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      Some of the best parks in Missouri are located right here.
What to Do

The Defiance area contains some of the most beautiful countryside in the entire state, and some of the best parks.  Come enjoy the history, wilderness and splendor of our parks while hiking, biking, and exploring.

Katy Trail State Park
Klondike Park

The park is the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project, stretching from the Machens to Clinton. There are tree-shaded areas, open fields, impressive Missouri River bluffs and quaint communities along the way. With frequent trailheads and information about the areas you are visiting, the Katy has enough diversity, beauty and access for anyone.

Weldon Spring Area

This 8,400 acre conservation area is mostly forested but also contains pasture, cropland, wetlands, glades, and limestone cliffs and bluff escarpments.  Facilities include a boat ramp with MO river access, hiking trails, and fishable lakes and ponds (51 acres total). Katy Trail State Park passes through the area, and Hamburg Trail links the Katy Trail to the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

Daniel Boone Home

The Daniel Boone Home, now managed, supported and developed by the St. Charles County Parks Department, offers a wealth of unique historical and learning experiences that can be enjoyed by the whole family.  The home has a number of special events throughout the year, and has rental facilities for special events, weddings, and other gatherings.  

Once the site of an old silica sand quarry, the area has been preserved and turned into beautiful parkland. A unique lookout bluff provides picturesque views of the Missouri River Valley, with 250 acres of scenic property, featuring more than four miles of natural and paved trails for hiking and biking.

Busch Wildlife Area

Home to the MO Dept. of Conservation regional office, this area includes a visitor center. With hiking trails and numerous hunting and fishing opportunities, the area is also your local connection to Missouri’s fish, forests, and wildlife.  Stop by for a fishing/hunting license, and stay to enjoy the exhibits, including a 1,300-gallon aquarium. Catch one of our free nature programs, go for a hike, enjoy a picnic, or wet a line in some of our 32 fishable lakes and ponds.

O'Day Adventure Park

The newest gem, is nestled in the countryside just off Highway DD. The 57-acre park offers the area's first adventure playground, a truly unique play experience for kids of all ages. All this, plus miles of paved and natural paths (some paths are still in development). Group camping for Scout and youth groups also is available.

Matson Hill Park

With 475 acres of rugged, heavily forested parkland, it has become the area's number one hiking and biking destination. Offering more than six miles of natural surface trails, this historical property is situated in the "Daniel Boone Region" and is perfect for any outdoor getaway or retreat. The Historic Hays Home is now open!

Broemmelsiek Park

This park features 494 acres of natural beauty, is equipped several large lakes for fishing and more than seven miles of multi-use trails for hiking, biking, and equestrian use! It also features a 4.5 acre Off-Leash Dog Area with a large pond for dogs to splash around and play in. There is a an Astronomy Viewing Area. Every Friday night, weather permitting, the skies come alive as members of ASEM offer public viewings, beginning at dusk. The historic Broemmelsiek home is being transformed into a day-use visitors center

New Melle Lakes Park

This new park offers a championship Disc Golf Course and paddling rentals for your lake adventures. Nearly four miles of paved trails are available for hiking and biking. The adjacent property off Highway Z offers 1 mile of natural surface trails.
A 25-acre lake and multiple smaller lakes and ponds are available for catch-and-release fishing. Fishing is regulated by Missouri state laws.

Parks & Recreation
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