The entire town of Times Beach was evacuated and bought out by the EPA in 1983 after waste oil laced with dioxin was sprayed on its roads — one of America's worst environmental disasters. After incineration cleanup finished in 1997 the site reopened as Route 66 State Park, with the former Bridgehead Inn roadhouse serving as a visitor center and the old street grid faintly traceable under park meadows. It is a fully legal, remediated public park with trails and picnic areas; the EPA declared residual soil safe, and the only quirk is that the derelict Route 66 bridge over the Meramec remains fenced off.
Vestige documents abandoned & historic places for education and preservation. Always obtain permission before visiting and follow local law.