One of the oldest Missouri Department of Conservation areas for forest and wildlife preservation, Rockwoods Reservation lives up to its reputation as a zenith for outdoor enthusiasts and naturalists. Its history tracks back to the 1700s when fur trappers passed through to sell their items to a "new settlement" called St. Louis.
Visitors will see remnants of former lime kilns, mining, and quarrying, admist butterfly gardens, prairie fields and feeding birds.
The Conservation Education Center on the property houses exhibits about the state's fish, forests and wildlife. It makes an excellent field trip for scout troops, school groups and other organizations. Advanced registration is preferred.
The Lewis & Clark Boat House and Nature Center is located on South Riverside Drive, just east of Main Street. Since 1985, it has served as an educational facility concentrating on exhibits that relate to the Lewis and Clark expedition that occurred in 1804. In fact, its current location is located near the camp site that Lewis and Clark used during their expedition.
Inside and outside of the Boat House, guests can learn about life in the early 19th century. Replicas of boats, homes, campsites and the Missouri River ecosystem are on display. The house is operated by the Discovery Expedition, a non-profit company that promotes the education and study of American history.
