Missouri Historic Scenic Auto Tours Drives, Trail of Tears, Route 66

Enjoy one of Missouri's scenic and historic auto route trails on your way or
during your stay. The Trail of Tears, Historic Route 66 and the historic drive
through Maramec Spring Park are conveniently located nearby.

Travel back in time on this historic auto trail that provides a breathtaking view of the Meramec River Valley, passes
by the Maramec Village Cemetery and transects a portion of the Trail of Tears. The open pit iron mine is accessible
via a short foot trail near the end of the auto route. The Massey (or Maramec) Iron Works was the first successful iron
works west of the Mississippi River and operated here from 1826 to 1876. Maramec Spring Park is a scenic 28 mile
drive from ArdPark Cabins.

In 1825 the U.S. government formally adopted a policy to remove American Indians. That policy was extensively
carried out in the 1830s. Primarily the Cherokees, Chickasaws, Choctaws, Creeks, and Seminoles were driven from
their homes, herded into internment camps, and moved by force to a strange land. They were not guaranteed equal
protections under the law and they could not prevent whites from seizing their lands. To increase public awareness
of their heritage, many Cherokees have advocated the designation of the Trail of Tears as a national historic trail.
Guests can access the Trail of Tears auto route from the exact location of ArdPark Cabins and campground on
Highway 8. The National Park Service provides an Interactive Map of the Trail of Tears depicting this historic auto
trail in its entirety. Two significant landmarks can be visited along this auto route, the Massey Iron Works at
Maramec Spring Park and the Snelson-Brinker Cabin, both of which are within 30 minutes from ArdPark.

Beginning in Chicago, Illinois and ending in Santa Monica, California, historic Route 66
transects 8 states and spans 2,448 miles. St. Louis, Missouri is the largest city in between.
Historic Route 66 no longer appears on modern day road maps but it remains bright in the
public eye. A mainstay stop along historic Route 66 is Cuba, Missouri. The Missouri
legislature has named Cuba the "Route 66 Mural City." ArdPark is just 25 miles from this
friendly town where visitors can view 12 outdoor murals from their car, see an 1873 train
replica and a non-operating 1930s Phillips 66 station in the Viva Cuba Garden, visit a
chocolate bar and much more. Each year on the third weekend in July drivers can watch the
Crawford County Fair parade as it moves along old Route 66 and guests traveling through
St. Louis to or from ArdPark Cabins may enjoy a stop at the Route 66 State Park in Eureka,
Missouri. Visit the Route 66 Association of Missouri website for more information.

If you simply want to take a beautiful drive that doesn't take all day, you must experience Highway Y. We
self-proclaim Highway Y to be one of the most beautiful, peaceful rides that all driving enthusiasts will appreciate.
Driven by vehicle or motorcycle, the trip down Highway Y is certain to please. Beginning at ArdPark Cabins and
ending in Viburnum, Highway Y winds nicely, has very little traffic or homes and meanders through many miles of
scenic, untouched Mark Twain National Forest. This trip is gorgeous all year long!