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Step into Adventure on the 1,000 Steps Trail at Washington State Park in Missouri
Missouri’s Washington State Park is a hidden gem of the state’s park system. Less well known and crowded as some of the more popular trails further south, this park is well worth a visit. While the park has several hiking trails, the 1,000 Steps Trail is one of our favorites. While the trail is a great one any time of year, the hike is especially stunning in spring. Washington State Park History Washington State Park is an area steeped in…
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Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri
One of our favorite places to hike near St. Louis is the Shaw Nature Reserve. Only about 30 min from the city, it feels a world away. The Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis purchased the reserve land as a safe refuge for the plant collection from the smoke pollution of the 1920s. It has developed into a wonderful site to explore and view wildlife as well as view plants and habitat native to the Missouri region. The trails range…
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Where to find Bountiful Bluebells near St. Louis
One of my favorite spring wildflowers is the Virginia bluebell. They are native to Missouri and can be found in moist, wooded areas or floodplains. These delicate blossoms emerge in early spring and tend to peak around mid-April in our region. Here are six of our favorite area parks to see a stunning sea of bluebells in bloom. 1. Shaw Nature Reserve The Shaw Nature Reserve in Gray Summit, Missouri is a wonderful place to visit no matter the time…
