Van Meter State Park

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park features remnants of the Missouria Indian village that sat at the Great Bend of the Missouri River, marked on a map by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673. A hand-dug earthwork -- Old Fort -- and several burial mounds lie within the park’s boundaries. The state’s Indian history is interpreted in displays and exhibits at the park’s Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park features hiking trails and an 18-acre fishing lake. Trails lead visitors through the Oumessourit Natural Area with views of the freshwater marsh and through bottomland and upland forests. The park’s lofty trees shade picnic sites, picnic shelters and a campground.

Camping

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park offers basic and electric campsites.

To make a reservation or view campsite details, photos and availability, go to the reservation website by clicking the “Make a Reservation Now” link below. Reservations may also be made by calling toll free 877-ICampMO (877-422-6766).

Picnic Area

Under lofty trees sit picnic sites, a playground and two picnic shelters.

PICNIC SHELTERS
The shelters can be reserved for $35 per day, making the park a great place for large gatherings of family and friends.

Shelter 1 can accommodate approximately 96 people and has electricity, two fireplaces and an outdoor grill. A water hydrant can be found north of the shelter at the water fountain.
Shelter 2 can accommodate approximately 35 people and has electricity, two fireplaces and one group grill. A water fountain is nearby.

PLAYGROUND
Playground equipment is available in the picnic area.

Fishing

Cast your line into the 18-acre Lake Wooldridge.

The gate at the base of the lake road closes at sunset.
Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
State fishing regulations apply and a state fishing permit is required.
See bulletin board for daily creel limits.
Use canoes or small boats with paddles, oars or electric trolling motors only. Boats may be carried from the parking lot down the Loess Hills Trail .25 miles to the Lake Wooldridge dam.
Boat rentals are not available.
November through March - The road to Lake Wooldridge is closed.

Boating

You can launch canoes or small boats with paddles, oars or electric trolling motors onto Lake Wooldridge from the dam, which is situated .25-mile down Loess Hills Trail.