Franklin County: Meramec, Route 66 and Museums

Franklin County brings together river landscapes, Route 66, and museums covering a wide range of topics. This makes it easy to choose from a variety of outings: you might be interested in nature and water, the history of small towns, or collections about railroads and corncob pipes. When searching for a vacation rental, it helps to first consider which of these themes you want to shape your stay.

Rivers, Parkland, and Nature

At Robertsville State Park, the Meramec River forms the northern and western boundaries, while Calvey Creek forms the eastern boundary. Fishing is possible on the Meramec and at a small pond near the park office. The two fishing spots differ in their locations: one is on the Meramec River, and the other is at a small pond near the park office. At Meramec State Park, activities include camping, fishing, and floating on the scenic Meramec River. The park also offers guided cave tours led by naturalists. These are seasonal; check the dates before visiting.

Meramec Caverns describes itself as Missouri’s largest commercial cave. The attraction calls itself Missouri’s largest commercial cave. The Whitmire Wildflower Garden offers a very different natural attraction: spanning 10 acres, it showcases the beauty of Missouri’s native plants. The river, cave, and garden appeal to different interests—from activities on the water to an appreciation of the state’s plant life.

Route 66 and Stories from Washington

Route 66 runs through the center of Pacific. The Red Cedar Inn is also located on Historic Route 66 and serves as a museum, visitor center, children’s museum, and gift shop. Those interested in the history of towns and roads will find a different perspective here than in collections devoted to particular crafts or modes of transportation.

The Washington Historical Society Museum spreads its exhibits across two floors. They cover the history of Washington and its immediate surroundings; historical and genealogical paper records are also available. The Missouri Meerschaum Corn Cob Pipe Museum explores 156 years of corncob pipe history. Staff explain how local resident Henry Tibbe made these pipes in Washington. The museum is at the corner of Front Street and Cedar Street and overlooks the Missouri River. Washington is also in the heart of Missouri Wine Country.

Amtrak offers daily service from St. Louis and Kansas City to Washington’s station and visitor center. Schedules can change, so check them before your trip. This helps you plan your journey without assuming that an unconfirmed connection will be available for your local outings.

Model Trains, Mining, and More Museums

The St. Clair Historical Museum includes a room in an old firehouse that recreates St. Clair’s Main Street as it looked around 1917. Another exhibit covers 100 years of local mining and the minerals lead, iron, barite, and copper. The museum thus combines local history with a look at the resources that played a role in the area’s mining history.

The Iron Spike Model Train Museum displays model trains from various gauges and eras and explores the history of model railroading. The children’s train activity area includes books, videos, a wooden play table, and a LEGO station. The research library contains 20,000 volumes on model railroading, railroad history, personal life stories, and maps. The offerings range from hands-on models to extensive reading material.

In New Haven, the John Colter Museum and Visitor Center features exhibits with Native American artifacts. Also in New Haven, a scenic quarter-mile riverfront walkway along the downtown levee has been completed. The Purina Event Center hosts indoor and outdoor dog and cat shows. These topics add a range of interests to museum visits, without requiring your stay to revolve around just one type of outing.

Choose the Right Base

Consider which places will shape your plans, then choose a suitable base for your outings. If Washington is part of your trip, include its Amtrak service in your plans and check the current schedule. This lets you search for a vacation rental or vacation home that fits your intended itinerary.

Discover More Destinations

Also discover Sullivan, Pacific, Saint Clair, New Haven, Villa Ridge and Union. More destinations: Benton County, Pulaski.

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