Discover Sullivan: Route 66, Parks and Nature

Sullivan combines distinctive Route 66 details with parks, water-based activities and a golf course rich in tradition. Anyone planning a trip with a variety of ideas for each day will find both peaceful paths by the water and striking sights along the historic road. A vacation rental or holiday home in Sullivan can serve as a base when you would like to get to know these different sides of the town.

City Lake Park: Lake, Fishing Waters and Walking Path

An important point of interest is City Lake Park on Mattox Drive. The park covers 57 acres, giving it a clear natural focus within Sullivan. It includes a six-acre lake for fishing. This creates a combination of time spent outdoors and an activity that can fit into a relaxed day of vacation for families and travel groups.

The park grounds are complemented by a three-quarter-mile walking path. This route is suitable as a manageable bout of exercise between other activities. You can deliberately plan the path as an activity in its own right or use the park to make a day away from busier activities in town more relaxed. The combination of lake, fishing opportunity and walking path makes City Lake Park particularly appealing to travelers seeking nature experiences without extensive excursion planning.

Route 66 with Colorful Water Features

Route 66 also shapes the experience in Sullivan. The Route 66 Hydrant Mural Project includes 27 fire hydrants along Historic Route 66. The individual designs give a drive or walk along this stretch an unusual cultural accent. Those traveling with children can view the painted hydrants as special discoveries along the way, without this implying a fixed walking tour.

The Route 66 theme also includes the Route 66 Splash Park in Sullivan. The seasonally open water playground features a custom-designed Chevy car sprayer and a Route 66-themed hot-rod sprayer. Especially during the warmer months, this place offers a vivid combination of water play and a regional road motif. Since the Splash Park is open seasonally, it should be considered at the appropriate time of year for your trip.

Golf Tradition and an Excursion Destination Outside Sullivan

Sullivan Municipal Golf Course has been in operation since 1954. It also welcomes numerous private groups and organizations every year. For visitors who consider golf an integral part of their trip or are planning to travel with a larger group, the course is therefore one of the town’s defining recreational offerings. Its long history of operation complements the newer, eye-catching Route 66 experiences with an established local institution.

Meramec State Park is located four miles outside Sullivan on Route 185. This destination expands the range of options beyond the town’s immediate attractions. When choosing your accommodation, you can therefore consider whether you primarily want to explore City Lake Park, the Route 66 motifs and the Splash Park in Sullivan, or also include an excursion to Meramec State Park. These destinations represent different vacation rhythms: water and walking paths, visible road culture, golf or a visit outside the town.

More Places for Planning Your Trip

If you would like to compare Sullivan with other destinations in the regional directory, you can also view Villa Ridge, Union, Pacific, Saint Clair and New Haven. For Sullivan itself, the special appeal lies in the mix of parkland, Route 66 displays, a seasonal water playground and a long-standing golf tradition.

For the overarching travel overview: Franklin County.