Welcome

Shaw Nature Reserve, a division of the Missouri Botanical Garden, offers 19-miles of trails and over 2,400 acres which includes reconstructed tallgrass prairie, wetland, glade, savannah, woodland, and the Meramec River. Each season is beautiful and can make an excellent location for memorable events. 

Visitors are encouraged to schedule private rentals at least 6 months out due to the limited availability of the facilities. Weddings can be scheduled up to 18 months in advance.   

Day-Use Facility Rentals

Day use rental pavilions module

Looking for a space to host a meeting, cooperate event, group retreat, or family gathering? Shaw Nature Reserve has numerous locations fit for your day-use needs. Rentals include 4-hours of access to the rental space, a gate code for your guests, daily admission, and access to Shaw Nature Reserve’s 17-mile trail system.

View Day-Use Rental Spaces 

Overnight Retreats

DBOC overnight retreats module

Built in the early 2000s, the Dana Brown Overnight Center offers various opportunities from overnight company retreats to a weekend family gathering. The Center is comprised of two meeting buildings both equipped with a kitchen and four overnight cabins that can comfortably sleep 60 individuals.

Overnight Retreats

Weddings

At Shaw Nature Reserve, we are able to accommodate up to 100 people for a ceremony at multiple outdoor locations. For questions and to make a reservation contact our Events and Outreach Coordinator at snrinfo@mobot.org or call 314-577-9555.

Wedding information packet

Photography

All Photography

Review all information before coming to photograph at Shaw Nature Reserve. 

Policies and Guidelines for Photography at Shaw Nature Reserve
Wedding Photography Permit

For more information, please call (314) 577-9555.

Picnicking

We always encourage walkers to bring plenty of water and whatever snacks they enjoy when hiking. We also welcome picnicking for those who want more than a snack.

We ask that you picnic at the specified picnic areas at the Glassberg Family Pavilions or at the Maritz Trail House

There is no grilling or cooking over fire at Shaw Nature Reserve.