If you’re a lover of nature, chances are that you’ve been to the Johnson Shut-Ins, Elephant Rocks State Park, or Ha Ha Tonka State Park as they’re some of the most beautiful places in Missouri. Those tend to be the most popular state parks in Missouri. But did you know that we’re home to over 50 Missouri state parks? Pretty incredible when outsiders consider us to be a flat, flyover state. Here is a handful of those awesome state parks to visit in Missouri that don’t get as much love as they should:

1. Prairie State Park - Mindenmines
Prairie State Park, 128 NW 150th Ln, Mindenmines, MO 64769, USA
Bev R./TripAdvisor
With wild elk and bison roaming about, it's quite surprising that this tallgrass prairie isn't more well-known to others.

Get a closer look at the wild bison that roam here:

2. Mark Twain State Park - Florida
37352 Shrine Rd, Florida, MO 65283, USA
Lorilou F./TripAdvisor
For the most part, everyone's aware of Mark Twain National Forest. However, Mark Twain State Park is nowhere near that national forest, but it's still pretty rich in nature. The park features bluffs towering over the lake and 6 miles of hiking trails.
3. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park - Columbia
5901 MO-163, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
KIKI816/TripAdvisor
Columbia isn't just home to the SEC powerhouse, the University of Missouri, but it also has a pretty incredible state park with wood-planked trails and natural rock bridges and caves.
4. Hawn State Park - Ste. Genevieve
12096 Park Dr, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670, USA
Wendy N./TripAdvisor
Hawn State Park has a bit of something for everyone. If you're a geology buff, you'll love Pickle Creek for its variety of exposed rock formations. For hiking, check out the tree-shaded Whispering Pine Wild trails. There are also some prime locations in the park for bird watching.

Take a closer look at Hawn State Park:

5. Echo Bluff State Park - Eminence
Debra T/TripAdvisor
Missouri's newest developed state park sits just a half-mile away from the crystal clear Current River, making it perfect for a summer float trip.

Get some aerial views of this lovely park:

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 Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Missouri

Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Missouri
6. St. Francois State Park - Bonne Terre
8920 US-67, Bonne Terre, MO 63628, USA
caimi/TripAdvisor
Take a stroll through one of the three wooded hiking trails at St. Francois State Park. For floating and canoeing, there's easy access to the Big River.
7. Sam A. Baker State Park - Patterson
Sam A. Baker State Park, 5580 MO-143, Patterson, MO 63956, USA
Tara D/TripAdvvisor
For a weekend getaway, Sam A. Baker State Park is the perfect place to post up at. In addition to the St. Francis River, Big Creek, ancient mountains, and wooded areas, it also has a great selection of cabins and campsites. Enjoy activities and delicious food in the lodge anytime throughout the day or at night.
8. Weston Bend State Park - Weston
16600 MO-45, Weston, MO 64098, USA
ewachtler/TripAdvisor
Kansas Citians often forget how close they are to this amazing state park. Downtown Weston is known for its historic main street and wineries, but only a short drive from that you'll find this awesome state park. It offers amazing views of the Missouri River and the valley below.
9. Big Oak Tree State Park - East Prairie
13640 MO-102, East Prairie, MO 63845, USA
Big Oak Tree State Park/Facebook
120-foot tall hickory and oak trees tower over to create a canopy feel at this lovely state park. Wander along boardwalk trails as you explore the marshy terrain.
10. Trail of Tears State Park - Jackson
Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755, USA
shellakers/TripAdvisor
When you visit Trail of Tears State Park, you'll learn a bit about America's darkest parts of history. It was here that nine of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups being relocated to Oklahoma crossed the Mississippi River. It was during very harsh winter conditions in 1838 and 1839. Stop in the visitor's center for informational brochures or just read the signs posted throughout the trails.
11. Washington State Park - De Soto
13041 MO-104, De Soto, MO 63020, USA
Fran M./Yelp
This state park in Missouri is unique from the rest due to the petroglyphs you'll find carved into the dolomite rock outcroppings. There are also incredible Ozark overlooks and easy access to the Big River for swimming and fishing.

So there you have it: our favorite state parks in Missouri. With the weather as nice as it is, now’s the time to start looking ahead to plan a visit. How many of these parks have you been to? What are your favorite state parks to visit in Missouri? Tell us your thoughts in the comments! Be sure to also check out some of the more popular Missouri state parks. For information about some of the best trails in these parks, head over to AllTrails.

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More to Explore

State Parks to Visit in Missouri

Tori Jane | July 15, 2022

Where are all the best parks in Missouri?  

The best parks in Missouri include:

  • Deer Creek Park
  • Stockstill Park

There are TONS of parks scattered all over Missouri perfect for everything from an outing with the kids to a nice, quiet first date, and we just so happen to think they’re amazing! Some of our favorite parks in Missouri include Deer Creek Park, in Maplewood, which has an excellent playground for the kid and amazing scenery for mom and dad. Another favorite park is Stockstill Park, in Branson, which has a gorgeous, crisp, cool little creek that runs through, making it the perfect escape from hot weather in Missouri.  

What are some amazing things to do outside in Missouri?  

Amazing things to do in Missouri include:

  • State parks
  • Waterfalls
  • Water parks
  • Caves
  • Conservation Centers
  • Camping
  • Fishing
  • Biking

So, speaking of things to do outside in Missouri ... what IS there? Of course, you can always visit the local and city parks and call it a day, but there’s so much more to our state than that. Hike any of the incredible state parks in Missouri and take a whole day to explore some of the amazing waterfalls in Missouri. Check out some of the delightful water parks in Missouri, caves, and conservation centers. Go camping, fishing, or biking. Enjoy our amazing forests and lakes. There are endless things to do in this gorgeous state and we think you’ll adore them all.  

What are the best state parks in Missouri? 

The best state parks in Missouri include:

  • Roaring River State Park
  • Big Spring State Park
  • Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Missouri might not be the most popular state for visitors, but maybe it should be, with more than 90 state parks and recreation areas all over the state. The most popular state park in Missouri is located in Cassville and is known as the Roaring River State Park, which typically sees over a million tourists every year. The oldest state park in Missouri is Big Spring State Park, which was opened in 1924. The largest state park in Missouri is the awe-inspiring Lake of the Ozarks State Park, which is an impressive 17,626 acres in size.  

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