The Show-Me State is home to more than 93 state parks and historic sites, so you’re never far from some of the best places to experience Missouri’s diverse landscape, natural beauty or the state’s history. The state’s most popular parks are always worth a stop, but there are plenty more to explore in every region of the state.
Planning Your Visit
Things to Know
Missouri state parks and historic sites offer countless ways to experience adventure your way. Many feature streams and lakes for fishing, including three of the nation’s premier trout fishing destinations. There are plenty of swimming holes to cool off during the hottest Missouri summer days, along with abundant trees and wetlands – prime locations for spotting rare birds. Plus, the parks boast more than 1,000 miles of trails for hikers, bicyclists and backpackers. All of the parks have day-use areas and many offer lodging and camping options.
Camping and Lodging
Forty-one state parks and historic sites offer more than 3,500 campsites that range from secluded walk-in sites to sites with hookups for water, sewer and electrical service. Campgrounds offer amenities such as hot showers, laundry facilities and dump stations. It’s always best to check specific amenities for the park you plan to visit by checking out the park or site’s website. While reservations are recommended, some campsites might be available for walk-up registration if they haven’t been reserved. However, it’s always best to book in advance to secure your spot, especially during peak season or at popular parks. Not a fan of tent camping or don’t own one? No worries. Some locations offer other lodging options such as yurts, cabins or lodge rooms.
Park Policies
- Missouri state parks are generally open from sunrise to sunset for those not camping or staying in park lodging facilities.
- Pets must be kept on leashes no longer than 10 feet and under control at all times.
- Camping is only allowed in designated campsites.
- Always practice leave-no-trace principles when visiting.
Before visiting, make sure you are aware of all general camping rules and camping and lodging rules if you plan to stay overnight.
State Park and Sites in Central Missouri
Harry S Truman State Park
Dramatic bluffs and hardwood forests surround one of Missouri’s largest lakes at Harry S Truman State Park, located in Warsaw. From a boat or from the shore, Truman Lake offers some of the best fishing in the area, with crappie, black bass, catfish and white bass challenging anglers of all skill levels. On the Western Wallflower Glade Trail, hiking enthusiasts experience firsthand the glade and savanna habitat that is being preserved in its pre-settlement conditions. It is also one of the best places in the park to view widely spaced oaks that still shade a mantle of prairie grasses and wildflowers.
The park offers basic and electric campsites scattered throughout the park. Facilities in the campgrounds include a dumping station, hot showers, modern restrooms and laundry facilities. For those interested in cooling off, the sand beach has a swimming access complete with change houses and restrooms.
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Discover fascinating geologic features at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, five miles south of Columbia. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil’s Icebox. You can explore Connor’s Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.
Northwest
Weston Bend State Park
You’ll find secluded picnic sites and sweeping views of the Missouri River at Weston Bend State Park, a short drive from Kansas City. The park’s scenic overlook is accessible for people with disabilities. Trails include a 3-mile paved path that takes hikers and cyclists through the wooded terrain.
Watkins Mill State Park
A paved bicycle path circles a 100-acre lake at Watkins Mill State Park, near Excelsior Springs. Fishing and picnicking are popular activities here. The park is adjacent to the Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark.
Northeast
Cuivre River State Park
One of Missouri’s largest parks, Cuivre River State Park encompasses more than 6,000 acres north of St. Louis. Surrounded by mostly agricultural land, the park’s rugged terrain feels more like a slice of the Ozarks. Explore more than 38 miles of hiking, backpacking and equestrian trails.
Thousand Hills State Park
Forest Lake is the centerpiece of Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville. Try your hand at fishing or rent a boat, canoe or kayak at the marina. The area’s wooded shoreline and broad savannas offer hiking and mountain biking. An interpretive shelter provides information about the park’s petroglyphs – American Indian rock carvings that date back 1,500 years.
Southwest
Prairie State Park
Take in panoramic views of swaying grasses and an ever-changing display of wildflowers at Prairie State Park. Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri, but today, less than 1% remains. Much of that land is preserved at this park, located south of Lamar. You just might spot the park’s resident bison herd.
Stockton State Park
A steady breeze makes Stockton Lake a perfect place for sailing. A nationally recognized sailing school is housed at the marina where you can rent a sailboat, pontoon or fishing boat, canoe or kayak. Watch the sailboats glide across the lake and explore the state park on several hiking trails.
Southeast
Hawn State Park
Towering pine trees and interesting rock formations await at Hawn State Park near Ste. Genevieve. Hiking and birding are popular pastimes in the park. Trails include a short trek to a scenic overlook and a backpacking trail nearly 10 miles long.
Grand Gulf State Park
Peer into Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon” at Grand Gulf State Park, located west of Thayer, near the state’s southern border. The gulf – one of the most spectacular collapsed cave systems in the Ozarks – stretches about three-quarters of a mile between 130-foot-high rock bluffs. Explore the area from trails and overlooks along the top edge or venture carefully to the bottom (there is no official trail) where you can walk under a natural bridge spanning 250 feet.
Written by Liz Coleman