While its just 12 feet high and 163 feet wide, its a glorious example of Missouris natural beautyand a popular place to fish and swim for generations of locals. Check out one of these best beach vacations. Outdoor enthusiasts will be far from bored at Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania, which boasts some of the best (and most thrilling) whitewater rafting on the East Coast. It commemorates the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation in the 1830s, which resulted in the death of thousands of Cherokee people. Along the route, visitors may observe how the cave is incorporated as part of the Cave Spring and Current River water system. "url": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com", Then plan what you want to do at the park, whether its indoor rock climbing, the treetop ropes course, or, if its winter, ice skating and sledding. 10 Lesser-Known State Parks In Missouri That Will Absolutely Amaze You, The Tragic History Behind One Of Missouris Most Beautiful State Parks Will Never Be Forgotten, Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To 5 Of Missouris Least-Visited State Parks, Visit Wakonda State Park In Missouri For An Unforgettable Experience, Onondaga Cave State Park In Missouri Is So Well Hidden, It Feels Like One Of The States Best-Kept Secrets, Prairie State Park Is An Underrated Park That Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Missouri, This Secluded State Park In Missouri Is So Worthy Of An Adventure, Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park Is The Single Best State Park In Missouri And Its Just Waiting To Be Explored, "Grand Gulf cave 1-02Aug07" by I, Kbh3rd. 2. Fran M./Yelp. The winding trails will take you high above the Arkansas River Valleywhich is absolutely gorgeous in the fallas you climb through forests and canyons. Many recreational facilities, wide meadows abundant with wildlife, and good fishing opportunities also make this park popular for an escape or adventure. 7406 Hwy. There are also five sites that are capable of accommodating those with disabilities. Their seasonal dates run from April to October. When she's not writing, she spends time with her two beautiful and naughty sons. 100% 3 Reviews. There are two large campgrounds here, rustic cabins, and shaded picnic areas. Best State Parks in Missouri - Tripping.com Rentals Looking for a place to hike, camp, or enjoy the scenery? You can find that at Alabamas Gulf State Park, where theres plenty of fun in the sun to be had. While youre checking out all the tourist attractions in Branson, make a point to visit nearby Table Rock State Park. The park consists of over thirteen miles of trails perfect for hiking and exploring the grounds of Meramec State Park, while visitors can also boat, raft, fish, and swim in the Meramec River. After your dip, roam the grounds of the state park in search of the wild bison often seen grazing nearby. Love Missouri? Missouri State Parks Blackwater Falls is beautiful in any season, but its particularly breathtaking in the fall. Bennett Spring State Park - Dallas, Laclede Flickr/Missouri Division of Tourism The Best State Park in Every State Amanda Tarlton Updated: Dec. 01, 2022 From beautiful beaches to majestic mountains, these are the most popularand most belovedstate parks across the. Missouri has some of the best state parks in the country! While cities like St. Louis and Branson are top tourist attractions, its also fun to plan an outdoorsy getaway in Missouri to check out the natural landscapes. Find more about her work at www.auninditabhatia.com. The best hidden gems and little known destinations - straight to your inbox. What are some things to do outside in Missouri? "logo": "https://www.tripstodiscover.com/wp-content/themes/sage/public/images/logo.svg" She works for a STL metro-area community college and enjoys writing, traveling, and indoor cycling. RELATED: See Missouri's Wild Horses From This Picturesque Small Town. Join more than a million of the worlds best travelers. Washington State Park - De Soto. 10 Best State Parks In Missouri - TheTravel Head out on the water at this park for some fishing or water skiing, bird watch on the nature trails, or try your hand at the archery range. "@context": "http://schema.org", People also come here to fish and just get away from the busy pace of life. 10 Beautiful Places in Missouri - WorldAtlas Features include trails, kayak rentals, interpretive programs, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, picnic sites and shelters, and a playground. All of this natural beauty makes it a RVers dream! Itineraries | 10 Missouri State Parks Guests can also explore an extensive cave system with a spring, sinkhole, rock bridge, and an underground stream at what is known as the Devils Icebox. Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Trail gives a peek into the past and its a simple five-minute stroll to one of Missouris four remaining covered bridges. