Spread across 2,400 acres (971 hectares) in Franklin County, Missouri, is the beautiful Shaw Nature Reserve. As a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, this nature reserve is nearly a century old and is a habitat for many native plant and wildlife. By means of its vast 17 miles (27 kilometres) long network of hiking trails, gardens, buildings, educational centres, and natural areas, it presents visitors with an unparalleled opportunity to experience nature. Attractions here include the extensive glade, prairie, wetlands, woodlands, Whitmire Wildflower Garden, walking and hiking trails, picnic areas and a number of historic buildings like Bascom House, Sod House, Martiz Trail House, etc. that are located within the nature reserve premises. To make the most of your visit, take a look at our guide to Shaw Nature Reserve, Missouri.
Things to do / Highlights
Walk or hike along the many trails
One of the most popular things to do here is to go for a walk or a hike along one of the many trails crisscrossing the reserve. Brush Creek Trail, Prairie Trail, Wolf Run Trail, Wetland Trail, Wildflower Trail, etc. are well-known trails, all ranging in length from 0.75 miles (0.8 kilometre) to 2.5 miles (4 kilometres). All these trails cross a variety of areas like wetlands, prairies, forests, river, rocky glades, and offer panoramic views of the surrounding areas. Many of these trails are suitable for families with small children, too.
Visit the stunning Whitmire Wildflower Gardens
One of the highlights of the nature reserve, Whitmire Wildflower Gardens, is a place that showcases the stunning array of native plants that grow in the area by means of beautiful gardens that blossom with native wildflowers. Appreciate the natural landscapes as you walk through a native perennial garden, home gardening area, rock, water, prairie, rain, dry woodland, and patio gardens, and more.
See Sod House
Sod House is a sod brick house made by Nature Reserve staff and volunteers using the original building technique used by the pioneers who had no access to trees or rocks in the prairies. Visitors can get a glimpse into the life of Midwest pioneers in the 1800s by visiting Sod House.
What to eat
Hawthorne Inn
Grab a bite to eat at the casual and friendly Hawthorne Inn that is just a 10-minute drive away from the nature reserve. The restaurant serves excellent pasta and steaks, but several other crowd favourites like pork chops, seafood, chicken dishes, sandwiches, pizzas, and a full bar are also available here.
El Agave
For those looking for scrumptious Mexican fare, head on over to El Agave located at a six-minute drive from the nature reserve. In the beautifully decorated dining room of the restaurant, tuck into yummy fajitas, tacos, burritos and other Mexican favourites.
What to buy
Editor's Note: Photo taken from the establishment's official social account
Books, cards, and calendars
At the gift shop and book store located in the Visitor Centre of the nature reserve, you can buy several nature science books, field identification guides, greeting cards, nature-themed calendars, etc. These make wonderful gifts for friends or family who are nature lovers.
Native plants
Those with a green thumb will be delighted to know that the gift shop also sells a variety of seed packets of native plant species like prairie flowers and grasses. Native plants are also available for purchase at specific times during the year.
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Travelers tips
Wheelchair accessibility
Several areas of the nature reserve like Whitmire Wildflower Garden, Bascom House, Glassberg Family Pavilions, Maritz Trail House and Crescent Knoll Overlook are accessible by wheelchair and the popular Wetland Trail is ADA-approved. Restrooms throughout the area are wheelchair accessible. In addition to that, the nature reserve also has two heavy-duty wheelchairs that visitors can borrow at no extra cost.
Restrictions
Due to the sensitive wildlife and plant habitats, many restrictions are in place at this nature reserve. Visitors are prohibited from touching or collecting any natural items like pine cones, wildflowers, etc. from the nature reserve. Fishing, swimming, or hunting is prohibited too. Pets are not allowed on the grounds with the exception of service animals on a leash. Visitors are required to picnic in designated areas only.
Ticks and poison ivy warnings
Poison ivy and stinging nettle grow in the nature reserve and should be watched out for if you are allergic. It is best to stick to the trails to avoid them. Ticks and chiggers are also present here and can be avoided by refraining from touching vegetation and using an insect repellant.
How to get there
Self-drive
Driving is the best and probably the only way to reach this nature reserve. Driving directions are easy since it is located on the Interstate 44 (I-44) in Gray Summit, Missouri. The nature reserve is conveniently located about 32 miles (51 kilometres) away from the city of St. Louis, which is an easy 30 to 40 minutes’ drive away.
Parking information
Parking is available at several locations across the nature reserve, especially near the Visitor Centre, Pinetum Lake, Bascom House, Maritz Trail House, and Wetland Trail Head.
How to get tickets
Starting tomorrow, April 1, we will be open from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Enjoy the Nature Reserve during our extended hours!
Posted by Shaw Nature Reserve on Sunday, 31 March 2019
Like most other nature parks in the US, tickets to Shaw Nature Reserve too can be bought at the park itself. Admission is free for members and ticket prices for non-members are also quite reasonable. However, there may be a special admission charge for certain events taking place in the nature reserve. Further details about their admission policy are available here
Shaw Nature Reserve information
Shaw Nature Reserve
Address: 307 Pinetum Loop Rd, Gray Summit, MO 63039, United States
Opening hours: Septemeber - March: 8am - 5pm (daily); April - August: 8am - 8pm (daily)
Cost: 5 USD
Official Website: Shaw Nature Reserve
Department of tourism: Visit Missouri
History
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