Johnson's Shut-Ins Recovery and The Black River Recreational Area

The swift waters of the Black River flow through a canyon-like gorge – called a “shut-in” – in the 8,549-acre Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, located about two hours south of St. Louis in southeastern Missouri. The shut-ins provide visitors with an equally unique recreation experience, because the shut-ins form a natural water slide and playground for swimming. Each year approximately 250,000 people visit Johnson’s Shut-Ins to play in Mother Nature’s water park.

On Dec. 14, 2005, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park was damaged by flooding following the failure of Taum Sauk Reservoir. The State Park is now in recovery stage. The Department of Natural Resources has closed the park for restoration. DNR does not anticipate having it the park fully reopened until sometime in 2008. However, some sections of the park, including some camping areas, are now available for public use.

Updates will be posted on the DNR Web site, with news covering the recovery progress and updated photographs. In addition, AmerenUE continues to update its Web site, www.ameren.com/taumsauk, to help the public stay up-to-date on the progress of restoration efforts.

It is important to note, only Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park was directly affected. Businesses, attractions and Black River outfitters in Pilot Knob, Ironton and Lesterville, as well as those within the beauty of the surrounding Arcadia Valley, are available and open (some seasonally).

The Goggin’s Mountain hiking and equestrian trails and trailheads were not affected and are still accessible to the public. A short stretch of the Taum Sauk Section of the Ozark Trail, between Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, was damaged. Taum Sauk itself was not affected and is open.

AREA ATTRACTIONS

These attractions are located near Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park but were not affected by the December 2005 flooding.

Elephant Rocks State Park

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park

Fort Davidson State Historic Site

LOCAL TOURISM BUSINESS IN THE BLACK RIVER AND ARCADIA VALLEY AREA

These businesses, located on or near the Black River in Lesterville, and in the Arcadia Valley and Ironton areas surrounding the Black River, offer camping, floating lodging and other activities. All attractions and businesses are open as usual (some seasonal). Missouri Division of Tourism staff members floated the Black River in 2006. They found the Black River to be as good a recreational area as ever. Also, several thousand happy vacationers enjoyed the Black River area in 2006.

Lesterville Area:

For more information on the Lesterville area, visit:

www.ArcadiaValley.biz.

www.LestervilleMissouri.com.

www.ExperienceBlackRiver.com.

• Franklin Floats Canoe and Kayak Rental (573-637-2205) AND Black River Rats (877-504-5277) offer one- and two-day float trips, guided night floats, and canoe, kayak and raft rental on the Upper Black River.