Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park features remnants of the Missouria Indian village that sat at the Great Bend of the Missouri River, marked on a map by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673.
Stroll through the history of a once-bustling river town that’s now the serene village of Arrow Rock. You’ll walk streets lined with the architecture of the historic “Boone’s Lick Country.” At Arrow R
Battle of Athens State Historic Site is a place of peace and serenity. Its historic buildings, tree-studded landscape and mile of Des Moines River frontage make the site a perfect place to hike, picni
The Battle of Carthage was the earliest full-scale battle of the Civil War, preceding Bull Run by 11 days. Battle of Carthage State Historic Site contains a quiet meadow and the spring that made the a
The peaceful setting at Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site is in dramatic contrast to the battle that occurred here in 1862 – a battle that marked a significant milestone in the history of the
People called Oliver Anderson’s house “the best arranged dwelling house west of St. Louis.” But it became more famous as the center of a bloody three-day Civil War battle in 1861. Walk through the And
Today, the Arcadia Valley in Iron County is a peaceful setting in one of Missouri’s most scenic areas. But in September 1864, the valley was the scene of one of the largest and most hard-fought battle
The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s earliest state
Big Lake State Park is the perfect destination for a vacation or family gathering in northwest Missouri. The 407-acre state park offers everything visitors need to create a memorable vacation with a c
A visit to Big Oak Tree State Park is a visit to Missouri as the first explorers saw it. Towering hickory trees and oaks form a canopy that averages more than 120 feet in height and the soaring trees
Hike a trail back into history. Big Sugar Creek State Park is a rugged landscape of rare shrubs and trees not often seen anymore in Missouri. Visitors can find solitude in hiking through shady upland
Travel back to simpler days when business in Missouri was about the rushing of a stream over a dam and bridges were covered. Visitors to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site can learn how wheat and corn
After a short hike, visitors to Boone’s Lick State Historic Site can see the remnants of one of Missouri’s first and most important industries: salt. Timber and rolling green hills drew settlers to Co
With a commanding view from atop a bluff, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is one of the best representations of early 20th Century sensibilities in the Midwest. Walk through the 31-room, 12,000-squ
Named in honor of political and social activist Bruce R. Watkins, the center works to commemorate and interpret the African-American diaspora, particularly in Missouri and Kansas City, through fosteri
In the early 1900s, the area that’s now Castlewood State Park was a popular retreat for partying St. Louisans. The dance clubs are gone, but the winding Meramec River and the lush valley that surround
Walk in the footsteps of the Lewis and Clark Expedition at Clark’s Hill/Norton State Historic Site. The explorers camped at the base of Clark’s Hill between June 1 and June 3, 1804, on their epic jour
Step on to the peaceful grounds of Confederate Memorial State Historic Site and experience where the last voices of the “Lost Cause” lingered. The site was once home to the Confederate Soldiers Home o
Crowder State Park provides 1,912 acres in the rolling green hills of northern Missouri. Visitors can enjoy more than 17 miles of hiking, bicycling, backpacking and equestrian trails in a forested, ru
Looking for the Ozarks in northern Missouri? Cuivre River State Park is one of the state’s largest and most rugged parks!
Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise pred
With views of the scenic Current River and a history as a corporate retreat, Current River State Park offers a peaceful haven for today’s visitor.
Current River State Park is built around the former
Visitors can discover a part of German-American heritage and experience an early Missouri settlement, all in one place—Deutschheim State Historic Site. This site is located in Hermann, a town known th
A red mill set on the blue waters of Huzzah Creek is as pretty a picture as there is in Missouri, and that’s the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. The site interprets one of the state’s be
Inside the quiet shady sanctuary of Don Robinson State Park, it’s hard to believe that the bustling metropolitan area of St. Louis is not far away. Its wooded hillsides buffer any outside noise and it
Generations of Missourians have passed through Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park's massive stone gateway for cookouts and family get-togethers or to spend time with friends. The park’s camping
More than 85 years ago, this area opened as Camp Zoe, a summer youth camp that provided outdoor experiences and life-long memories for thousands of young people.
Today, Echo Bluff State Park is a yea
Standing at the point where two of the nation’s mightiest rivers merge, Edward “Ted” and Pat Jones- Confluence Point State Park provides a unique perspective on America. Confluence Point is where West
The elephant-shaped boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park may not be the stars of a circus, but these giant granite boulders are the stars of this unusual park in southeast Missouri.
