A bone bed dating back more than 10,000 years adds an unusual note: the Kimmswick Bone Bed is one of Missouri’s oldest known archaeological sites. Archaeological and paleontological history meet here, making it a distinctive starting point for discovering Jefferson’s cultural sites and landscapes.
Archaeological Site and Historic Structures
Mastodon State Historic Site preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Museum exhibits offer insights into the site’s archaeology and paleontology, and a short film tells its story. Three hiking trails complement the museum visit. One leads to the site where the bones and artifacts were found, allowing you to explore the subject further at the discovery site itself.
Historic bridges also tell stories of different construction methods and eras. The Sandy Creek Covered Bridge was built in 1872 using the Howe truss system. An outdoor exhibit provides information about its history. The Windsor Harbor Road Bridge dates to 1874, is listed on the National Register, and is considered the oldest known wrought-iron bridge truss in Missouri. Each bridge thus offers its own perspective on construction history.
Another glimpse into the past is the 1840s Burgess Howe House. The Kimmswick Historical Society offers tours of the restored log house. Near Herculaneum, the burial site of Gov. Daniel Dunklin, Missouri’s fifth governor, sits on a hill overlooking a river. Dunklin is often called the father of Missouri’s school system and advocated for public schools built on a firm and stable foundation.
Trails and Wildlife Viewing
Sandstone ravines, rock overhangs, bluffs and clearings shape the landscape at Don Robinson State Park, alongside upland and bottomland forests. The Labarque Hills Trail and Sandstone Canyon Trail are designated hiking trails there. The Sandstone Canyon Trail is a 3.9-mile, moderately difficult loop for hiking and accessible use.
LaBarque Creek Conservation Area has a different focus: it features waterfalls in wet weather and is home to more than 40 breeding bird species. A three-mile loop trail explores the area on foot. To choose between two specific loop trails, compare their stated lengths: the LaBarque Creek trail is shorter than the 3.9-mile loop at Don Robinson State Park; the Sandstone Canyon Trail is also designated as moderately difficult.
The Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area covers 429 acres in north-central Jefferson County and helps preserve and enhance the ecological and recreational value of the LaBarque Creek watershed. A 1.5-mile trail system follows old roads; an additional 0.5-mile hiking trail loops around the fishing lake. At Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve, visitors can enjoy 40 acres of undeveloped natural area with old-growth trees, wildflowers, wildlife and hiking trails. The six-acre Sunridge Park is centered on an old fire tower; its amenities also include hiking trails.
River Views and Activities on the Water
Anheuser Estate & Museum is in Kimmswick, 25 miles south of downtown St. Louis. On display are family heirlooms, antiques and portraits, as well as a family library. The grounds offer views of the Mississippi River and its native wildlife. This combines views of the river landscape with a glimpse into one family’s history.
Brown's Ford Park and Cedar Hill Park offer different points of access for activities on the Big River. At Brown's Ford Park, a concrete ramp leads to the river, where fishing and canoeing are possible. Cedar Hill Park offers access to the Big River for fishing, canoeing and river trips. The remains of the old Cedar Hill Mill Dam are another visitor attraction there.
Vineyards and Local History
The Jefferson County Wineries & Breweries Trail pairs views of local vineyards with wine tastings. The area also has several local breweries serving lagers and ales brewed on site. In this way, discovering regional beverages complements visits to cultural sites, nature trails and river landscapes.
Discover more destinations: Arnold, Imperial, Festus, De Soto, Pevely, Saline County, Stone, Taney.
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