Jefferson County Parks are open for everyone to use and we hope that you enjoy your visit. From time to time, individuals require assistance. Park Rangers are present at many parks to provide that service. The Rangers have full police powers and will be present to make your parks safe. Your Parks and Recreation Department has the responsibility to provide you with safe and functional parks. Below are descriptions of some of the parks Jefferson County has to offer:

Big River Saddle Club
You are encouraged to attend any of the horse shows held at the Big River Saddle Club Horse Arena. If you own a horse, or enjoy watching horses, this facility is for your enjoyment. You can work your horse in the arena or show your stuff at one of the horse shows.

Brown's Ford
This facility will allow you to test your angler skills on the Big River. This area produces some of the best small mouth fishing in the state. So get your boat ready and your line wet to enjoy a wonderful day on the beautiful Big River.
If fishing is not your chosen form of recreation, but a float trip interests you, you can launch at the boat ramp and take a long, relaxing, scenic 18.3-mile trip down to Morse Mill Park. This is a long trip so start early to assure that you finish before dark.

Fletcher House
You can step back in time at the Fletcher House. Built in 1851 by Thomas E. Fletcher (Missouri's first native-born Governor, and Friend of the Sixteenth President, Abraham Lincoln), this structure provides a snap shot of Missouri's past. You can talk with Governor Fletcher, Mrs. Fletcher, President Lincoln, the housemaid, and the house cook at the annual Ghost Walk. This special event, held each October, is not a haunted house. It is designed to make the past come alive and to teach Missouri History.

Jefferson County Winter Park
If you enjoy a sandy beach, swimming and fun, you will enjoy Jefferson County Winter Park. Upon your arrival, you can select picnic tables over looking the Meramec River. Your view will allow you to survey the swimming area and the fast paced action of the personal watercrafts, powerboats and anglers. If this activity does not interest you, you can play volleyball on the sand pit volleyball court. Or, relax in the water as the waves of the Meramec River beat against the shore.

Morse Mill Park
The Big River is waiting for you at Morse Mill Park. Small Mouth Bass, Crappie, Catfish and other game fish are ready to test your angling skills. If fishing is not exciting for you, you can use the beach and watch the water shoot through the Old Mill Dam or you may use this location to launch your canoe or inner tube for a fun filled 10.9-mile float to Cedar Hill Park.

Pleasant Valley Park
If you like secluded areas, wild flowers, and wild life and walking trails, you will love Pleasant Valley Nature Preserve. This facility will allow you to use 40 acres, all devoted to the natural wild life. You can use the picnic facilities, playground, or trails. This is the location of several camps and special events conducted by Civic organizations. This facility is yours to use on a first come first serve basis. Contact the Park office for information.

Rockford Beach
When you want to spend a relaxing afternoon next to the Big River, this is the spot for you. A dam creates a cascading waterfall producing an environment that naturally relaxes you. The river is commonly used for fishing, swimming and boating. Picnic facilities will provide you with tables, grills and volleyball court. To challenge your angling skills, you may access the Big River by the concrete boat ramp on the up streamside of the dam.

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site (636) 464-2976
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red barn. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis.

The Big River
The Big River is a tributary of the Meramec River in east-central Missouri. It forms part of the boundary between Jefferson County and Saint Francois County and also part of the boundary between Jefferson County and Washington County. It empties into the Meramec River, opposite Eureka, where the Meramec forms the border between Jefferson County and Saint Louis County. The river flows though the communities of Belgrade, Irondale, Park Hills, Bonne Terre, Morse Mill, Cedar Hill, Byrnesville, and Byrnes Mill. Tributaries of Big River include Flat River, Belew Creek, Turkey Creek, Mill Creek, Mineral Fork, Calico Creek, Dulin Creek, and Jones Creek. This river is the namesake of Big River Township in Jefferson County.

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