Times Beach

Dioxin Ghost Town

State: Missouri County: St. Louis County Founded: 1925 Abandoned: 1983 Peak Population: 2,000

Times Beach was evacuated in 1983 after EPA discovered the roads had been sprayed with dioxin-contaminated waste oil. The government bought out all 2,000 residents. After cleanup, the site became Route 66 State Park.

Plan Your Visit

Best Time: Year-round

Difficulty: Easy

Time Needed: 1-2 hours

Quick Facts

  • Dioxin evacuation
  • EPA buyout
  • Now Route 66 State Park

Location

Address: Route 66 State Park, MO

Coordinates: 38.5167, -90.6