Hickory Ridge Motel

For Missourians seeking an immersive nature experience without sacrificing the comforts of home, Hickory Ridge Motel offers a unique and highly appealing option. Unlike a traditional campground where you pitch a tent or park an RV, Hickory Ridge Motel provides comfortable, clean, and private rooms directly within the serene confines of Meramec State Park in Sullivan, MO. This means you wake up amidst the sounds of the Ozark hardwoods, just steps away from river activities, cave explorations, and scenic hiking trails.

Hickory Ridge Motel consistently receives praise from guests for its "nice" and "very clean and roomy" accommodations, especially considering the price. While some guests acknowledge it might be "somewhat outdated," this often translates to a charming, rustic appeal that perfectly complements its natural setting. Each room offers the valued amenity of its "own balcony or porch," inviting guests to step outside and breathe in the fresh Missouri air, perhaps enjoying a morning coffee overlooking the park's lush landscapes.

This establishment is particularly well-suited for families, as highlighted by a reviewer who noted the importance of "bathrooms do have a tub" for kiddos. It strikes a delightful balance between being an accessible, budget-friendly lodging option and providing direct access to the rich outdoor opportunities of one of Missouri's premier state parks. In this article, we'll delve deeper into the strategic location, the specific services and features that make Hickory Ridge Motel a local favorite, and why it's an ideal choice for your next Missouri adventure.

Hickory Ridge Motel boasts an enviable and highly convenient location at 670 Fisher Cave Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA. Crucially, its address indicates it is "inside of Meramec State Park." This is a significant advantage for Missouri locals, as it places guests directly within one of the state's most beloved natural and recreational areas.

Meramec State Park is located approximately 60 miles southwest of St. Louis, making Hickory Ridge Motel an easily accessible destination for residents of the greater St. Louis metropolitan area and surrounding communities. The drive is typically straightforward, primarily via Interstate 44, allowing for efficient travel and maximizing time spent enjoying the park rather than on the road. For those traveling from other parts of Missouri, Sullivan's position on a major interstate route ensures a smooth journey.

Being inside the park means guests have immediate access to all the wonders Meramec State Park offers. Fisher Cave, one of the park's most famous caves, is located very close by, as implied by the motel's address on "Fisher Cave Drive." This direct proximity to hiking trails, the Meramec River for floating and fishing, and other park facilities is a major draw. Unlike staying outside the park and commuting daily, guests at Hickory Ridge Motel can truly immerse themselves in the natural environment from the moment they arrive, enhancing the overall outdoor experience for any Missourian seeking a convenient nature escape.

Hickory Ridge Motel, while a motel and not a traditional campground with tent sites, offers a range of services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient stay within the natural setting of Meramec State Park. Its amenities cater to travelers seeking the ease of a motel room while still being immersed in the outdoor environment.

• Standard Motel Rooms: The motel offers 22 spacious rooms, many of which are "standard motel rooms" equipped with "two queen beds."
• Lofted Motel Rooms: For larger groups or families, "lofted motel rooms" are available, featuring "three queen beds" and accommodating more guests.
• Private Balconies or Patios: Each room, whether standard or lofted, includes its "own balcony or porch," allowing guests to enjoy the fresh air and natural surroundings directly from their room.
• In-Room Amenities: Rooms are equipped with essential conveniences such as a "mini refrigerator, microwave, and a coffee maker," enabling guests to store snacks, heat food, and make beverages.
• Comfortable Bathrooms: The bathrooms are noted to "have a tub," which is a key feature for families with children. They also include shower/tub combinations, complimentary toiletries, and hair dryers.
• Air Conditioning: "AC ran nice and cold," ensuring comfortable temperatures, especially during Missouri's warm summer months.
• Cleanliness: Reviews consistently highlight that rooms are "very clean," a top priority for most travelers.
• On-Site Conference Center: Perched high above the Meramec River Valley, the Hickory Ridge Conference Center is perfect for meetings, reunions, weddings, and receptions, accommodating up to 125 people with tables, chairs, and counter space.
• Hickory Ridge Overlook Pavilion: An outdoor "gazebo" is available for rent, ideal for smaller outdoor gatherings in conjunction with the Conference Center.
• No Daily Towel Service: Guests should be aware that daily towel service is generally not provided for longer stays, and towels are not to be taken out of the cabin/motel rooms.
• Smoke-Free Policy: All motel rooms are strictly smoke-free, including vaping.
• Accessibility to Park Facilities: As it is located within Meramec State Park, guests have direct and easy access to the park's visitor center, store & grill, and various recreational opportunities.

