Shaw Nature Reserve

Wonderful natural area for walking and birding. Miles of trails go through varied topography of woodlands, prairies, hills, small lakes, and along the Meramec River. I took a sunny walk from the Brush Creek bridge to the Sod House through meadows filled with tall grasses and wildflowers, and saw a nesting pair of Orchard Orioles, Red-​Headed Woodpeckers, Eastern Bluebirds, Common Yellowthroat, and Eastern Meadowlark. Several buildings on the property house a visitor center and classrooms. It would be easy to spend half a day or more here.

Omg! Have you ever been here? It’s amazing! It’s like stepping back in time… pristine, untouched. Hawks above, bluebirds in the trees. I’m here after a fresh rain and everything is shimmery and blooming for spring. I see tons of wildflowers. So glad I decided to do this today, it’s about a half hour drive from Fenton. Lots of little antique stores to visit in Eureka too. I found a bench, I may never leave.

This is a beautiful place to immerse yourself in all the sounds, sights, and smells of nature. I visited the Shaw Nature Reserve for the first time earlier this month and I look forward to many more trips here.
The reserve is only about a 30 – 40 minute drive from St. Louis, depending on which part of the city you live in. It costs $ 5 per person or free if you’re a member of the Missouri Botanical Gardens. There’s a visitor’s center at the entrance where I spoke to a really helpful and passionate employee who pointed me in the direction of the daffodils (I wanted to take some photos) and recommended a hiking trail according to my preferences.
There are so many trails here that I would image it could take a full day or two to really explore them all. The landscape varies from meadows to a gravel bar at the Meramec River to prairie to woodlands /​forest with streams and ponds throughout. The hiking is fairly easy, although certain sections may be somewhat challenging for those who aren’t in the best shape (for example the bluff outlook area).
Restrooms, water fountains, and signage are all well-​placed and very helpful. There are a few locations with tables where picnicking is allowed, although you’re encouraged to bring water and snacks to eat on the trails (just clean up after yourself and don’t you dare think about littering!!!).
What I love best about the reserve is the way it really showcases nature. Hiking there allows you to see how the plants and animals are in their natural habitat. Don’t get me wrong, I love the Botanical Gardens with its manicured lawns and flowers and trees, but there’s just something special about seeing the world as it naturally is, you know, without too much human intervention.
It’s really worth the trip out there to check out this place. Make sure to wear comfy shoes and bring water. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

The wife and I visited the Shaw Nature Reserve on a beautiful spring day. It was packed, but the are is so big, it really doesn’t have much impact. This was my second visit, the first being maybe 12 years ago. The admission is $ 5 for non-​members. it’s easy to see what charging admission does for a place like this — they’ve done a lot of work on the trails isince my first vieit.
The scenery is kind of ordinary Missouri prairie and woods. There were tons of daffodils toward the front of the park, and I assume as spring goes into full swing, there will be lots more foliage popping up that was placed by the Botanical Garden people. A couple of other points of interest were the restored 1800’s farmhouse and a little sod cabin out in the middle of the prairie. The huge gravel bank along the Meramec River was also kind of cool and I’m sure will be quite beautiful once the leaves are in.
It’s a nice place to go for a long walk. The trails are good for beginners, mostly pretty flat or gently rolling hills. It will definitely be best in the fall. For us, there are other free trails that are closer to home and just as much fun, so we’re not likely to return any time soon.

Extensive trails and rustic facilities highlight this beautiful area. Just south of I-​44 you can get your fill of wildlife, trees, wetlands, and glades all in one place.

I second the original high rating. The only drawback for me is the $ 5/​person admission price BUT keep in mind that you could keep yourself busy here for an entire day so it’s a cheap date/​outing, to be sure.
For those in need of some solitude, beauty, trails, and woods close by the city, Shaw Nature Reserve is IT! Mom and I visited mid-​March and the blue bells were in their full glory, about a 1−½ mile hike in from Bascom House. Check with the visitor’s center (to pay, of course, and) because they can tell you where to look for the latest blossoms.
I’d like to return with bikes and a picnic to enjoy in one of the many bucolic fields. There are many gravel roads that you can bike. Note: you cannot bike on the hiking trails.

Beautiful nature reserve!!! Wonderful walking trails, parries, wooded areas, river, creeks, wetlands! Its just an amazing walking experience! Stop into the visitors center to get a custom map depending how much want to walk! I did 5 miles and saw a lot of stuff! Open every day from 7 a.m. til sunset! Located right on the corner of MO 100 (right off 44) and pinetum loop rd. (literally 1 minute off the highway). Friendly staff and expertly manicured, a must see for all those in St. Louis who have forgotten what nature looks like!