With more than 92 state parks to visit in Missouri, and so much natural beauty, you really can’t go wrong when you are looking for outdoor fun.  These 10 parks all have much to offer any visitor – from spellbinding natural beauty to some of the best hiking trails in Missouri. Pull out your bucket list, because you might want to add these state parks to the top of it.

1. Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville
Facebook/Thousand Hills State Park
Thousand Hills State Park, 20431 MO-157, Kirksville, MO 63501, USA
Flickr/ redshirtjosh
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. They have a marina with boat rentals and a Petroglyph shelter with Native American rock carvings. There are campsites and cabins, if you want to make it more than a day trip. Find more on the official website of Thousand Hills State Park.
2. Trail of Tears State Park, Cape Girardeau
Flickr/ Kris Chapman
Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755, USA
Flickr/ Kris Chapman
Thousands of Cherokee Indians died during the Trail of Tears, a forced march relocating them to Oklahoma. Nine of the 13 groups crossed the Mississippi River near this park dedicated to the tragedy. It's a beautiful tribute and a nice place to visit with picnic sites and shelters, horse trails, fishing in both the river and lakes, a swimming beach on Lake Boutin, two campgrounds and two playgrounds. You'll find some of the most picturesque hiking trails in Missouri at the park, too. Visit the official website of Trail of Tears State Park for more information.
3. Grand Gulf State Park, Thayer
Grand Gulf State Park Office, 1007 Nettleton Ave, Thayer, MO 65791, USA
"Grand Gulf cave 1-02Aug07" by I, Kbh3rd. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
This park has been referred to as "The Little Grand Canyon" and features a gulf stretching more than a mile with 130 foot high walls. Take an interpretive trail, arguably one of the most unique hiking trails in Missouri, that explains the gulf's formation, or a trail that takes you under the imposing natural bridge. 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. This would be a great spot for a day trip. Here's the official website of Grand Gulf State Park.
4. Elephant Rocks State Park, Ironton
"The Elephant Rocks" by Fredlyfish4 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons -
Elephant Rocks State Park, Missouri 21, Belleview, MO, USA
Missouri State Parks
Giant elephant-shaped granite boulders are the main attraction at one of the best state parks in Missouri and are the reason for the park's name. However, there is more to do and see. The picturesque park has an interpretive braille trail that winds through the rocks, picnic areas, a trail that leads to engine house ruins, and a playground. There is also rock climbing and rappelling, but it requires a permit and there is no solo climbing allowed. Check out the official website of Elephant Rocks State Park.
5. Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camden County
"Ha Ha Tonka State Park" by Paul Knittel from St. Louis, United States - Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Licensed under CC BY 2.0 via Commons -

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Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA
Flickr/ Dakota Calloway
The ruins of a turn of the 20th century castle built high atop a bluff may be the main attraction, but there is so much more to do. There are more than 15 miles of some of the best hiking trails in Missouri, fishing and boating in the lake, 20 picnic areas and two shelters, a special use camping area, and a playground. 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. Stop by the official website of Ha Ha Tonka State Park to learn more.
6. Knob Noster State Park, Johnson County
Flickr/ Granger Meador
Knob Noster State Park, 873 SE 10 Rd, Knob Noster, MO 65336, USA
Flickr/ Granger Meador
This park features a gorgeous mixture of prairie, woodland, and forest along a creek running through it. There are basic and electric campsites, family campsites and special use areas available. Features include trails, kayak rentals, interpretive programs, mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing, picnic sites and shelters, and a playground. Learn more on the official website of Knob Noster State Park.
7. Finger Lakes State Park, Boone County
Finger Lakes State Park, 1505 Peabody Rd, Columbia, MO 65202, USA
Trip Advisor/management
Trip Advisor/Kim D.
Finger Lakes is one of only two ATV parks in the Missouri state park system. In addition to ATV and off-roading, there is also a motocross track. They offer basic and electric campgrounds and a swimming beach from May through September. Other water attractions include kayak and canoe rentals, a boat ramp and water trail, fishing, and scuba diving. There is a shaded picnic area and an enclosed shelter. Come explore this area reclaimed by nature after being strip-mined for coal years ago. Discover why Finger Lakes State Park is one of the best parks in Missouri on its official website.
8. Prairie State Park, Mindenmines
Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
"Prairie SP visitor center-20150715-8203" by Kbh3rd - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
This park features tall grass prairies where you might see elk or the resident bison herd. In the Regal Tall Grass Nature Center, you will find exhibits and other interpretive programs. There are also hiking trails, picnic areas, a small number of basic campsites, and a backpack camp. Stop by the official website of Prairie State Park for more information.
9. Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve
Hawn State Park, 12096 Park Dr #8121, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
Trip Advisor/management
Three main trails take you on an escape through nature: Pickle Creek Trail, White Oak Trail and Whispering Pine Wild Area. Discover beautiful exposed rock, clear, sand-bottomed streams, wild orchids, LaMotte Sandstone Barrens, or Botkin's Pine Woods. There are basic and electric campsites, picnic sites, and a picnic shelter with a playground. Here's the official website of Hawn State Park.
10. Robertsville State Park, Franklin County
"Robertsville State park road" by Fredlyfish4 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Commons -
"Spice Bush Trail bridge" by Fredlyfish4 - Own work. Licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons -
This park features the Meramec River and Calvey Creek where you can enjoy fishing and boating (no swimming), or observe diverse water fowl. There are bluffs, hardwood forests, river bottomlands, and clearings dating back to when the area was used as a farm in the early 1900s. There are basic and electric campsites, and the Spice Bush Trail. Also available are reservable picnic shelters with flush toilets and a playground. Learn more about one of the best parks in Missouri on the official website of Robertsville State Park.

What is your favorite state park to visit in Missouri? Let us know in the comments! Then check out these 10 lesser-known state parks to visit in Missouri.

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More to Explore

State Parks To Visit In Missouri

Beth Price-Williams | February 08, 2022

What are some of the best state parks in Missouri?

Missouri boasts 92 state parks. That means we have a ton of opportunities for exploring. If you’re looking for the best state parks in Missouri, you probably don’t live too far from one. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, for example, boasts beautiful shut-ins and scenic hiking trails. Explore a fascinating cave at Onondaga Cave State Park, and discover a sapphire spring at Roaring River State Park. Plan a visit to Castlewood State Park, too, which is home to hiking and biking trails, horseback riding, and picnicking.

Where can I find the best hiking trails in Missouri?

On the hunt for hiking trails in Missouri? You’ll never have to look far, especially since the state is home to hundreds of miles of trails. Trails range from easy to difficult, and you can find trails in the cities, small towns, and in parks all across the state. Get a peek at the Grand Canyon of Missouri at Grand Gulf State Park, for example, along the Interpretive Loop Trail. The Shut-In Trail at Sam Baker State Park leads to a refreshing swimming hole while you can get a glimpse of the past on the short but sweet Locust Creek Covered Bridge Trail.

What are some things to do outside in Missouri?

Exploring Missouri is easy and fun. We have so many fun things to do outside in Missouri, in fact, that we can never really get bored. For a day of hiking, head over to Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, home to the highest point in Missouri and the state’s tallest waterfall. Mina Sauk Falls tumbles down 132 feet. 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. Rocky Falls is picture-perfect all year around, but it’s particularly fun in the summer when you can cool off in the pool into which the waterfall cascades.

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