Halloween Hikes: Busch Memorial Conservation Area

Like scenes of a post-apocalyptic nightmare or a zombie movie, abandoned cement bunkers are scattered throughout August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

History

In the 1940s the Department of the Army took over the area for the production of TNT and DNT production and by the Atomic Energy Commission in the 1960s for uranium ore processing.

Then in the 1980s it was designated a Superfund site and was cleaned up by the Environmental Protection Agency. The area is now considered safe for all recreational pursuits.

The land for the 6,987-acre park was purchased by the Missouri Department of Conservation with the help of Alice Busch, the wife of August Anheuser Busch, Sr.

HIKING AND BIKING TRAIL

I began my time exploring the Hiking and Biking Trail with the bunkers for my imagined war-torn American. It is a 3.2-mile trail that is made up of two loops joined by a short connector.

What the trail looks like at the start. — What the trail looks like at the start of August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area.

Starting the Trail

The parking is not well-designated. It is where the gravel turns and to the side is a circular gravel parking area. I didn’t even see a sign designating the trail but noticed a gate blocking a former road and assumed this was it.

The trail is a former road for bunkers. It is wide and gravel and easy to walk. If you wanted a wide berth between you and other hikers, this is the trail for you, and with the current virus, this works well.

After walking a short way, the trail goes either right for the short loop or left for the longer loop. I decided to do both today starting with the long loop.

Bunkers

As you walk along the trails you will come by the similar-looking bunkers.

They are all cement with a metal door and built into the ground forming a mound with trees and shrubs now growing on top.

I walked up a few steps to the door and tried budging the large rod that I think opens it, but to no avail.

Black bear and housefly graffitti — Black bear and a housefly graffiti

Graffiti artists now decorate the front of the structures. One had a black bear along with a huge house fly. Another had huge letters I couldn’t decipher.

Further Along

I came across a small pond with cedars across it adding to the natural feel of the place.

The large loop trail came to a road and joined it for a while before splintering off before parking for a lake.

Trees growing on top of the cement bridge.

This part of the trail had more bunkers, then I came by a creek. On the right was an old cement bridge but for long ago unused road.

I finally made it back to the end of the long loop and headed for the shorter loop.

Shorter Loop

This trail starts on the side of a ridge and below was a large lake.

I came to one bunker that someone had written “Open” and there were eyes and a face on the door. I guess someone was trying to be funny.

Then I went by a muddy pond perfect for some snakes or frogs to enjoy.

Big Bunker

I was intrigued by a bunker that had a tank in front of it. Then to the side of the door was opening.

Inside was cement walls with graffiti written on them and some metal equipment was thrown about. It must be a hangout for local kids.

After this bunker, a few more were filled with graffiti, one with a ghostly figure with a balloon and a smile.

This place seems to bring out dark humor.

I finally made it back to the trailhead and headed to see more of the conservation area.

More creepy graffitti — More creepy graffiti

Final Thoughts

I feel that this is a great hike around Halloween. Walking through here I could imagine living a life after the apocalypse. Having my own bunker and living off the land. Or being corralled here by soldiers protecting us from the zombie horde. Pick your imagined world and this place fits perfectly.

OTHER HIKES AT BUSCH MEMORIAL CONSERVATION AREA

Outside of the Hiking and Biking Trail, the place has many more hikes offer.

Pine Trail

This .2 mile trail is not much of a hike but is an awesome experience.

You are surrounded by tall pine trees, walk through the needles and I love the scent of it. If I had my son was with me, he would have been gathering up the pinecones here.

Dardenne Creek Trail

At this .4 mile trail, you can explore the marsh, grassy meadows, and wetlands.

This trailhead starts after you pass a large lake and it is on the right of the parking area.

A wide trail goes straight to the creek.

Another trail here goes directly to Dardenne Creek.

I walked this one checking out a bridge that once crossed the creek. A stone foundation can still be seen.

Fallen Oak Tree Nature Trail

By the visitor’s center is the .7 mile Fallen Oak Nature Trail with interpretive exhibits.

This trail includes tree identification tags.

A bird blind with bird feeders on the other side allows you to easily watch the birds come for food without disturbing them.

A wooden bridge crosses a stone-filled creek, although dry the day I was there.

A cut-off option is in the middle to shorten the route.

Woodland Trail

A .2 mile hike through an oak-hickory forest that goes by two ponds.

THREE OTHER TRAILS

Wildlife Management Trail

This is a .4 mile trail that goes by two ponds, forest, prairie, and streams and shows habitat development.

Prairie Trail

Tall prairie grass borders this .2 mile trail and gives you a glimpse of the grasses that once filled the Midwest.

Hamburg Hiking and Biking Trail

This long trail connects to the Katy Trail where you can explore the area further.

One of the many lakes at the conservation area. — One of the many lakes in the conservation area.

More Activities At Busch Memorial Conservation Area

This area also has numerous lakes and ponds if you like to fish, although some you cannot fish in and are designated as natural. There is also an Archery Range on the grounds.

DETAILS

Drive: Take Interstate 64 west to exit 10 for Missouri Highway 94 and make a left onto this road then a right onto Missouri Highway D and then another right into the wildlife area. It is a large park so make sure to grab a map to find where you want to start hiking.

Hours: Closed 10 pm to 4 am

Address: 2360 Hwy D, St Charles, MO 63304

MORE HALLOWEEN HIKES

Under the remains of the Route 66 bridge at Route 66 State Park

Halloween Hikes: Route 66 State Park

Hiking along a former street in a ghost town near the skeletal remains of a Route 66 bridge across the Meramec River was my destination. This area has a lot of history, from once being a resort town to becoming contaminated by the dangerous chemical of dioxin.