Big River Hike at Byrnes Mill City Park

Find remains of a mill and take a walk along Big River at Byrnes Mill City Park south of Fenton, Mo. just off of Missouri Highway 30.

Bouncing on a frog. — Bouncing on a frog at Byrnes Mill City Park

Arriving at the Park

A playground faces a parking lot at the center of Byrnes Mill along Byrnes Mill Road. I checked out this park with my son who of course first wanted to do the playground.

A black and white pig statue sits in a wooden railing pen next to the playground. A wooden plaque has a poem about pigs.

*In the distance, you can see the mill ruins and breached dam.*

*My son Andrew playing at the pebble beach.*

Below the Playground

Below the playground along Big River, you have views of Byrnes Mill across a small creek.

You can walk around a pebble beach if the water is not high.

My son Andrew took a moment to play along the beach.

Swimming is not recommended here with fast-moving water due to the old breached low water dam that was once part of the mill.

After checking out the river, we headed out to hike Grandpa’s Trail which starts by the playground.

Starting the Trail

Signs near the restrooms point the way to Grandpa’s Trail. Out behind the restrooms, the trail goes towards Lower Byrnes Mill Road.

The trail is to the right side of the road bridge.

*Sign for the mill at the front of the field*

Then we came to a large field. Head to the right along the field and you begin to see more of the mill remains.

Checking out the ruins. — *Checking out the ruins*

The Mill

Patrick C. Byrne and his father, James, came from Ireland. Patrick started a store and bought the mill property in 1859. The Byrne family operated a resort here starting in 1900.

Exploring the Mill Remains

Only the supports, foundation, and partial dam remain. My son and I explored this area before heading down the trail.

Trail Walk

The trail is primarily level as you walk along the rapid river.

You can see a rope swing off a large tree.

In the water, I saw large fish congregate near the shoreline away from the main channel.

Then I came to a wooden stairway with a railing. I went up the first set and then found a second set. So, this is quite the climb here.

At the top of the stairs, I came across a cabin.

History of the Cabin

The Charles Hagemeister House was built in 1871. The Northwest Historical Preservation Society built solid concrete to give solid footing.

Hagenmeister immigrated from Germany in 1871 and he and his wife had four children.

We checked out the cabin. Out front large pink and yellow flowers and green plants fill a garden plot.

Heading Back

I walked through the field by a pavilion with picnic tables and then back along the bridge.

Another view of the mill ruin.s — *Another view of the mill ruins*

Final Thoughts

I walked a bit over a half-mile. This includes both the trail and walking around the park. The mill remains were fascinating and it was a scenic walk along the river.

DETAILS:

Drive: Take Interstate 270 to exit 3 for Missouri Highway 30 and go south. Make a right onto Upper Byrnes Mill Road and then make a right onto Byrnes Mill Road. Go a short way and parking will be on the left side of the road.

Hours: 7 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Address: 127 Osage Executive Cir, Byrnes Mill, MO 6305