Missouri Route 185: Sullivan to Meramec State Park

Take a short but scenic drive into the Missouri Ozarks as we travel south along Missouri Route 185 from the town of Sullivan to the welcoming gates of Meramec State Park. This 3.5-mile stretch might be brief, but it offers a charming glimpse of the shifting landscape from town to forested retreat—ushering us from golf courses and gas stations to the wild tranquility of one of Missouri’s most beloved state parks.

We begin our journey turning off Springfield Street—the historic alignment of Route 66—and onto Missouri Route 185 in the Oak Grove Village area of Sullivan. Immediately, we find ourselves in a transitional zone where suburban and rural elements blend together. To our right lies the Sullivan Country Club, a green oasis that hints at the recreational richness of this part of Franklin County. Just beyond it, the town begins to recede. Gas stations give way to glimpses of hardwood trees, and the road bends gently southward, preparing us for the landscape ahead.

As we leave the last vestiges of Sullivan behind, Route 185 straightens into a more rural character. The terrain becomes increasingly wooded, the road flanked by tall trees that hint at the deeper forest we’re about to enter. The pavement here is smooth and lightly traveled—ideal for a leisurely drive or motorcycle cruise. A mile or so in, we encounter a junction with MO-185 Spur, a brief connector that loops into the day-use areas of the park. From here on, the road begins to feel more like an approach rather than a thoroughfare—narrower, quieter, and enveloped in shade.

Finally, after a few curves and gentle descents, we reach the main entrance to Meramec State Park, marked by a prominent sign and a second MO-185 Spur that leads deeper into the park’s interior. Just past this intersection, we find ourselves at the gates, welcomed by the park’s stonework arch and ranger station. Inside lies a wonderland of hiking trails, caves, river access, and scenic overlooks. Our short drive ends here, but for visitors seeking outdoor adventure, natural beauty, or just a peaceful escape, this road is only the beginning.