Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
- Nature & parks
- In Bourbon, Missouri
- 4.0 mi from Route 66
Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area covers 859 acres in Bourbon, MO, about 3 miles off the old road and roughly 2.5 miles southwest of the town. Blue Springs Creek, which gives the area its name, winds through it for 3.7 miles before joining the Meramec River. For Route 66 travellers who fish or simply like quiet country, it is a peaceful rural detour with trout water and open land.
What is Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area?
Four springs, all on private land in its watershed, feed the creek, which flows across the conservation area to meet the Meramec at the eastern boundary. The stream is managed for rainbow trout.
The land itself is mostly forest, about 598 acres, with around 251 acres of grassland and 10 acres of glades, the open patches where rock lies close to the surface. Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer and squirrels are plentiful, and recent work focuses on improving habitat for quail. Visitors have a boat launch and three places to park. The mix of woods, grass and moving water makes it a varied place for a short outing.
History of Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
The Missouri Department of Conservation took over the original tract in 1983; it came from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. A second tract was added in 1992, bringing the area to its present size.
Visiting Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area: tips
Hunting and fishing are both allowed, as long as you follow state rules and carry the right permits. Others can simply look for wildlife and enjoy the creek; allow an hour or two. There is wheelchair access. With three parking areas spread around the property, it is easy to pick a spot close to the creek or the open grassland, depending on what you came for. The ghost town site of Vilander is about 2.9 miles away, Onondaga Cave State Park about 5 miles, and the Maj. Gen. William S. Harney Summer Home about 6 miles off.
Practical info
- Address
- Bourbon, MO 65441
- Phone
- +1 636-441-4554
- Hours
- We have no opening hours for this stop yet — check the official site.
- On site & nearby
Sources: OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL) · Wikidata · official site — may be outdated. Suggest a fix
On the map
Full mapBlue Springs Creek Conservation Area with the 6 closest stops. Tap a marker for details.
Tap a dot to see that stop here.
Stops near Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
All of Missouri2.9 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
5.0 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
6.0 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
7.3 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
7.4 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
7.4 mi from Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
Questions about Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area
Can you fish at Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area?
Yes. Fishing is permitted under state regulations, and the creek is managed with rainbow trout in mind.
How big is the area?
It covers 859 acres, mostly forest, with grassland and small glades.
Own or run Blue Springs Creek Conservation Area? Send us a photo or a correction.