shaw nature reserve

ballmom1

Shaw's Nature Reserve is a quiet place to walk and unwind. Good weekend or evening activity selection. Check out their calendar on the web site for special activities. Great place to visit along with Purina Research Farm; they are about five minutes apart to drive.

bettibMissouri

Shaw nature reserve is a great way to enjoy nature. Beautiful native plants and flowers. Great hiking trails. A great way to spend an afternoon or the whole day for that matter!

MaureenG349

I was there with granddaughters for just a couple hours and enjoyed a replica sod house, serpentine wall, well maintained trails (vehicles allowed some trails, some days) through glades of wildflowers, pines, and overlooks. Will have to go back to see the Boscom House. www.shawnature.org

BigBudde

We love coming here for a nice trail hike. Its' not far from St. Louis, and a beautiful place! Come in the spring or summer, and take the 'Wildflower Trail' all the way down to the Meremac River! Then you can cool off in the river, and walk back. Bring some water and a lunch! Also, there is a small fee to get in, but it is worth it, because they really maintain the trails and flowers very well.

SethS121

We have walked the trails, ridden bikes throughout the park, enjoyed classes and the biannual prairie days at this gem of a nature park. In the spring, you will find many families out with cameras taking family portraits among the thousands of daffodils. They host hay rides and nature classes too. Prairie days takes you back in time and is fun for the whole family.

kai_oh

This beautiful serene preserve has a small fee, but if you are a member of the Botanical Garden it is free. It is worth the cost just for the natural gardens here. The paths are clear, yet retain their natural beauty. You can come for a 20 minute walk or stay for an entire day of nature exploring. You can be so captivated by the scenery - that how you get back to your car might be a challenge. Map or breadcrumbs?? Breadcrumbs to find your way back are not a good idea because (1) not great for the ecosystem, and (2) they may be gobbled up by the wonderful natural wildlife. So be sure to pick up a map.

73michael2z

This is the fifth time I have visited the Nature Center. Ever time I go their is something else to see and do. The trails are well marked, easy to fine and locate. Not very difficult to walk.

KiteGirl78

I am a member of the Missouri Botanical Garden and spend a lot of time at Shaw's. Great for a hike in the woods, nature photography, or just getting away.

Cruisimel80

Frequented by locals for Photo Ops and recreation. There are some wonderful trails and beautiful scenery! The park is kept up well and in the past 5 years has had some really fun and educational updates!

SmokeyBlueTulle

I recently visited this reserve with 11 others interested in Horticulture. We were able to spend the night in one of the cabins. The cabins were gorgeous! Nicely air conditioned (for the 109 degree temps!). The wood furnishings and floor were immaculate! The accommodations were that of a typical lodge with bunks, etc. It was not fancy or plush, but gorgeous and serene! We took a jaunt and visited the children's garden. I would describe it more of a play area. However, it was one of my favorite parts of the Reserve. It included chairs carved from stumps. A homemade marimba. Hollow logs to climb through. A dried tree to climb. And so much more! If you have children and need to stretch their imaginations and legs, this is the place to go!We also had the pleasure of a tour of the wetlands by their biologist, James! Talk about a man that knows his stuff and can bring it to the level of everyone! Request him to show you around! He is a keeper!

NancyG869

I hike here all the time. Membership is $45 a year for miles of trails and solitude. In the spring, thousands of daffodil blooms cover the hlls. There is a wetlands trail, a trail along the Meramec River, and plenty of trails through prairie and woods.

maureen_bailey

Very nice nature preserve with relaxing trails - easy to get to from Hwy 44. Staff is very courteous & knowledgeable.

LW637

No overly tended gardens. Natural beauty of Missouri's native plants on hills, fields, woods. Excellent and close to interstate, not far from bustle of suburbs.

readytotravel95

The Shaw Nature Reserve has a wide variety of things to do that most people would enjoy, I believe. You can spend hours hiking the extensive grounds, or drive thru and enjoy the sites. There is also a museum and gift shop. I love this area in all seasons, also enjoy going to the special events they hold.

DR0b

Outstanding area for hiking. Nice, well marked, trails.