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, 6. When hunger strikes, head to the on-site Mill & Canyon Grill Restaurant, where you can eat an excellent bison burger while gazing at the blue-green Little Indian Creek and a 120-foot waterfall. 9. A switch-activated light is offered on the platform, though visitors are advised to bring additional light for lake viewing. There are thousands of miles of trails, some of which take you up Flattop Mountain (the most climbed mountain in Alaska) and others that will take you to over 60 stunning glaciers. The state of Missouri is a beautiful state in the Midwest filled with stunning state parks. 8. It's one of the tallest mountains in the Ozarks, reaching 1700 feet of elevation. Clinton State Park is situated in Osage Questa Region near Topeka. The park also contains over six miles of trails for hiking, two boat ramps with four lanes, and many picnic areas. 13 Best State and National Parks in Missouri - Trips To Discover The views at the top will be more than worth it, though. Lake Wappapello State Park. The park store offers dining at the Fireside Store and Grill. Some end at a campground, others atop craggy Ozark peaks. The parks Braille Trail offers an easy way for visitors to view these giant boulders, and was designed especially for those with physical or visual disabilities. They have a marina with boat rentals and a Petroglyph shelter with Native American rock carvings. This fascinating state park can be considered a geological wonderland, filled with sheer bluffs, a giant natural bridge, caves, sinkholes, and the twelfth largest spring in the state of Missouri. The 18,000-acre grove of statuesque trees is unlike anything youve ever seen, with some of the redwoods growing over 50 feet wide and others as tall as the Statue of Liberty. Just the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors! But Fall Creek Falls is arguably one of the most gorgeous and most popular. Eldorado Canyon State Park Colorado Christopher Larson/Travel + Leisure Near the city of Boulder (which itself is spectacular) is Eldorado Canyon State Park, home to one of the state's. For a relaxing day in nature, follow the locals to the river, where they float in canoes with coolers of cold drinks in tow, then spend the night at one of the modern campgrounds, rental cabins, or motel rooms that dot the park grounds. In a state as full of natural beauty as Tennessee, its hard to pick just one park. Exhibits on the caves wildlife include information on the rare blind southern cavefish, which live in complete darkness and only show rudimentary evidence of eye formation. They also offer a concession stand, showers, and a restroom. in Missouri. 223 North Main St, Independence, MO 64050, Phone: 816-254-2720. Although there is no designated swimming area, a hike on one of the many trails leads you to natural wonders such as sink holes, natural bridges, and caves. First things first: Book a room at the parks Peter Kiewit Lodge where youll wake up to beautiful vistas of the Platte River Valley. These rivers are clear, cold, and spring-fed, providing delightful waters for fishing, boating, swimming, tubing, hiking, bird watching, or canoeing. This trail meanders the the main area of the elephant boulders. Most visitors come to swim and climb in the namesake shut-ins along the Black River. Visit Sam A. Baker State Park to fish in the river and creek or float down the river on a relaxing day. Rocky Falls is picture-perfect all year around, but its particularly fun in the summer when you can cool off in the pool into which the waterfall cascades. This trail is 3.9 mi long with an elevation gain of 685 ft. However, each is worth a visit. Nicely situated in the middle of America, Missouri is a state that many people pass through on cross-country road trips or plan easy weekend getaways to. The best way to tour the park is via the Braille Trail, which was specially designed for visitors with visual and physical disabilities. After exploring, settle in for a picnic lunch by the Lake of the Ozarks. Located near Akers, Missouri, Devils Well is a sinkhole cave that contains the states largest underground lake and is operated as a public attraction within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways national park facility. Lynyrd Skynyrd wasn't lying about Alabama's beautiful blue skies, but what the band failed to mention was the state's beloved 104-waterfall DeSoto Falls. Visitors here will even find more than 6,000 caves, many of which offer guided tours. 