Highway 94 is well-known in Missouri for being incredibly scenic as it meanders through hills and river bottoms along the Missouri River.
There are historic sites, access points to the Katy Trail, charming towns, and wineries along this route.
However, one of my favorite spots along Highway 94 is the site of a former silica mine in St. Charles County.
Nestled in between Augusta and Defiance, Klondike Park is a true natural wonder. The park is what remains of the Klondike Sandstone Quarry which dates back to the 1890s.
Quarry operations ceased in the early 1980s and the land was acquired by St. Charles County in 1999.
To this date, fine white silica sand can be found within the park, especially near the main lake which is one of the park’s original quarries.
While swimming is not allowed in the park’s lakes, one can always take a kayak or paddleboard out on the water.
Visitors do not even have to bring their own watercraft, because there is a self-serve equipment rental station on site via ipaddleport.
Hiking, fishing, birdwatching, picnicking, and letting the kids hit the playground are all enjoyable activities within the park.
Yet, there’s one feature that makes the park even more unique when compared to other county parks in Missouri — they offer camping.
Tent campsites run $10 per night with a maximum of two tents and six guests per site.
Each site has a table and fire ring. A total of 43 campsites are available at Klondike Park.
They also have six primitive camping cabins available for $65 a night with a two-night minimum stay for up to six guests. If you plan to stay, make sure you pack your own linens.
To camp within the park there is an online reservation system you can access through the St. Charles County Parks Department or you can call their office during typical business hours at (636) 949-7535.
For campers, there is also a shower house on-site along with other amenities that make an overnight stay at Klondike Park an easier experience than totally “roughing it.”
Beyond the outdoor adventure opportunities and stunning natural views at Klondike, there’s also something for individuals seeking to access their more creative side.
“The Creative at Klondike” is located within the park and is open to the public Friday-Sunday, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.
If you’d like to learn more before visiting, I highly recommend visiting their website — www.thecreativeatklondike.org — to discover more about their mission, items you can expect to see on display and for sale, as well as their course offerings and events.
Last year I was able to attend a guest artist lecture and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.
Klondike Park has a multitude of opportunities for recreation and relaxation within its beautiful 250 acres. I hope you’ll consider visiting it in person.
(Michelle Turner lives in Union, Mo., and can be reached at mkdesignsphoto@gmail.com.)
