Van Meter State Park
This park is a perfect place for the pure enjoyment of nature. From its rich history of Native American Indian villages to the abundant wildlife found in its marshes, forests and prairies, Van Meter offers something for everyone. We had a great time!
Hiking on the Lakeview Trail leads you through forested ravines and ridges and along Lake Wooldridge, an 18-acre fishing lake.
Two shelters (built in the 1930's), playground, and lots of picnic spots are among towering trees.
Van Meter offers hikers six trails ranging from .16 miles to 2 miles. What a lovely way to experience the natural beauty of this area.
They wind through the Oumessourit Natural Area, 300 acres of forests, marshes, fens and bottomlands. This preserve is home to several rare plants and animals and migrating birds in spring and fall.
Our campsite was actually surrounded by the marsh on three sides, which made it semi-private. As soon as we arrived, our oldest son found this crayfish right in the grass.
The Oumessourit ("Oo-Missouri") Wetland Boardwalk Trail is a flat, easy walk taking you out into the wetland, which is a part of the Missouri River floodplain. The river used to flow right here, then created an oxbow lake and eventually this marsh. Now the Missouri River is 2 miles away. This nutrient-rich environment is home to many animals and 120 kinds of plants.
We even saw a bald eagle perched in a tree above!
The wetlands are part of only 10 percent remaining today. They provide an important ecosystem for wildlife, filter pollutants, recharge groundwater aquifers, reduce flooding, stabilize soils, improve fertility, and provide timber, wild game, and outdoor recreation. See the Big Muddy National Wildlife Refuge for more information.
The Missouri American Indian Cultural Center, located inside the park, was one of the highlights of our trip. It is a small museum, complete with artifacts, exhibits, and paintings interpreting the lives of the Missouri Indians some 300 years ago.
Games and coloring were available for the kids as well.
The remnants of a Native American Indian Fort have been covered with prairie grass and trees. French explorers, Marquette and Joliet, first encountered the Missouri Indians in 1673. Around 5,000 Missouri Indians had lived in this area for centuries. By 1758, there were only 500, mainly devastated by smallpox.
The Earthworks Trail continues past the Fort to several Indian Burial Mounds. We saw two deer up on the hill before they ran into the forest. A picnic table offered a comfy spot to have snacks and we needed the rest after this rugged trail!
Several smaller, well-worn deer trails were located throughout the forests.
A moderate .25 mile trail leads up a hill to the Vanmeter Family Cemetary, which is next to more ancient Indian Burial Mounds.
The Vanmeter (traditional spelling) family settled in the area in 1834 and later deeded 369 acres to the state of Missouri.
The entire park is 983 acres.
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danielle@fullcirclechild.com
