History

Situated on 1,200 pristine acres in the heart of the Mark Twain National Forest, the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch is one of the most extensive high-adventure locations in the Midwest. The ranch also has an abundance of natural beauty, offering three miles of riverfront, wooded hills, fields, streams, bluffs and caves. It is both a base for challenging excitement and, at the same time, a secluded haven perfect to meet any program’s needs.

The Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch was originally home to many native peoples, predominantly in recent history, the Osage. Several confirmed village sites are identified on the property.

Boys & Girls Town of Missouri purchased the property in 1995, with funds donated by several generous supporters. The ranch served as the site of Boys & Girls Town's therapeutic outdoor recreation program, School in the Wilderness.

In 2005, funds were donated to build the Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch, a permanent base of operations at the ranch to provide shelter and facilities for non-primitive trips as well as for special events and gatherings.

In 2008, an 8-acre lake was completed along with many other facility, staffing and programming expansions. The Meramec Adventure Learning Ranch also gained accreditation of its program through the American Camp Association. The future years will continue to see major improvements and expansions of both program and facilities in order to better serve youth and families.