Maramec Spring Park – St James, Missouri
The 5th largest spring in the state is in this park, gushing 100,000 gallons of water a day. Maramec Spring Park contains 1,860 acres of forest and fields.
Maramec Spring Park is privately owned and operated by the James Foundation.
The area is fabulous for trout fishing with the stream being stocked every day by the Conservation Board. There are special days for contests, lady’s day and children’s days at the park for trout fishing. You must have a Missouri fishing license to fish.
58 Campsites, nestled near the Meramec River, are available. 10 have electric hookups. Each site has a fire pit and a picnic table. Showers and restrooms are located nearby.
Camping season is (February 28 – October 30).
The Pick and Shovel Cafe is located at the entrance to Maramec Spring Park. Breakfast and lunch are served Wednesday through Sunday during the Catch and Keep fishing season.
The Cafe is open at 7:00 a.m. and closes at 2:00 p.m.
The Spring Branch Trail is a little over 1.5 miles in length. The Trail enables you to walk around the Spring and the Spring Branch. A self guided brochure will help you better understand the natural and cultural history of the Spring. This is also a good place to feed the enormous trout that live in the Spring Pool. Feed machines are located here for your convenience.
Beaver, Muskrat, Great Blue Heron, Gray Squirrel, Raccoon, Owl, Fox, Wild Turkey, Bald Eagle and numerous Song Birds as well as the deer are all at the park for you to see. To see the deer you probably want to be there in the early morning or early evening.
Two Museums are located within the Park. Admission is free.
The Maramec Museum houses natural and cultural history exhibits. A twenty-one foot bluff, waterfall, and five-hundred gallon aquarium greets the visitors as they enter the museum.
Once inside you will see a rain model with lightning, thunder, and a cool afternoon shower. Displays show the native wildlife in their natural habitats. History of the Iron Works is explained using working models and displays.
The Agriculture Museum houses a grand display of antique farm machinery dating from as early as the 1800′s. Be certain to see "Granny’s Kitchen" and the "Blacksmith Shop".
The park is a wonderful place to enjoy the time outside.
Location: Maramec Spring Park is located approximately 6 miles East of St. James, Missouri and 10 miles West of Steelville.
HOURS OF OPERATION
JAN/FEB 7:30 DUSK
MARCH 5:30 6:30 6:30 7:30
APRIL 6:00 8:00
MAY 5:30 9:00
JUNE/JULY 5:30 9:00
AUG. 6:00 8:30
SEPT. 6:30 8:00
OCT. 6:30 7:00
NOV/DEC. 7:30 DUSK
Fee: The cost to enter Maramec Spring Park is $3.00 per car and $10.00 per bus. School Buses may enter without charge.
During "OLD IRON WORKS DAYS" the cost is $10.00 per car and $20.00 per bus.
A season parking pass may be purchased for $20.00. This pass allows you to enter the Park throughout the year without being charged a daily fee.
During Kid’s Fishing Day, those vehicles containing a child fifteen (15) or younger, may enter Maramec Spring Park without paying the entry fee.