Looking for a family-friendly getaway just outside St. Louis? Head to Eureka! Nestled along the Meramec River, Eureka is home to thrills, nature, and small-town charm. From roller coasters and riverside trails to boutique shops and classic diners, it’s a perfect mix of excitement and relaxation.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Eureka is from late spring through fall (April through October). Warm weather makes it ideal for outdoor adventures, theme park visits, and riverside fun. Fall offers beautiful foliage and fewer crowds.
How to Get There
- If you are traveling by car: Eureka is located off I-44, about 30 minutes southwest of downtown St. Louis.
- By Air: The closest airport is St. Louis Lambert International Airport (STL), about 40 minutes away by car.
- By Train: Amtrak serves Kirkwood Station (20 minutes from Eureka), and rental cars or rideshares are available from there.
Where to Stay
- Holiday Inn at Six Flags – Convenient location right by the park with family-friendly amenities and an indoor pool.
- Super 8 by Wyndham Eureka/Six Flags – Budget-friendly option close to attractions and local restaurants.
- Nearby Vacation Rentals – Great for families or longer stays with scenic views and home comforts.
Top Attractions
⮕ Explore Historic Highway Lore at Route 66 State Park
Route 66 State Park is a 419-acre park located on the Meramec River, about a mile from Eureka, at the site of the former resort town of Times Beach, Missouri. After the Environmental Protection Agency discovered that the town was contaminated with dioxin, the town and the surrounded area were bought, dismantled and decontaminated. Today, wild grasses and thick brush grow where once were evacuated homes. What were once the town streets are now the park trails. The visitor center is occupying the old Bridgehead Inn on the east side of the Meramec River. The park has a boat ramp, a picnic area and a network of trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding. The visitor center offers informative exhibits about the ecological disaster in the area and 20 years of cleanup.
Eureka, Missouri
⮕ Ride Coasters and Make Memories at Six Flags St. Louis
Six Flags St. Louis, previously called Six Flags Over Mid-America, is a historic amusement and theme park located in Eureka, Missouri opened in 1971. The park includes hundreds of roller coasters, rides and family attractions. It is owned and operated by Six Flags, and it was one of the company's three original theme parks. The park was a brainchild of the Six Flags founder Angus G. Wynne and was designed by Randall Duell. It consists of eight themed areas. Each area has many attractions, dining spots and live entertainment. Next to the park is Hurricane Harbor water park, free to access for the park guests. With many changes that the park underwent since its opening, many areas were replaced and new added. The main area today is 1904 World's Fair, named after the 1904 Louisiana Purchase Expo in St. Louis.
Eureka, Missouri, Phone: 636-938-5300
If you are traveling with kids:
⮕ Hike Scenic Trails at Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area
Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area, opened in 2012, is a 429-acre protected area in northwestern Jefferson County, Missouri, located between the town of Eureka and the Pacific. The land for the park was donated by the Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family and the Forest Legacy Program run by the U.S. Forest Service. The park was established to protect the water quality of LaBarque Creek, one of the highest quality water streams in the St. Louis area. The stream is home to more than 42 species of fish. There is an easy three- mile loop hiking trail and a half-mile trail around the Buder Lake. The lake is open to fishing. There is a lovely overlook above the Meramec River that offers a wonderful view of the area. There are five more ponds, but they have no fish. One of the most prominent features in the park is a limestone monument designed by Gail Cassilly, dedicated to the Glassberg family. No horses, bikes, cars or camping are allowed in the park.
Eureka, MO 63025, Phone: 636-458-2236
⮕ Learn About Wildlife Preservation at the Endangered Wolf Center
The Endangered Wolf Center is a non-profit facility in Eureka, Missouri, dedicated to the protection of the critically endangered species of wolves. The Center was founded by renowned naturalist Marlin Perkins and his wife Carol in 1971, when they realized that many species of wolves around the world were in danger of becoming extinct. The mission of the Center is to protect and preserve Mexican wolves, red wolves, and other wild canid species through managed breeding, reintroduction into the wild and public education programs. Red wolves born at the center have been reintroduced to North Carolina and Mexican wolves were reintroduced in Arizona and New Mexico. As of August 2016, the Center had six species of endangered canids: Mexican wolves, red wolves, maned wolves, African painted dogs, fennec foxes and swift foxes. The Center offers daytime public tours and evening wolf howls. Reservations are required.
6750 Tyson Valley Rd, Eureka, MO 63025, Phone: 636-938-5900
Must-see if you are a first-time visitor:
- Six Flags St. Louis – Experience roller coasters, water rides, games, and live shows at this popular amusement park.
- Downtown Eureka – Browse local shops, grab a bite, or enjoy seasonal festivals in a walkable downtown district.
- Brookdale Farms – Visit this seasonal attraction for fall pumpkin picking, corn mazes, events, and even weddings.
Where to Eat
- Sarah’s on Central – Local favorite for breakfast and brunch, known for comfort food and friendly service.
- O’Dell’s Irish Pub & Ale House – Laid-back pub with hearty fare, cold drinks, and live music nights.
- Joe Boccardi’s Ristorante – Family-style Italian dishes and pizza in a casual setting with outdoor seating.
If you are interested in local events:
- Eureka Days (September) – Celebrate with parades, fireworks, food vendors, and a carnival atmosphere downtown.
- Art and Wine Festival (Spring) – Enjoy local wines, handmade crafts, and live music in a relaxed park setting.
- Concerts at The Timbers (Summer) – Free outdoor music series with food trucks and family activities.
If you are looking for unique day trips within 30 Minutes of Eureka, Missouri:
- St. Louis (30 min) – Visit the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, the St. Louis Zoo, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
- Wildwood (15–20 min) – Explore scenic parks, local trails, and charming shops just west of Eureka.
- Pacific (10–15 min) – Discover Route 66 history, local cafés, and outdoor adventures like Shaw Nature Reserve.
- Castlewood State Park (20 min) – Hike blufftop trails, mountain bike, or relax by the Meramec River.
- Lone Elk Park (20 min) – Drive through this wildlife park to see bison, elk, deer, and more roaming free.
- Laumeier Sculpture Park (25 min) – Wander through over 70 outdoor sculptures on trails and lawns in nearby Sunset Hills.
FAQ:
-
Where is Eureka located?
- Eureka is a city in St. Louis County, Missouri, best known as the home of the popular amusement park Six Flags St. Louis.
-
What outdoor activities can visitors enjoy in Eureka?
- Surrounded by rolling hills and limestone cliffs, Eureka has miles of hiking trails and parks, including the famous Route 66 State Park, the site of the former town of Times Beach, which was destroyed during the dioxin decontamination.
-
What conservation areas are located in Eureka?
- The Myron and Sonya Glassberg Family Conservation Area protects clean water that supplies the city of St. Louis and is popular with fishermen and hikers.
-
What wildlife preservation efforts exist in Eureka?
- The Endangered Wolf Center protects endangered species of wolves.
Plan Your Trip