144 and travel 4 miles to reach the state park. The sinkhole cave provides access to the state of Missouris largest underground lake. Elephant Butte Lake, which is the largest body of water in New Mexico, is always buzzing with jet skis, kayaks, powerboats, and more. Boardwalks and trails make it easy to explore all of the park, and there are picnic tables as well. Johnsons Shut-Ins State Park, for example, boasts beautiful shut-ins and scenic hiking trails. Love Missouri? It is also home to many species of trees. While exploring, keep your eyes peeled for the resident tricolored bats that call Meramac home. Bring your bikes, and explore the bike path before cooling off with a swim. Or what about getting up close and personal with some of the states most interesting geological formations? Learn more about one of the most beautiful parks near Kansas City on the Missouri State Parks website. Isle Royale National Park, Michigan Surrounded by Lake Superior, Isle Royale National Park offers adventurers a unique, remote wilderness experience. The Best State Park in Every State | Reader's Digest Her true passion is forcing her encyclopedic knowledge of Missouri facts on uninterested strangers from across the globe! Castlewood State Park is thought to be one of the St. Louis area's best destinations for mountain biking. Visitors will also find a backpacking trail of ten miles in length, picnic tables on a woodland floor, and a campground. Psst: Dont tell anyone but Colt State Park was actually voted one of our best under-the-radar places to visit in 2019. Philo. New Orleans is home to plenty of hidden gems, including Fontainebleau State Park. One of the best state parks in Missouri, this park on Forest Lake features fishing, boating, and swimming as well as hiking and mountain biking trails. Fortunately, we have an abundance of kid-friendly hiking trails in Missouri, many of which span only a mile or less. The Bennett Spring State Park is one of the first state parks of Missouri and still draws visitors today that includes nature lovers and fishermen looking for memorable experiences. Get more stories delivered right to your email. Missouri has been recognized many times for its outstanding state parks system. And if youre around after high tide, go search for sea life in the many tide pools that form on the shore. 345 County Rd 6670, Salem, MO 65560, Phone: 573-548-2201. Youll get impressive Lake of the Ozarks views and the Ha Ha Tonka Spring here and enjoy the trails and boardwalks. Elk, bison, Texas longhorn cattle, and whitetail deer roam the property, which is dotted with soaring bluffs and cascading waterfalls that can be explored via Jeep, tram, and Segway tours. Bennett Spring State Park is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. Stroll under a natural bridge at Clifty Creek Natural Area, and explore the remnants of a once-majestic castle at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Something unique here are the cave tours that last about an hour and are a half-mile round trip. After you take a ride down the 80-foot red rock chute, splash around in the swimming hole below, wander through the apple orchards, or just soak in the Arizona sunshine and breathtaking desert scenery. This park offers basic, walk-in, electric, water/electric/sewer, and equestrian campsites. Yurts, Outpost Cabins, and campsites offer overnight lodging throughout the year, while the park store carries plenty of supplies for visitors. After that, slip on your swimsuit and frolic on the sandy beaches or hike or bike to the end of the cape to enjoy gorgeous views of the Atlantic coastline. It also has two unique caves open to the public: Fischer Cave and Stone Barn Cave. The Elephant Rocks State Park, as the name suggests, is home to elephant-shaped boulders, the stars of an unusual state park within southeastern Missouri. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons -, "Robertsville State park road" by Fredlyfish4 - Own work. The Knob Noster State Park provides a peaceful retreat of oak woodland, along with a few spots of prairie land that runs along both banks of the winding Clearfork Creek. The 4.9-mile tour road features eight interpretive stops at locations significant to the battle. If you're looking for outdoor activities in Missouri, you've definitely come to the right place. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, MO. A variety of lodging options include motel rooms, cabin rentals, and a modern campground. Exploring Missouri is easy and fun. The park makes for a special and memorable place for anyone to visit with the geology and wilderness quality of the state park and the St. Francois Mountains that surround it. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the park also has several hiking trails, including a section of the Ozark Trail. Though indigenous Americans in the region are assumed to have been aware of the caves existence, the first known exploration of the sinkhole took place in 1954 by well owners Bill and Bob Wallace. On land, you can bike, hike, backpack, and ride horses here. Three different trails offer an easy way for bicyclists and hikers to explore the grounds of Montauk State Park. Psst: Here are 10 real castles you can book on Airbnb. Theres an outcropping of chert around the falls that fills with water to form natural pools. 