Maramec Spring Park, Missouri: complete guide – stop for a quick peek, or spend the day!
We were driving through the beautiful state of Missouri. I love to explore, so we stopped for a quick peek at Maramec Spring Park. In addition to the stunning springs, what we found was a fantastic destination with plenty of fun stuff to do!
The emerald green spring is the crowning glory but I was surprised by the variety of other activities that the park has to offer. If you were so inclined, you could spend an entire day, or grab yourself a campsite and spend the whole weekend!
Let’s talk about all of the things to see and do at Maramec Spring Park!
Table of Contents
about Maramec Spring park
Privately owned and operated, Maramec Spring, which effortlessly pumps out 100 million gallons of water per day, is the 5th largest spring in the state of Missouri. To give you an idea of just how much water is flowing out of this spring, that’s enough water to fill 26 bathtubs per second (according to literature provided by the park.)
When is the best time to visit Maramec Spring Park?
The park is open all year round. It was lovely when we stopped in early April but winter was still casting its dreary shadow, and there weren’t any leaves on the trees yet. I imagine it is simply stunning when bathed in the full lush and green glory of late spring and summer and fall in this area is glorious!
Entrance fee
$5 per car, with a yearly option available.
trails for hiking and walking
There is a paved 3/8’s of a mile long walking trail that loops around the spring. The trail is mostly level so accessibility should not be a problem but contact the park prior to arrival to confirm. Your entrance fee also gets you access to the Leatherbritches Trail, a 1.5 mile trail that winds through a portion of the 1,800 acre park (can be found on alltrails.) The short trail around the spring was the perfect place to stretch our legs on a long road trip and breath in some fresh air. Our little Toto enjoyed it too!
Fish at Maramec Park
The fish Sanctuary
Fish, LOTS of fish! There is a fish sanctuary with rainbow and brown trout and each year they bring in an additional approximately 100,000 fingerling trout. Bring quarters for fish food if you want to feed the fish.
Fishing at Maramec Park
No fishing allowed in the sanctuary. However, the Maramec River provides year-round fishing opportunities in the park. Fish are released daily, by the Missouri Department of Conservation, for recreational fishing.
A Missouri fishing license and a day tag are required. Both can be purchased at the store inside the park. They offer special fishing days for women, children, and veterans. See the park website for full details on fishing here, including hours and current rates.
camping
The park has 58 shaded campsites along the Maramec River, each with a fire pit and picnic table, 30 of which have electrical hook up’s. The campground is gated and offers bathrooms and shower. Quiet hours are between 10 pm and 6 am. See their camping page for complete information including fees and to make reservations.
additional Amenities
Also in the park: a cafe and snack shop, two museums, picnic areas/picnic shelters a playground and tennis courts!
