Planning a Visit:  Most Frequently Asked Questions:

What is there to do at Shaw Nature Reserve?

In addition to walking or hiking, first time visitors will want to visit the Bascom House, a stately brick home built in 1879 and now completely restored.  It houses People on the Land exhibit which recounts the changing story of human interaction with the land of the middle Meramec River Valley through 12,000 years of human occupation.

The Whitmire Wildflower Garden, adjoining the Bascom House,  is the home to hundreds of Missouri native wildflowers and other plants displayed in natural habitats, including a limestone glade, sandy pine savanna, prairie, meadow, woodland and wetland.  In addition, there is an exhibit of showy native species especially suited for home landscaping.  Many of the plants are labeled for easy identification.

There are 14 miles of hiking trails, and with the help of the trail map (PDF) a visitor can choose a short stroll or hikes of several miles.

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What should I bring?

According to the season, you may want to consider bringing a water bottle(s), sun screen, hat, insect repellant, sun glasses.  Comfortable walking shoes are always in order.  Because visiting the Reserve is somewhat like visiting a state park, you may want to pack a picnic or some snacks in your day pack.

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What can I see from my car?

The .8 mile Pinetum Loop Road is open to cars daily.  Groves of evergreens dot the landscape and beautiful, majestic bald cypress reflect in the four acre Pinetum Lake.   In spring thousands of daffodils cover the rolling meadows of this park-like area. 

From April through November, Monday through Thursday only, you can drive the 3 mile Trail House Loop Road past woodlands, tallgrass prairie and wetlands. According to the season, you will see spring wildflowers, dogwood and redbud in bloom, the prairie in brilliant colors of summer, and the reds and yellows of the woodlands and prairie in the fall.

Please note, the 3 mile drive is open to cars 8:00 A.M.- 4:00 A.M., Monday through Thursday only - - never on weekends or holidays.

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May I bicycle on the grounds?

We welcome bicycles at the Nature Reserve, but we ask that you bike on the service roads only.  There are approximately 6 miles of gravel service roads.  At major trail heads, there are bike racks where you can leave you bicycle and take a hike.

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What areas are wheelchair accessible?

The Bascom House is wheelchair accessible, as are the restrooms in the house.  The Whitmire Wildflower Garden is also wheelchair accessible; however,  in addition to paved paths, some of the paths in the garden are of wood chips and therefore more difficult to negotiate in a wheelchair.

The glade overlook  (in the vicinity of the Trail House) is down a 50 yard path of finely crushed gravel.   The parking lot for the glade overlook is accessible by car, Mondays through Thursdays, April through November.

The Nature Reserve has two heavy duty wheelchairs available for visitors to use at no cost.  When you register at the Visitor Center upon your arrival, we will arrange for you to get a wheelchair. 

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Can I use a stroller on the paths?

The larger and thicker the tires of a stroller, the smoother the ride on the SNR's paths. The Whitmire Wildflower Garden and the Bascom House are easily managed with all types of strollers, but we recommend large tires on hiking trails.  Most hikers choose to use a backpack carrier for real hiking.  There are two heavy duty jogging strollers available to rent for $3.00.

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Are there eating facilities on the grounds or restaurants nearby?

The Nature Reserve itself has no food concession, but in Pacific (4 miles) there are fast food opportunities and several restaurants.  The towns of Labadie (6 miles) and Washington (8 miles) draw many visitors with their restaurants and antique shops. Nearby Restaurants.  The Nature Reserve has two picnic areas: one near the Visitor Center and one at the Trail House.  Although there is no grilling on the grounds, we do encourage visitors to brings picnics and snacks to enjoy in this beautiful setting.

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Is it possible for an individual to join a guided tour of the Nature Reserve? 

Yes.

  • We offer adult group tours by reservation only. 
  • Although we do not have guided tours on a daily basis, on most weekends in May and in mid-September - October, we offer all visitors (individuals, families, etc.) the opportunity to have a narrated tour on the Wilderness Wagon at $1.00 each.  Please call the Nature Reserve (636/451-3512) to confirm the wagon schedule for Saturdays and Sundays in May, September and October.  These informal tours are on a first-come basis.

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Do you have any programs for girl or boy scouts?

Please refer to Education Programs, Self Guided Interpretive Trail.

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