Day Trip to Jefferson County
If you’ve ever wanted to take your kids on a day trip to get out of the house, but couldn’t think of a place to go, I’ve got a suggestion in Jefferson County that is both historical and fun.
From St. Louis, take a drive South on Interstate 55 to exit #180 (Highway Z) at Pevely and head East to US Highway 61-67 and head South to Joachim Avenue and turn Left. Stay to the left as Joachim Street heads down the hill to the right then turn Left at Dunklin Drive. At the end of the short street is a parking lot on the left where you can park for a spell. Walk toward the Mississippi River from there and watch the tugboats run up and down the river as you show your family the grave of Missouri’s fifth Governor, Daniel Dunklin.
From there, get back to US Highway 61-67 and head South. Drive toward Hillsboro on Highway A just South of Festus to Old Highway 21 then turn South and drive to Main Street of Hillsboro and see our County Courthouse. Down the hill past the courthouse on the left is the home of Thomas Fletcher, the 18th Governor of Missouri. Back to Highway 21, head North past Old Lemay Ferry Road and turn on Goldman Road. Turn Right and head South on Old Lemay Ferry Road to see the covered bridge built in 1872. There’s a great little park there where you can eat a sack lunch or use one of the bar-b-que grills.
While you’re out, you might as well check out the skate park off of Highway 30. If that interests the kids, drive North on Highway 21 to Highway MM and head West. Drive just West of Highway 30 about 1/4 mile and turn left on Byrnesville Road. The skate park is on the left a mile or two down the road. Or, if they would prefer a quick swim, head North on US Highway 21 and exit at Highway 141 then make a left and pull into Springdale Park. For $7.00 each of you can claim a spot in the park and take a refreshing dip in the pool.
Michael Elfrank
314-651-6297