Other than the beautiful Ozarks, Missouri is home to a diverse array of state parks that offer something for everyone. More than 18 million people visit Missouri state parks annually to take advantage of over 90 parks, nearly 2,000 picnic sites, and more than 1,000 miles of trails!
Ever wanted to stay in a yurt? How does exploring a 19th-century lead mining town sound? Or what about getting up close and personal with some of the state’s most interesting geological formations? And if you’re looking for a place to go camping, canoeing, or fishing, Missouri has no shortage of options there, either.
So whether you’re a Missouri local or just passing through, be sure to check out some of these amazing state parks.
10 Table Rock State Park
From hiking and fishing to boating and swimming, Table Rock State Park has it all. The park’s centerpiece is, of course, the massive Table Rock Lake, which provides plenty of opportunity for water recreation. It also has two unique caves open to the public: Fischer Cave and Stone Barn Cave. Fischer Cave is the only air-conditioned cave in Missouri and is home to a large colony of gray bats. On the other hand, Stone Barn Cave is a historic cave that was once used as a shelter by Native Americans and early settlers.
9 Bennett Spring State Park
Are you looking for a weekend getaway? Bennett Spring State Park is the perfect place to relax and rejuvenate. It is known for its clear, spring-fed streams, which are ideal for trout fishing. The park has several hiking trails, a butterfly garden, and a nature center. Those looking for a more unique experience can stay in one of the park’s yurts, which are available year-round. Yurts are a type of tent-like structure that nomadic peoples in Central Asia traditionally use.
8 Ha Ha Tonka State Park
This state park is named after the Ha Ha Tonka Spring, which is the 12th largest spring in Missouri. The spring was once used as a resort area, but today it is best known for its unique geological features. Perhaps the park's highlight is the ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle, which was built in the early 1900s but was destroyed by a fire in 1942. The castle is now a popular spot for hikers and photographers. Other than hiking trails, there is also an outdoor amphitheater where you can catch a summer concert.
7 Ozark Mountain State Park
While relatively small, Ozark Mountain State Park packs a punch. Missouri has many famous caves, and this park is home to two of the most famous, Onyx Cave and Marble Cave. Onyx Cave is a small cave perfect for those who want to avoid crowds, while Marble Cave is a large cave with a unique formation known as the “cave curtain.” Ozark Mountain State Park is also known for its picturesque views, which can be enjoyed from one of the many hiking trails or the park’s scenic drive.
6 Trail Of Tears State Park
Love history? Then you’ll want to visit Trail of Tears State Park! It commemorates the forced relocation of the Cherokee Nation in the 1830s, which resulted in the death of thousands of Cherokee people. The park has a Visitor Center with exhibits on the history of the Trail of Tears, as well as a memorial to the Cherokee people who died. There are also hiking trails, a campground, and a fishing pond stocked with bass and catfish.
5 Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Talking about geological features, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is home to some of the most interesting rock formations in Missouri. The “shut-ins” are a series of small canyons created by the erosion of soft rock. The park also has a large, manufactured lake ideal for swimming, fishing, and boating. For those looking for a more adventurous experience, the park also has several hiking trails, including a section of the Ozark Trail. There's more to explore, like the Goggins Mountain Cave, which is the largest cave in the state.
4 Sam A. Baker State Park
Named after the former governor of Missouri, Sam A. Baker State Park is one of the most popular state parks in Missouri, located in the Ozarks. It is known for its clear, spring-fed rivers and streams, which are perfect for canoeing and kayaking. It is also home to many species of trees. Don't miss out on the park's historic features, like the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) stone cabins. These were built by the CCC in the 1930s and are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
3 Elephant Rocks State Park
Sounds like an odd name for a state park, right? Elephant Rocks State Park gets its name from the huge granite boulders strewn across the park. These “elephant rocks” are popular with climbers and hikers. Enjoy a long trail that winds through the elephant rocks, or go on a self-guided tour of the Devil's Honeycomb, a honeycomb-like rock formation. You can also cool off in one of the park’s two small lakes, which are perfect for a summer swim.
2 Castlewood State Park
One must visit Missouri’s Castlewood State Park to truly appreciate its beauty. Located just outside St. Louis, it is a popular spot for city dwellers seeking to escape the concrete jungle. It is popular for its tall bluffs, which offer beautiful views of the Meramec River. It is also home to several caves, including the Lewis and Clark Cavern, a large cave with a stream running through it. For those looking for a more challenging hike, the park has a nearly 17-mile-long trail that winds through the bluffs and caves.
1 Pershing State Park
Pershing State Park proves that Missouri is not just about mountains and caves. It is located on the shores of Mark Twain Lake and is known for its prairies and wetlands. Since located in a floodplain, the park is perfect for bird watching. It is home to many species of birds, including the American bald eagle. You can also find hiking trails, a 9-hole golf course, a campground, and a fishing pier here. Just the perfect spot to relax and enjoy the outdoors!