Maramec Spring Park is one of the most beautiful spots to be found in Missouri. The Park contains the fifth largest spring in the state. An average of 100 million gallons of water flows from the Spring daily. Maramec Spring Park contains 1,860 acres of forest and fields. The 200 acre public use area of the Park provides many amenities and activities for visitors such as a cafe, store, camping, wildlife viewing, fish feeding, picnicking, shelters, playgrounds and fishing. The Meramec River, a clear calm Ozark stream, flows through the park providing excellent fishing. Maramec Spring Park is privately owned and operated by The James Foundation. The James Foundation is a non-profit organization incorporated in the State of Missouri.
Ownership and Access: The James Foundation, part of the New York Community Trust. Maramec Spring Park is open to visitors for a nominal fee, and features the spring, historical exhibits relating to the iron works days, and stocked trout fishing.
Trout fishing is permitted in accordance with the state wildlife code and posted restrictions daily from March 1 through Oct. 31, and during the winter catch-and-release season from the second Friday in November to the second Monday in February. Unlike other parks, Maramec is open seven days a week during the winter catch-and-release season.
Anglers need a fishing permit, unless exempt, as well as a daily trout tag. The daily trout tag is $3 for adults and $2 for those 15 and younger.
| March | 6:30* 7:30** | 6:00* 7:00** |
| April | 7:00 | 7:30 |
| May | 6:30 | 8:15 |
| June/July | 6:30 | 8:30 |
| August | 7:00 | 8:00 |
| September | 7:30 | 7:15 |
| October | 7:30 | 6:30 |
* - Central Standard Time
** - Daily Light Saving Time
Unlike the other trout parks in Missouri there are no specific zones for different baits in the park. The park does have a lot of power bait and eggs used by spin fishman. Although fly fishing is productive, it can be difficult when the park has a number of bait fisherman.
James Foundation Office: (573) 265-7124
8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Monday - Friday
Reception Building: (573) 265-7387
Maramec Museum: (573) 265-3527
Agriculture Museum: (573) 265-3837
In 1825 a band of Shawnee Indians traveled east to meet with the Great White Father in Washington. Along the way the group camped on grounds owned by Thomas James, a Chillicothe, Ohio banker and merchant. Their decorative face paint interested him very much. The Indians told Thomas of a great valley with tall trees, swift flowing waters and the rich, colored earth used to paint the markings on their faces.
Upon their return trip from Washington, the Indians invited Mr. James to journey west to see this valley and its' offerings. James sent Samuel Massey, his business partner, to inspect the hematite mine and enormous spring. His favorable report led to the construction of the Maramec Iron Works in 1826.
In 1843 Thomas James sent his son, William, to manage the Maramec Iron Works. He remained there until operations ceased and the Iron Works closed in 1876. At its peak, the company town had an estimated population of over 500.
Accessible ore, water power, and an abundant hardwood forest used for charcoal made the valley an advantageous site. However, the remoteness of markets and insufficient modes of transportation were major challenges for Thomas to overcome in his efforts to successfully operate the Iron Works.
In the early days Maramec iron was used for kettles, plows, and other utensils that could be hauled in wagons. Eventually products such as bar and pig iron were floated down the Meramec and Gasconade Rivers to Pittsburgh and Cincinnati. When the railroad arrived, the iron-laden oxen teams traveled to stops at St.James and Gray Summit to use this new form of shipping.
By the Middle 1850's, modernized hot-blast furnaces, coke fuel, and the opening of Sault Ste. Marie Canal were affecting the need for Maramec iron. Fortunately, the tremendous demands brought on by the Civil War helped keep the Maramec Iron Works in business until 1876 when the furnaces finally grew cold.
Following the death of William James in 1912, His granddaughter, Lucy Wortham James, acquired ownership of Maramec Spring along with the forest and farmlands surrounding it in 1920. Upon her death in 1938, she made her residuary estate a part of a Trust and authorized creation of the James Foundation.
To her executors she wrote:
"As this is considered to be the most beautiful spot in Missouri, it is my great hope that you will arrange that it may ever be in private, considerate control, and ever open to the enjoyment of the people."
Suggestions only!
Great place to stop fishing for an hour and grab lunch.
Visit the museum and look at the many tools used in production of food.
The store has basic food items and fishing supplies.
| Feb. 11 | Winter Fishing Ends |
| Feb. 16 | Company Store Opens |
| Feb. 20 | Pick & Shovel Cafe Opens |
| Feb. 28 | Campground Opens |
| Mar. 01 | Trout Season Opens |
| Apr. 06 | Museums Open |
| May 18 | Kids Free Fishing Day |
| June 8-9 | Free Fishing Days |
| Sept.14 | Girls Gone Fishing |
| Oct.12-13 | Old Iron Works Days |
| Oct. 26 | Derby Day |
| Oct. 30 | Campground Closes |
| Oct. 31 | Company Store Closes |
| Oct. 31 | Pick & Shovel Cafe Closes |
| Oct. 31 | Trout Season Ends |
| Oct. 31 | Museums Close |
| Nov. 8 | Winter Fishing Begins |