Find a Unique White Sand Beach at Missouri’s Klondike Park

Klondike Park is one of the St. Louis area’s most unusual recreation sites. You may feel like you have traveled to an exotic location when you first glimpse the park’s out of place white sand beach.

This St. Charles County gem features beautiful lakes, miles of trails, extensive amenities, and that unique white sand shoreline. With trail connections to the popular Katy Trail plus Missouri River Valley views, Klondike Park is a must see destination.

Klondike Park History

In the late 1800s the park site opened as a silica sand quarry. The sand was shipped across the river to Alton, Illinois where it was used to create glass and other industrial products.

The quarry reached peak production during World War II before closing in 1983. St. Charles County Parks purchased the property in 1999 and developed it into a scenic jewel for a variety of visitors and activities. The silica sand shoreline left behind makes this park a rare sight in the Midwest.

Park Amenities and Activities

St. Charles County is amazing with park development and creation. Their county parks rival state parks with the amenities and activities available. Klondike is no exception with multiple options for lodging and recreation.

Camping

If you want to have an extended stay at this park, you have several options to lay your head at night. The park boasts six camping cabins available for rent. These cabins do not have heat, air conditioning, or restrooms and rent for $65/night. If you don’t mind roughing it a bit more, 43 tent sites are available for $10/night. The park has seasonal showers and a camping kitchen. Restrooms are open year-round.

Water Activities

The large quarry lake at Klondike is popular for many water activities. Summer time brings families to the lakeshore for building sandcastles, fishing, and splashing. However, swimming in the lake is not allowed. Please follow all posted signs on allowable activities and safety rules.

If you wish to explore from out on the water, check out one of the paddle share options. Kayaks and paddle boards can be rented to explore the quarry lake from the water. Klondike Park also features a boat ramp with Missouri River access.

Biking Trails

Biking is a popular activity at Klondike. The well known rails-to-trails Katy Trail can be accessed from the park. For those that want more challenge, there are several miles of mountain biking trails. Most of these are located on the western side of the park and can close due to rainy conditions.

Playground, Restrooms, and Shelters

There are two small playgrounds located at the park to help the kids burn even more energy or as a post-hike reward. The park has three large pavilions with tables. Vault restrooms are scattered throughout and open year round. The restrooms have seasonal faucets and hand sanitizer in the off season.

Klondike Park Hiking Trails

Klondike has over 3 miles of natural surface trails and 2.4 miles of paved trails. There are trails for all skill levels and something to see along each path.

Lake Loop

• Distance: 0.5 mile loop
• Difficulty: 1/5. Flat and paved, stroller friendly
• Scenic Value: 4/5. Circles the white sand quarry lake

The Lake Loop is the most popular trail at Klondike. The trail can be accessed from several locations, including two parking areas. This paved path makes an easy loop around the quarry lake with great views along the way.

There is a bridge over a portion of the lake on the northside. Benches along the path allow a scenic rest stop. This path allows beach access as well.

Hogsback & Overlook Trails

• Distance: 1.5 miles when two trails are combined to make a loop
• Difficulty: 3/5. Overlook portion is paved, Hogsback is unpaved. Steep walk up to overlook.
• Scenic Value: 3/5. Great views of the river from the overlook

The Overlook trail starts from he parking area next to the large white meeting facility building. While the Overlook path is paved, it does have rise fairly steeply uphill.

The paved Overlook trail will pass the turn off for the unpaved Hogsback Trail on the way to the top. Continue the 0.3 mile up the Overlook Trail to be rewarded with a panoramic Missouri River view.

After enjoying the view, retrace your steps back to the Hogsback Trail. This trail parallels the river for awhile. During winter, the view is even better without leaves blocking the way.

The path then turns left and switchbacks down the hill. There are a few wooden bridges along the way as it continues down to meet back up with the parking lot.

Other Klondike Park Trails

There are several other hiking trails in the park. The Lewis & Clark trail is 1.3 miles each way. This trail leads from the boat ramp to connect with the paved Lake Loop trail. The trail mostly parallels Highway 94 and has a crushed rock surface.

The Bluff Walking Trail is a 0.34 mile out and back trail. This path starts near the cabins and leads past another small lake to a birding area.

Other side and connector trails allow access from the park to the Katy Trail.

Additional Things to Know

• The park is located at 4600 Highway 94 S. Augusta, MO 63332
• The park is open 7 a.m. to one half hour past sunset
• You can print off a park map here.
• Be sure to pack out what your bring in and remember to Leave No Trace.

Have you ever visited this unique and beautiful park?