The elephant roc
Travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Vallé house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a
The roar of ATVs and off-road motorcycles combines with the peacefulness of rolling hills at Finger Lakes State Park, one of two ATV parks in the state parks system. Built in a former coal mining area
Located within a stone’s throw of the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park, and in the heart of historic St. Charles, First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is the first seat of the stat
Explore a piece of America’s military history at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site and learn about the experiences that molded a Laclede country boy into one of the nation’s legen
Reflect on the greatness of the Mississippi River and the legacy of public schools that Gov. Daniel Dunklin left Missouri at Gov. Daniel Dunklin’s Grave State Historic Site. Perched on a bluff above t
A walk in Graham Cave State Park is a walk through ancient history. Artifacts uncovered in Graham Cave reveal that people occupied the cave 8,000 to 10,000 years ago. To walk through the park’s 386 sc
Some people call Grand Gulf State Park the “Little Grand Canyon.” Some just call it “breathtaking.” The park is one of the natural wonders of the Ozarks, presenting the most spectacular collapsed cave
With its intriguing history and outstanding geologic features, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one state park that should not be missed. The park is a geologic wonderland featuring sinkholes, caves, a huge
See where the only U.S. president born in Missouri started at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. Visitors can view the small frame house where the future president was born, and see furnis
Clear waters, dramatic bluffs and vibrant summer and fall colors make Harry S Truman State Park an ideal place to vacation. Located on a peninsula, the park offers a marina, ample fishing and boating
Hills of stately pine and oak trees, sandy-bottom streams and sandstone canyons and cliffs create one of the most significant and scenic landscapes in Missouri at Hawn State Park. Located in western S
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a now-vanished part of Missouri: the stately Bootheel mansion. Filled with original pieces purchased by the house's first owner and furnished in the style i
High above the Des Moines River’s floodplain, the grasses that sway back and forth in the wind beckon visitors to Iliniwek Village State Historic Site. The site is the only Illinois Indian village sit
The hustle and bustle of nearby Providence Road in Columbia belie the peace and serenity of Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site. The shady tree-filled cemetery contains the grave of Missouri's 22nd go
Looking for a unique destination? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers ancient beauty!
The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains
Welcome to Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the country. Katy Trail State Park attracts people of all ages and interests. Whether you are a bicyclist, walker, equestrian, nat
Knob Noster State Park is a tranquil retreat of open oak woodland with a few patches of prairie along both sides of the meandering Clearfork Creek. It’s a place for fishermen to wet a line, for mounta
Your vacation destination — Lake of the Ozarks State Park has it all!
Enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or sim
Lake Wappapello State Park is the ideal vacation spot for a day or a week. The park offers a modern campground and cabins plus rustic camper cabins. Miles of trail for hikers, backpackers and horsebac
The Lewis and Clark Expedition headed west in 1804 and encountered a lake that William Clark described as “full of Geese & Goslings.” Today, that lake is Lewis and Clark Lake, which is bordered by Lew
Locust Creek Covered Bridge, built in 1868, became a link in one of the nation's earliest transcontinental roads. Today, it is the longest of Missouri's four remaining covered bridges measuring 151 fe
Looking for a place to get a watersports fix? Long Branch State Park’s three boat ramps provide access to sprawling and picturesque Long Branch Lake. For more fun on the water, fishing is popular and
Nothing says “Missouri literature” like Mark Twain. And nothing says “Mark Twain was here” like the state historic site that bears his name. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site has the two-room
Nestled in the Salt River Hills of north-central Missouri, Mark Twain State Park gives visitors access to sprawling Mark Twain Lake, as well as unparalleled outdoors activities. The terrain is covered
Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and paleontological site – the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Here, scientists discovered the first solid evidence of the coexistence of humans a
The Meramec River flows by majestic bluffs, wooded areas and a dramatic cave entrance. More than 13 miles of hiking trails are available for exploring the park and visitors can swim, fish, raft and bo
Lead has been big business in the eastern Ozarks since about 1720. Come explore its history – and see the processing plant of the former St. Joe Lead Company – in the heart of the Old Lead Belt at Mis
The Missouri State Museum is where visitors go to immerse themselves in the history of the Show-Me State. The museum, located in the State Capitol, houses an impressive collection of exhibits portrayi
Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family.
