Meramec State Park

[5] In the late 1970s, as part of the Meramec Basin Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers began work on a dam in the park to impound the river.

The resulting reservoir would have permanently flooded much of the park and imperiled many different species, including the endangered Indiana bat.

However, in response to direct citizen action against the dam, the project was halted, marking a victory for the environmental movement.

[8][9] The Hamilton Iron Works Trail has interpretive signage about the history the blast furnace that once operated "around the clock, seven days a week.

"[10] In addition to cave tours, the park offers hiking trails, fishing, swimming and boating on the Meramec River, and a campground.