1401 Kiefer Creek Rd, Ballwin, MO 63021, Phone: 636-227-4433. The parks centerpiece is, of course, the massive Table Rock Lake, which provides plenty of opportunity for water recreation. With herds of bison roaming its 71,000 acres of rolling grassy hills and crystal clear lakes, the park was is also one of the worlds top ten wildlife destinations. You can also find hiking trails, a 9-hole golf course, a campground, and a fishing pier here. There are basic and electric campsites here in four sections and that are available throughout the year. Beat the heat and the sun. You can hike down to the bottom and cross a natural stone bridge for a spectacular experience. Or find peace and quiet along the easy, five-mile Fellows Lake Trail in Springfield. Not only is the Valley of Fire arguably Nevadas most popular state park but its also the oldest and the largest. Take a tour of the Truman home to look into Harry S. Trumans family life, as well as the Noland Home that belonged to his cousins. It is also home to several caves, including the Lewis and Clark Cavern, a large cave with a stream running through it. It is said Missouri is home to one of the best state park systems in the country. { Camping is available in three sections and offered year-around. After you check out the main attraction (the waterfall itself, of course), be sure to hike to Lindy Point where youll overlook Blackwater Canyon ablaze in vibrant red, orange, and golden hues. The park is visited by 1.3 million annual recreational visitors, who enjoy outdoor activities such as canoeing, swimming, fishing, and hiking. You can explore the critter-filled tidepools on the shore, fuel up at the snack bar, and participate in one of the many events often taking place at the park from sand sculpting contests to beach volleyball tournaments. She loves to travel, read novels, and watch old classes movies. Picture-perfect all year around, Prairie State Park earns props as one of the best state parks in Missouri for viewing the resident bison. One of the best natural hot springs in the country, this Wyoming must-visit is known for its Bath House, where you can soak in 104-degree water thats believed to have healing and therapeutic powers. Two picnic shelters and several picnic areas provides an ideal place for visitors to have a family gathering or a quiet lunch. Also available are reservable picnic shelters with flush toilets and a playground. The park features equestrian trails, trails for bicycling and hiking, Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, and camping facilities, all providing guests with a destination to get away from everything, only minutes away from the city. Read more Self-Check-In at Missouri State Parks Visitors can also take a walk through the Truman family farm or watch the park film. The Watkins Woolen Mill State Park includes a campground with almost one hundred campsites, seventy-four of which feature electric hookups, as well as campsites designed for families. Accessible only by boat or floatplane, the park is relatively untouched by the sights and sounds of civilization. The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Cuivre River State Park our latest advice & deals in your inbox! Said to have been a hideout for the outlaw Jesse James in the 1870s, the seven-level, 4.6-mile-long natural wonder was purchased by Lester Dill in 1933 and opened as a tourist attraction in 1935. The Montauk State Park is a shady green retreat that has been preserved so that guests have plenty of chances for relaxation and fun, whether they are looking for opportunities for picnicking, hiking, camping, fishing, or simply spending quality time with family and friends. Named after the great author from Hannibal, Missouri, Mark Twain National Forest sprawls for more than 1.5 million acres in the Ozark Highlands. For when you need to get out of the city for a bit, head to Starved Rock State Park, where you can get a breath of fresh air while roaming the wooded trails or fishing on the Illinois River. 28+ Annapolis RV Parks Appleton City RV Parks 10+ Arbela RV Parks 8+ Archie RV Parks 9+ Arnold RV Parks 15+ Arrow Rock RV Parks 10+ Ash Grove RV Parks 15+ Ashland RV Parks 12+ Augusta RV Parks 19+ Aurora RV Parks 9+ Ava RV Parks 6+ Bagnell RV Parks 26+ Bakersfield RV Parks 20+ Ballwin RV Parks 21+ Barnhart RV Parks 13+ Battlefield RV Parks 13+ B. It is home to many species of birds, including the American bald eagle. Home Top Campgrounds Missouri Top 10 Campgrounds and RV Parks Missouri A midwestern U.S. State, Missouri is home to the Ozark Mountains - making it a popular vacation spot. Yurts are a type of tent-like structure that nomadic peoples in Central Asia traditionally use. Located on the northern shore of Clinton Lake, this 1,500 acres park is one of the most popular RV destinations in Kansas. Several campground facilities are offered, including primitive and group campsites. There is no official trail leading to the bottom, so you should use caution if that is your goal, and there are no camping facilities or running water. Hawn State Park. Montauk State Park sits at the head of the Current River, where seven springs converge to form a breathtakingly beautiful area. RELATED: This Missouri River Offers