South of a great bend in the Meramec River and just a mile upstream from the Shaw Nature Reserve is a pleasant little park. The initial 1,100-acre tract of Robertsville State Park in east-central Franklin County was purchased by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources in 1979 as part of the state’s commitment to the …
Motorists heading south from St. Louis toward Hillsboro may not realize when they cross Sandy Creek on State Route 21 that located just a short distance downstream is one of Missouri’s last remaining covered bridges. Once fairly numerous, the covered bridges still standing numbered only eleven by 1942.
Missouri History Today August 7, 1852 William Jewell Dies.
Years after catastrophe forced an entire town to evacuate, the area has been cleaned up and rebuilt as Route 66 State Park. For St. Louis County residents, it’s a popular place to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and reconnect with nature.
Gov. Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State Historic Site is a one-acre cemetery plot. Here visitors can reflect on Dunklin’s achievements, which include the establishment of tax-supported public school systems, and take in the view of the Mississippi.
Once the personal retreat of an unconventional entrepreneur, Don Robinson State Park—one of the newest in Missouri’s state park system—offers a unique geological diversity and is home to an array of rare and unusual plants.
At Castlewood State Park, so named because of the rocky bluffs that give the appearance of a castle’s fortress, visitors take in stunning views from limestone glades while adventuring over some thirty miles of wooded trail.
Montauk State Park is one of the oldest in the Missouri State Park system. Visitors can see the headwaters that form the Current River, cast a line in a well-stocked trout run, explore a pre-Civil War mill, and maybe even spot a pair of bald eagles.
The richly diverse Current River State Park features almost two miles of beautiful river frontage, offering ample opportunity for swimming, floating, and fishing as well as hiking, backcountry camping, and interpretive programming.
Bennett Spring State Park is well-known among anglers for its excellent trout fishing, but visitors also enjoy its hiking trails, Niangua River access, campgrounds, cabins, and meals served in the park’s rustic 1930s dining lodge.
One year after the National Park System was established In 1916, the state of Missouri put funding into place that would preserve designated areas of land and transform them into public spaces. The first piece of property the state bought was the J Houston Tavern in Arrow Rock. It wasn’t until six years later that …
A favorite of conservationists and Scouts, this hilly hideaway in the St. Francois Mountains features a number of special superlatives: highest mountain peak and tallest waterfall in Missouri, and one of the rarest plants in the United States.
A collection of caves and underground streams. Osage influence. Historical ties to a ring of outlaws. Crumbling castle ruins. Tales of a curse. The only thing bigger than the views at Ha Ha Tonka State Park are the stories you’ll hear.
The land that would one day become Watkins Mill State Park & Historic Site was purchased on this date in 1839. Or at least a part of it was. Waltus Watkins purchased the first 80-acres of what would one day become a 3,660-acre enterprise including the famous Woolen Mill. Watkins was born in 1806 in …
Formed 50 millions years ago, this state park has geological treasures to share. Meander along one trail to see the flora of ten thousand years ago.
Seeing the history play out in the ancient bones and other artifacts at Mastodon State Historic Site is an eye-opening experience. Stop by the visitor’s center to see a life-sized replica of a mastodon, then follow the self-guided trail to the excavations site.
Natural prairie is the headliner at this state park, but the bison, elk, birds, and flowers are also stunning. Prairie State Park is a unique place, dedicated as a living tribute to a nearly extinguished native landscape.
Stockton State Park is 2,175 acres of land leased from the corps and developed for recreation by the state of Missouri. The ultra-clear waters are great for swimming and the fishing is unmatched. Hiking and camping are also one of the many things to do at the stunning state park.
Echo Bluff State Parks has one of the most stunning lodges of any of the Missouri State Parks. And Sinking Creek’s crystal clear waters are a perfect place to dip your toes in or enjoy a gravel bar picnic. These are only a few of the outstanding attractions at Echo Bluff State Park.
More than 1,100 Civil War battles were fought in Missouri. Our state parks system focuses on six sites. The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site is one not to be missed. There are interpretive displays and a Civil War museum near the square in Carthage, as well as the fields where the battles took place.
The richly diverse Current River State Park has almost two miles of Current River frontage and a superb trail network. The fishing is abundant and a lazy float down the Current River is a perfect way to spend any day of the week.
Pomme de Terre State Park has a lake that offers swimming, skiing, boating, and fishing. Northern muskies have been stocked in the lake and some real lunkers have been caught. The camping is perfect, there are 240 sites to choose from, and there are lots of trails to hike.
Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and kayaking are one of the many enjoyable things you can do at Crowder State Park. The natural beauty and recreational options will appeal to everyone. Come for the day or stay for a week.
Going outside in any weather is good for mental health. Bundle up and get outdoors at one of these 5 great state parks selected for their extra-rewarding winter experiences.
Long Branch State Park has one of the nicest sandy beaches of any state park as well as amazing walleye fishing. Spend the day hiking the park and learn all about its extraordinary history. And find out all about the Bee Trace.
Standing at the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers will take your breath away. The power of these two rivers coming together is unmistakable. You can go down the walkway and plant one foot in the Missouri and one foot in the Mississippi River.
Table Rock State Park is indeed worth a visit. It provides the perfect access to a storied region. You may enjoy the abundant tourist attractions of Branson, but when you need a break, you can hike the park trails or find along some backwoods byways much that is still unspoiled and inviting in the White River Hills.
Missouri is the cave state. This state park is one you should not miss. For more than seventy-five years before its 1982 acquisition as a park, Onondaga Cave was one of the major public attractions in the Midwest, and it still is. Come see why!
If you enjoy natural history and unusual local plants, animals, and geology, then St. Francois State Park is just the place for you. The park is filled with interesting Civil War history and you can learn how the hills of the park have been a hideout and a refuge for a long time.
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