In the northern-most tip of Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park is tucked a school managed by the Missouri Division of Youth Services (DYS).
Called Babler Lodge, the facility is home to juveniles who are located there for an "alternative education" by state officials. Students are in grades 6 through 12.
The area near the lodge is closed to visitors of the park.
Arleasha Mays, assistant communications director, Missouri Department of Social Services, said students sent to Babler Lodge typically stem from offenses such as stealing, truancy or property-related infractions.
Students come from the counties of St. Charles, Jefferson and St. Louis, as well as St. Louis City, according to Mays. She said students live at the lodge for a period of three to six months while they are completing education and treatment programs.