T
Explore a geologic oddity – Crowley’s Ridge – at Morris State Park. The ridge rises 200 feet above the Mississippi River’s floodplain and consists of a strip of low hills ranging from a half-mile to f
Nathan Boone was a genuine Missouri icon – a hunter, soldier, surveyor and businessman. Boone carried his father’s name – he was the youngest son of Daniel Boone – deep into the Missouri wilderness. H
Descend into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark an
The quiet and peaceful hilltop scenery at Osage Village State Historic Site only hints at the presence of a village that once housed between 2,000 and 3,000 people living in about 200 lodges. The site
Wander through a slice of pre-settlement landscape at Pershing State Park. The park includes a boardwalk and hiking trail that winds through a wet prairie near a meandering stream with oxbow sloughs a
With locations on both the Hermitage and Pittsburg sides of Pomme de Terre Lake, Pomme de Terre State Park offers a little bit of everything. A marina and boat ramps make it easy to get in the water a
Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than 1% remains, much of it preserved at Prairie State Park. Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and e
Roaring River State Park is unique on so many levels!
With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks.
The Meramec River and Calvey Creek border Roberstville State Park, creating unlimited outdoor opportunities. A boat launch and easy water access make fishing and boating along the peaceful Meramec eas
Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The pa
Travel through history on The Mother Road at Route 66 State Park. Route 66 captured Americans’ imagination and exposed millions of citizens to small towns across the country. Sample a slice of that at
With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone.
Access to bot
Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red barn. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis.
Sappington Cemetery State Historic Site houses the grave of a prominent area doctor, Dr. John Sappington, along with two Missouri governors. Gov. Meredith Miles Marmaduke became Missouri's eighth gove
An authentic player piano fills the air with Scott Joplin melodies as you walk through the modest flat on Delmar Boulevard that Joplin and his wife Belle lived in during their time in St. Louis. Lit b
The forested ridges and cool hollows of St. Francois State Park offer visitors a retreat from everyday life. Three hiking trails, including one that allows equestrian access, wind through the wooded h
The roar of engines breaks the stillness of the Old Lead Belt at St. Joe State Park, one of two off-road vehicle parks in the state park system. The many trails set aside for off-road vehicle use make
The clear waters of Stockton Lake beckon visitors to water ski, scuba dive, swim or fish. And Stockton State Park is the perfect place to do it. It’s a perfect place for sailing – with a perpetual sou
Nestled near one of the hottest tourist towns in the United States, Table Rock State Park serves as Branson’s natural getaway and an outdoor recreation base camp for those wanting to take in the area’
Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and be on top of Missouri – literally. The park’s 7,500 acres include the highest point in the state. Located in the St. Francois Mountains, the park'
Thomas Hart Benton's life is present in both his home and his paintings, and both are preserved at Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. A trip to the home and studio of the renowned
The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose woody shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers
Surrounded by some of the most fertile farm land in Missouri, Towosaghy State Historic Site is a former fortified village and civic-ceremonial center for the Mississippian peoples who lived in souther
Gain a better understanding of one of the saddest chapters in American history at Trail of Tears State Park, where nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississ
Solitude reigns in the Roger Pryor Pioneer Backcountry, a 60,000-acre tract adjacent to Echo Bluff State Park. The backcountry is part of Pioneer Forest, which is owned by the L-A-D Foundation. It is
Union Covered Bridge, built in 1871, is the only one of the four remaining covered bridges that represents the Burr-arch truss design. It served travelers in Monroe County for 99 years and is a peacef
The clear water of Wakonda State Park's six lakes attract thousands of migratory waterfowl each year, making the park a bird lover’s paradise. The lakes also offer anglers a chance to catch largemouth
Less than an hour from Kansas City, Wallace State Park is an island of serenity. Visitors can fish in the park’s six-acre lake or hike one of four scenic trails with benches along the way for relaxing
Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing. Hikers can ch
A 100-acre lake with a paved bicycle path around it, plentiful fishing, a picturesque campground and choice picnic spots make Watkins Mill State Park an ideal place for an afternoon or longer. Located
Stepping on to the grounds of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is like stepping into 19th century pastorale. Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins spent half a century building – including
Not far from the hustle and bustle of Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers secluded picnic sites, a campground and sweeping views of the Missouri River from trails and a scenic overlook accessib
