A Nature Lovers Definitive Guide To Missouri’s Natural Beauty – Parks, Beaches, Hikes And More!
Missouri is a hidden gem for travelers of many types. It is a land of lush forests, rolling hills, and natural springs. If you are planning on a family road trip, you’ll probably pass through Missouri, and there are many reasons why you should stop and stay a while along the way. Missouri’s urban areas are full of cultural activities, wineries, and fine dining. It also has plenty of places where you can enjoy a natural swimming hole, climb a rock formation, or visit one of many natural wonder areas. The Ozarks are what most people think of when they want to explore a waterfall or enjoy spring wildflowers or fall foliage, but there are beautiful sights to see and outdoor activities in every area of the state. The National Park Service also takes care of several areas in the state like the Lewis and Clark route. Here are a few of the gems you do not want to miss.
The Best Little Known Park in Missouri
Missouri is known for its excellent state park system and any one of them is a great way to explore nature. One of the little hidden gems that you must visit is Big Oak Tree. It is located near East Prairie and features a boardwalk that is wheelchair accessible. It winds through areas that are almost undisturbed and offers many opportunities for wildlife viewing.
The preserve encompasses 1,028 acres and has some of the largest trees in the country. If you like big trees, this preserve has many national champions. Some are as big as 22 feet across. Forests such as these are becoming increasingly rare, so this is an excellent opportunity to experience them. A trip to Big Oak Tree is one that you will not likely forget, so plan on stopping by as you pass through.
The preserve encompasses 1,028 acres and has some of the largest trees in the country. If you like big trees, this preserve has many national champions. Some are as big as 22 feet across. Forests such as these are becoming increasingly rare, so this is an excellent opportunity to experience them. A trip to Big Oak Tree is one that you will not likely forget, so plan on stopping by as you pass through.
The Most Pristine Beach in Missouri
If you are itching to wiggle your toes in the sand and soak up some sun, you do not have to go to Florida, but you can do all of this in Missouri. Of course, Missouri is landlocked, but it still has some beautiful freshwater beaches for you to enjoy. Long Branch will make you think that you have slipped away to a tropical paradise. The waters are as clear as those in the Caribbean, and there is something to do for the whole family. There is a playground, and you can almost always find a game of beach volleyball going on. When you have had enough of the sand between your toes, you can enjoy many of its other activities that include hiking, camping, biking, and boating. Long Branch is an excellent place to stop and soak up some sun before heading to your destination.
The Most Jaw Dropping Lake in Missouri
Missouri is an outdoorsman's paradise and Lake Taneycomo is one of the favorites. Each year, it is stocked with about 750,000 rainbow and brown trout, which makes it one of the best fishing waters around. The water is three miles long and rather narrow. While there are some beaches, the water tends to be cold because it is fed by the bottom of Table Rock waterway.
Many people do like to wade in the summer to cool off. You can also enjoy the waters by kayak or canoe. If you just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, you can catch a ride on the Landing Princess or Landing Queen and just float along the water and enjoy the sights. You can also enjoy shopping and dining at the nearby outdoor mall. Taneycomo is a place you should visit soon if you want some excellent fishing or time in nature.
Many people do like to wade in the summer to cool off. You can also enjoy the waters by kayak or canoe. If you just want to enjoy the beautiful scenery, you can catch a ride on the Landing Princess or Landing Queen and just float along the water and enjoy the sights. You can also enjoy shopping and dining at the nearby outdoor mall. Taneycomo is a place you should visit soon if you want some excellent fishing or time in nature.
The Most Beautiful Island in Missouri
Missouri might not be at the top of your list when it comes to enjoying an island paradise, but there are many of them in the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers. Some are used for biking trails, fishing, hunting, nature preserves, and wildlife viewing. Bangert is one of the more populated islands and offers an excellent 4.2-mile bike path with various levels of difficulty. The 160-acre preserve is located near St. Charles. While you are hiking or biking you might encounter songbirds on migration, deer, turkey, raccoons, and stands of Missouri hardwood trees like silver maple and box elder. Bangert is a stop that you need to put on this year's travel plan.
The Best Trail to Hike in Missouri
Hiking is by far the best way to get out and experience nature. When you are hiking quietly, you can get up close and personal with wildlife because you do not startle them. The best time to hike for wildlife viewing is near sunrise or sunset. Mooner's Hollow is a three-mile hike in Francois State Park in Bonne Terre. The forest almost looks like an enchanted wood from a fairytale. The path is well-marked and well-maintained. You almost feel like the trees reach out and envelop you as you walk. It also puts on a breathtaking display of wildflowers in the spring. If you like a chance encounter with wildlife, Mooner's Hollow is one hike that you will want to put on your list.
The Most Beautiful River in Missouri
Missouri has many miles of rivers to explore, but there's one river in the Ozarks that is famous for its pristine, clear water and natural beauty. The Black River is a popular spot for those who want to canoe, raft, or float along towards the Arkansas border. It has excellent fishing opportunities and features several swimming holes among the way.
You can also enjoy a hike along the trail and see the beauty of the flowing water from atop the tall cliffs along the edges. It is not very wide, and the water has a gentle flow, making it perfect for the whole family. Taking a float down the Black River is something you and the whole family need to explore this summer.
You can also enjoy a hike along the trail and see the beauty of the flowing water from atop the tall cliffs along the edges. It is not very wide, and the water has a gentle flow, making it perfect for the whole family. Taking a float down the Black River is something you and the whole family need to explore this summer.
The Most Scenic Mountain in Missouri
Missouri is home to some beautiful mountains that offer gorgeous views and plenty of hiking opportunities. Hughes Mountain offers hiking paths that wind through forests, glades, and natural open areas with native grasses. One of the most interesting sights that you will see on the path is known as the Devil's Honeycomb. This outcropping of rocks is a large bed of Precambrian rhyolite.
The formation resulted from the vertical fracturing of rhyolite that had been heated by volcanic activity. The result is a fascinating piece of geology and rock formations like those you typically associate with the Dakotas.
This is a fascinating hike that leads to one of the most beautiful views in the state. Once you are finished exploring the heights, you might want to go on a cave excursion to one of Missouri's 7,300 caves. Hughes is an excellent place to spend the afternoon, or an entire day exploring, so come visit soon.
This is a fascinating hike that leads to one of the most beautiful views in the state. Once you are finished exploring the heights, you might want to go on a cave excursion to one of Missouri's 7,300 caves. Hughes is an excellent place to spend the afternoon, or an entire day exploring, so come visit soon.
The Most Unique Garden in Missouri
The Missouri Botanical Garden is simply a delightful way to spend an afternoon. You can stroll along the maze and take in the smells and beauty of the lush plant life. This little gem is tucked away in St. Louis's Victorian District and has plenty to explore.
Aside from the Labyrinth, there is much to explore so it's best if you make a day of it. It also includes a children's section, observatory, English woodland, and Chinese-style section. Everywhere you look, there is something that is simply breathtaking. This is the perfect haven for nature photographers. The beauty of this landscape is something that must be experienced, so stop by the maze and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
Aside from the Labyrinth, there is much to explore so it's best if you make a day of it. It also includes a children's section, observatory, English woodland, and Chinese-style section. Everywhere you look, there is something that is simply breathtaking. This is the perfect haven for nature photographers. The beauty of this landscape is something that must be experienced, so stop by the maze and enjoy a relaxing afternoon.
