attraction. Photos do not do the color of the water justice as it bubbles up from 350 feet below the ground. A paved, ADA accessible trail loops around the spring. A small kiosk at the start of the trail near the parking lot contains maps for a self guided tour.

Visit the Trout Hatchery and Feed the Fish

The park is home to a trout hatchery operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and visitors can see fish in different stages of growth. Bring quarters for feeding the fish at one of the many fish food dispensers. They are eager to be fed and can be easily seen in the clear waters. The paved path passes the hatchery where you can see the trout in various stages of growth.

Maramec Spring is also one of Missouri’s popular trout fishing destinations. The regular catch-and-keep season runs from March 1 through October 31, with a separate winter catch-and-release season.

If you’re planning to fish, you’ll need the appropriate Missouri fishing permit and a daily trout tag. You can find current regulations and fishing information on the official Maramec Spring Park fishing page.

View the Historic Structures

Other interesting structures can be found around the spring. A powerhouse built in the 1920s was used to power a dairy farm that once operated here before rural electricity arrived.

The remains of an old dam that once powered a grist mill are located at the edge of the spring pool.

A waterfall flows over another spillway. A bridge and path leads over the waterfall to a closer look at the dam remains.

See the Remains of the Iron Works

One of the most interesting parts of the park is the old Maramec Iron Works. A pedestrian tunnel beneath the park road connects the spring area to the historic ruins, making it easy to explore both attractions.

The massive stone iron furnace is especially impressive. It’s hard to imagine this peaceful park once filled with workers, buildings, and the constant activity of iron production. Interpretive signs throughout the area explain how the iron works operated and what life was like for the families who lived here.

The furnace is a National Historic Landmark and is well worth a stop, even if you’re primarily visiting to see the spring.

Burn Energy on the Playground

Just above the iron works site is a playground, picnic area, and restrooms. The playground is a more old-school style with a metal slide and climbers. There have been some newer play structures added as well.

Walk Down to the Suspension Bridge

If you want to continue your walk, a paved pathway leads down each side of the spring branch to a suspension bridge just before the branch enters the Meramac River. This stretch is often crowded with people fishing during the summer season and its around a mile walk each way.

Explore the Museums

Don’t miss a stop at the Maramec Museum of Natural and Cultural History. This museum is free (other than the normal park admission) and is a great place to learn more about the area’s natural features and industrial history.

Inside, you’ll find wildlife exhibits, aquariums, historic artifacts, and detailed models showing what the iron works once looked like. The iron works displays even have interactive features with buttons to press to show parts of the works in action.

The museum also has a great kids are with toys and interactive learning activities. You can find restrooms and a gift shop here too.

Drive the Historic Road

If you want to explore more history of the area, take the historic drive by following the signs. The Stringtown Road route follows one of the oldest roads in the area. The road is unpaved but well graded. It has some steep grades that could be slick when wet.

The road splits and a short spur leads to two scenic overlooks with a great view of the river and the valley below.

Continuing along the historic road, you will pass a cemetery for those that once lived and worked at the mine and iron works. The road goes down and up a steep hill before passing an overlook of the mine site.

Just down the hill is a 1.6 mile loop hiking trail that leads to a closer look of the mine. Further along the road are the remains and sites of several cabins. These cabins housed workers and their families.

Stringtown Road was also part of the northern route of the Trail of Tears, adding another important and difficult chapter to the area’s history.

Hike the Trails

While the paved spring paths are perfect for an easy stroll, the park also offers longer hiking opportunities.

Leather Britches Trail: This 1.6-mile loop begins near the mine pit overlook and travels through pine and hardwood forest. The trail offers another perspective of the historic mine and is rated moderate due to rocky terrain, narrow sections, and some steep inclines.

Ballhooter Loop: This approximately 6-mile multi-use trail is open to hikers and mountain bikers and offers a longer adventure through the park.

You can find trail information and maps on the Maramec Spring Park hiking page.

Extend Your Visit with an Overnight Stay

If you want to turn your visit into a weekend getaway, the park offers more than 100 campsites along the Meramec River, including basic, electric, and full-hookup options. There are even platform glamping tents for those looking for a different camping experience.

Camping is available year-round, and reservations can be made through the official campground page

Have a Bite to Eat at the Cafe

The former cafe at the entrance to the park was heavily damaged in the 2024 floods. As of 2026, a new larger cafe building and entrance station is under construction and set to open in 2027.

Things to Know

• The park is located at 21880 Maramec Spring Dr, St James, MO 65559
• The park is open year round. Hours vary by month, check the park’s website for more information and a map. (Park hours by season found here.)
  Maramec Museum Hours: Open April through October, Wednesday through Sunday from 9am – 4pm. March & November, Saturday through Sunday from 10am – 3pm.
• Admission to the park is $7 per vehicle (Pay at the entrance kiosk)

More to See

• Maramec Spring Park is located not far from other great hikes at Meramec State Park and Onodaga State Park.
• If you need a place to eat after hiking, we recommend Missouri’s Hick BBQ or Frisco’s Grill in Cuba or the Silo Restaurant in Sullivan.

Have you ever visited this beautiful park?