Hickory Ridge Motel distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that make it a compelling choice for Missourians looking for a comfortable stay within a natural setting. These aspects contribute significantly to its appeal as a unique lodging option:

• Location INSIDE Meramec State Park: This is arguably the biggest highlight. Guests are literally steps away from the park's extensive trail system, the Meramec River, and Fisher Cave. This unparalleled access means immediate immersion in nature without daily commutes. The motel is "perched high atop the Meramec River Valley and overlooking the park," offering stunning views.
• Private Balconies or Porches: The inclusion of a private outdoor space for each room is a significant bonus, allowing guests to relax, read, or simply enjoy the sounds and sights of the surrounding forest and potentially the river valley.
• Family-Friendly Amenities: The presence of tubs in the bathrooms is a thoughtful detail that caters directly to families with young children, making bath time easier and more convenient.
• Cleanliness and Roominess: Consistent feedback on "very clean and roomy" rooms provides assurance of a comfortable and pleasant stay, which is a fundamental expectation for any accommodation.
• Excellent Value for Price: Despite being located within a state park, guests often find the motel to be "pretty nice for the price" and offering "Good price," making it an accessible option for many Missourians seeking quality lodging on a budget.
• Rustic Charm: While some may perceive it as "somewhat outdated," this contributes to a rustic charm that aligns well with the state park environment, offering an authentic, unpretentious retreat.
• Conference and Event Facilities: The on-site Hickory Ridge Conference Center and Overlook Pavilion provide unique opportunities for groups, families, and organizations to host meetings, reunions, weddings, and receptions in a beautiful, natural setting.
• Direct Access to Park Activities: Guests can easily partake in Meramec State Park's most popular activities, including floating on the Meramec River, fishing, exploring Fisher Cave (often through ranger-led tours), and hiking over 13 miles of trails that lead to majestic bluffs and springs.

For inquiries, reservations, or any assistance regarding Hickory Ridge Motel, you can reach them using the following contact information:

• Address: 670 Fisher Cave Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA
• Phone: (573) 468-6519
• Mobile Phone: +1 573-468-6519

It is highly recommended to call the motel directly for the most current availability, specific room types, rates, and any seasonal information or reservation policies. Given its location within a state park and its popularity, especially during peak seasons for floating and cave tours, booking in advance is advisable. The provided phone numbers connect you to the Meramec State Park lodging and store services, ensuring you can speak with knowledgeable staff who can assist with your needs for Hickory Ridge Motel.

Hickory Ridge Motel is an exceptionally suitable lodging option for locals in Missouri, particularly for those who cherish the state's natural beauty but prefer the convenience and comfort of a motel room over traditional camping. Its paramount advantage is its unique location "inside of Meramec State Park." This means Missourians can experience an authentic Ozark getaway without lengthy commutes, waking up directly amidst the sounds and sights of nature.

For families, the "roomy" accommodations, private balconies, and crucially, bathrooms with "tubs," make it a highly practical and comfortable choice. It offers a "good price" for the value, making a state park escape accessible for various budgets. Unlike external hotels, Hickory Ridge Motel provides immediate access to Meramec State Park's vast offerings—from the mesmerizing Meramec Caverns and challenging hiking trails to serene float trips on the Meramec River and captivating Fisher Cave tours. This direct immersion allows locals to maximize their outdoor adventures and truly disconnect.

Ultimately, Hickory Ridge Motel serves as a perfect blend of natural immersion and modern convenience. It allows Missourians to experience the tranquility and adventure of one of their most cherished state parks from a comfortable and welcoming base. It's an ideal choice for a relaxing weekend retreat, a family adventure, or a convenient stop on a longer journey through the heart of the Show-Me State, offering a memorable and deeply Missouri-centric experience.

Hickory Ridge Motel

670 Fisher Cave Drive, Sullivan, MO 63080, USA