National and State Parks - Recreational Areas
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Van Meter State Park
State Park Information
State Park Overview
The state of Missouri and its principal river were both named after a tribe of Native Americans, known by the French explorers as the ?Oumessourit? or Missouri Indians, that once lived in the area of Van Meter State Park. Today, the park provides outdoor recreational opportunities and interprets the area landscape and the Native Americans who found it to be bountiful.
For many centuries, Native American hunters traversed the nearby marshes and prairies and the deep ravines and narrow ridges, locally known as the Pinnacles. In 1673, French explorers Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet composed a map that located a Missouri Indian village at the Great Bend of the Missouri River.
Van Meter State Park features remnants of this early village site. A hand-dug earthwork, known as the Old Fort and
several burial mounds lie within park boundaries. The area?s Native American history is also interpreted inside the park?s visitor center through exhibits and a large mural depicting the life of the Missouri Indians.
For outdoor enthusiasts, the park features hiking trails - 18-acre lake for fishing - campground and the Oumessourit Natural Area, which consists of a fresh-water marsh, fens and bottomland and upland forests. Picnic sites and two picnic shelters are nestled under lofty trees.
Trails
Van Meter State Park offers many recreational opportunities and historical interests. While enjoying the pleasing scenery and relaxed setting, visitors can get a closer look by taking a hike on one of six trails.
Lakeview Trail This .6-mile trail follows along the west shore of Lake Wooldridge.
Loess Hills Trail As this two-mile trail circles the lake, it passes through prairielike areas and dunelike loess soil of the Pinnacles.
Earthworks Trail Beginning in the day-use area, this 1.4-mile trail leads to Native American sites known as the Old Fort and Mound Field. It also winds up the Pinnacles and through the forested part of Oumessourit Natural Area.
Cemetery Trail This .25-mile trail takes visitors to the Vanmeter (historical spelling) family cemetery, which sits atop a hill alongside ancient Indian burial mounds.
Oumessourit Wetland Boardwalk Trail This .75-mile trail allows visitors to experience the wetland and bottomland forested areas of the Oumessourit Natural Area.
Missouri River Overlook This short trail (.16-mile) follows the ridge of a pinnacle and ends with a vista of the Missouri River bottoms, the river?s forested edge, crop fields and oxbow lakes.
Picnicking
Fishing and Hunting
Fishing
The gate at the base of the lake road closes at sunset.
Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
State fishing regulations apply and a state fishing permit is required.
See bulletin board for daily creel limits.
Use canoes or small boats with paddles, oars or electric trolling motors only.
Boat rentals are not available.
More Info
Department of Natural Resources, Information concerning state parks and state historic sites in
of Marshall on Hwy. 122 in Saline County Van Meter State Park was once the homeland of the Missouri
...artment of Natural Resources, Information concerning state parks and state historic sites in
Camping Van Meter State Park offers basic and electric campsites -vailable on a first-come
| Contact List | Committees | Documents | Mapping | Photo Gallery | Search | Links Van Meter State Park in northern Saline County has a variety of hiking trails, camping and important Native
...issouri State Park a few miles north of Marshall. The park encompasses 1000 acres, 506 of which were donated by Annie Van Meter in 1932 in memory of her dead husband -bel. Park Map Archeological
Meter State Park Cemetery Abel James and Anna Marie (Pittman) Vanmeter. They were married December 10, 1885. He was born September 11, 1834 and died July 12, 1920. She was born July 7, 1863
Meter State Park Miami, Missouri Mailing Address Rt 1, Box 47 Miami, MO 65344 Contact Phone 660-886-7537 Museum Staff Position Name Phone Superintendent 660-886-7537 Posted 02/16/01 Last
...shall, MO bed & breakfast, Oliver Homestead Bed and Breakfast Inn offers period
College, Jim the Wonder Dog Memorial Park, Van Meter State Park, Santa Fe Trail and
historic Arrow Rock
Area Attractions
Camping
Van Meter State Park offers basic and electric campsites -vailable on a first-come, first-served basis. Services include modern restrooms, showers and water. The showerhouse is closed Oct. 15 through April 30.
Cutting and collecting firewood is not allowed in the park. Firewood is available for sale. Quiet hours are from 10 p.m. to 6 p.m.
Van Meter State Park