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Missouri Forum: canoe trip & off the beaten path

SOFL
8 forum posts
 canoe trip & off the beaten path 

I am doing research re visit to the Current/Jacks Rivers (Doing a loop from St Louis) for canoeing and horseback riding, sightseeing historical sites. Perhaps winery/brewery or side trip to Ste. Genevieve etc. It is just me and my husband. We have 9 days. We would like to move around a bit but not too much (2/3 days in each area) I am considering renting a cabin at Big Spring National park and/ or the cabins at the Sam A.Baker state park. My question is how are these accomodations? Any other suggestions for this loop would be appreciated (no interest in Branson). What must not be missed & what I should forget about. Thanks

St. Louis
213 forum posts
1. Re: canoe trip & off the beaten path

Plenty of wineries to work into your trip - Ste Genevieve region has quite a few good good ones. Ste Genevieve is a nice quiet visit too - good joint to eat at - The Anvil and just a quiet town.

Lots of nice country to drive through in Southern MO.

I have not read this book, but sounds good for your research "Backroads and Byways of Missouri" by Archie Satterfield.

This sounds like its the other direction from your destination. From St Louis, you also have a nice region to visit along the Missouri River - Highway 94, along the Katy Trail. Great wineries and views. Recently we enjoyed a quiet afternoon at Augusta Brewery.

St. Louis
805 forum posts
2. Re: canoe trip & off the beaten path
Destination Expert   What's this?
for Saint Louis

I've not stayed at the cabins you're asking about. Sorry.

As for other suggestions, I have lots to say. This site has a nice list in the Arcadia Valley vicinity.

experienceblackriver.com/directory_attractio…

Must stops for me would be:

Elephant Rocks State Park

Johnson's Shut-ins SP (it was closed on Memorial Day, but I think it's opened since)

Caledonia General Store - a few miles north of Elephant Rocks on hwy 21. I'm a little biased because my friend owns it, but it's very cool, historic, and not far off your route. A couple nice antique stores in town also.

Sainte Genvieve - see the town in addition to the wineries. It's the oldest settlement west of the Mississippi

Cave Winery - Try the Norton and enjoy a bottle in the cave. Crown Valley and Chaumette Wineries are our other favorites.

We also like Hawn State Park if you enjoy hiking. Try the pickle creek hike at least. The longer hikes lead to some spectacular views.

I understand the Dillard Mill is a neat place to visit, although we haven't been there yet.

On your way back up I-55 to St. Louis, I suggest a stop in Kimmswick - an old river town. Lunch at the Blue Owl is nice.

When visiting this area, we like to stay at the Crown Pointe Lodge and Golf Club - $86 on Hotels.com. There are some nice B&B's in Ste. Genevieve (try the Southern Hotel) and I think Chaumette has rooms for rent. These would be more expensive options. Not sure if Hawn SP has cabins...

SOFL
8 forum posts
3. Re: canoe trip & off the beaten path

Thank you for all your suggestions still looking for a quiet cabin on the river Also anyone out there know about. the best canoing/horsebackriding outfitters in the area? We're definately going to Elephant Rocks, Shut Ins & St G I plan to look up your other recommnedations. Thanks all

4. Re: canoe trip & off the beaten path

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