One Of The Most Scenic Canoe Trips In The U.S. Are you looking for a weekend getaway? Of the more than 6,000 across the state, however, Meramac Caverns is the largestand stays open year-round for tours. Rustic cabins can be found throughout the state park as well. The name says it all: Slide Rock State Park is home to one of the biggest natural slip n slides and one of the best natural swimming pools in the United States. If youre a newbie to hiking, youll find an abundance of easy trails to help you get started. With white sand beaches, concession stands selling cold lemonade and fried dough, and a wood boardwalk for strolling and fishing, youll forget youre only miles from NYC. The Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a place where history and nature come together, home to excellent geological features and interesting history. At George Washington Carver National Monument you can learn about the man known as the Plant Doctor who was an agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Top 10 Campgrounds & RV Parks in Missouri - RVshare It is known for its clear, spring-fed streams, which are ideal for trout fishing. These 10 parks offer a sample of the wide-open spaces and history-filled places you can find in the Show-Me State. Gothic Water Intakes The St. Joe State Park also includes picnic sites, a bicycling and hiking trails, equestrian trails, two beaches for swimming, and four lakes. St. Joe State Park is one of only two parks for off-road vehicles within the state of Missouris state park system. 5901 South Highway 163, Columbia, MO 65203, Phone: 573-449-7402. Missouri has some of the best state parks in the country! Meanwhile, theres also a mountain biking trail for a challenge. Plan a day trip for swimming, picnicking, and birding, or set up camp by the waters edge. Let us know in the comments! The wetlands also make it a great place to see wildlife. The Meramec State Park is home to the Meramec River, which winds its way by a dramatic cave entrance, woodland areas, and majestic bluffs. may earn a commission for purchases made through our links. in English from Mizzou and a M.A. in Missouri. For overnight accommodations in the area, there is the Arcadia Valley RV Park and Fort Davidson Hotel. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -. The whole family will be happy with a day (or weekend, thanks to the campsites and RV hookups) spent at Hampton Beach. The Wilsons Creek National Battlefield was the first major battle of the Civil War fought on the western side of the Mississippi River, as well as the site where the first Union General, Nathaniel Lyon, was killed in battle. There are also paved paths for biking and leisurely strolls, rugged trails for horseback riding and challenging hikes, and spring-fed waterways filled with rainbow trout for catch-and-release fishing. Explore a fascinating cave at Onondaga Cave State Park, and discover a sapphire spring at Roaring River State Park. The Best State Parks in Missouri | RVshare Youll drive up a winding road full of overlooks where you can pull over to catch a glimpse of the turquoise river running through the ten-mile long canyon. The River Hills Visitors Center houses various displays that interpret the animal and plant life found within the Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, as well as interpretive programs. According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Trail of Tears State Park is Peewah Trail (Yellow Loop), which has a 4.3 star rating from 239 reviews. H, Leasburg, MO 65535, Phone: 573-245-6576. Take the 3.35-mile long trail along the rock bed, and enjoy the peaceful setting. Shutterstock Johnson's shut ins state park, Missouri Other than the beautiful Ozarks, Missouri is home to a diverse array of state parks that offer something for everyone. Equipped with Braille signage, it winds through the main area of rocks and leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine housea remnant of the areas quarrying history. Learn more about one of the best parks in Missouri on the official website of. Hiking trails, a dining lodge, campgrounds, and cabins are also available here. But whether you're seeking a break from the heat in a cool forest or looking to add a few more species to your bird-watching resume, Missouri's state parks offer unparalleled opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. "@context": "http://schema.org", A native Midwesterner with a love for family, friends, and learning new things. The Castle Trail at Ha Ha Tonka State Park leads straight to the remnants of a former castle perfect for exploration and for snapping selfies. There are often special events that take place here, such as Art in the Park, Park Prescription Day for good health, Storytelling Day, and Prairie Day. The landscape of the park is mostly rural is the occasional open fields and oak-pine forests. Theres even a braille trail that was designed for people with visual disabilities.
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