Missouri Route 185: Meramec State Park to Sullivan

Take a peaceful backroad journey through Missouri’s rolling hills as we follow Missouri Route 185 from the gates of Meramec State Park into the town of Sullivan. This short but charming 3.5-mile drive carries us from the dense woodlands of a beloved Ozark park to the historic heart of a Route 66 community, offering a snapshot of both nature’s tranquility and small-town life in just a few minutes’ time.

Our journey begins at the entrance to Meramec State Park, a gem of the Missouri state park system nestled along the Meramec River. The park itself is known for its caves, bluffs, and shaded campgrounds—and as we turn north onto Route 185, the forested surroundings remind us just how close we are to the wilder side of the Ozarks. The road climbs gently out of the river valley, the thick trees arching overhead as we drive under a canopy of oak and hickory. Just a short way up, we pass the junction with one of several Missouri 185 Spur routes, which snake off into the depths of the park’s campgrounds and river access points. These spurs are remnants of a time when access roads were more about facilitating exploration than fast travel.

As we continue northward, the trees begin to thin, and the character of the road shifts from wilderness to rural edge. Rolling hills give way to grassy fields, and the subtle signs of approaching town emerge. Just beyond the treeline lies the Sullivan Country Club, a quiet but well-maintained golf course that marks the outskirts of the community. Here, Route 185 begins to pick up more traffic and structure, with modest homes and local businesses appearing alongside the roadway. The road flattens as it enters Sullivan proper, and before long, we reach a historic crossroad of American travel: Springfield Street—better known to many as Historic Route 66.

We end our drive by turning west onto Springfield Street, joining the famed Mother Road that once carried thousands of dreamers and travelers through Missouri on their way west. While this short stretch of Route 185 may not make headlines, it connects the serene riverfront of Meramec State Park with the history-laden corridors of Route 66—linking nature, nostalgia, and neighborhood in just a few scenic miles. For those who prefer their journeys with a little less speed and a little more soul, this humble route delivers a welcome pause between destinations.