Posted in Missouri Nature February 22, 2020 by

Missouri Has A Grand Canyon, The Little Grand Canyon And It’s Incredibly Beautiful

Beautiful streams, rivers and lakes, cities big and small, picturesque farmland – is there anything this state doesn’t have? We even have our own version of the Grand Canyon, and it’s a truly stunning sight. Affectionately named The Little Grand Canyon, Grand Gulf State Park might just be one of the most beautiful sights in the state, and that’s saying something.  Lace up those boots, because today we’re exploring the Little Grand Canyon in Missouri.

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Located six miles west of Thayer about as far south in Missouri as you can go before you hit Arkansas, Grand Gulf State Park is a sight you won't soon forget.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Known as the “Little Grand Canyon,” the 322-acre park draws its name from its stunning collapsed dolomite cave system in the Ozarks.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The more than mile-long canyon features 130-foot walls.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The gulf was created when a giant cave's ceiling collapsed thousands of years ago.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
If you visit, you can gaze at the gulf from trails at the top or from the floor, where you can walk under the 250-foot natural bridge.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The bridge is part of the uncollapsed original cave and is one of the largest natural bridges in Missouri.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
A word of caution: There's no trail leading to the gulf's bottom, so be careful if you attempt to get there.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
Make sure you bring a camera, because you'll want to snap plenty of photos at the park's gorgeous scenic overlooks.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr
The best time to go is during fall and winter, when the lack of foliage makes for easier viewing of the gulf.
MissouriDNRPhoto/Flickr

Have you ever visited the Little Grand Canyon in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments below!

For more amazing Missouri vistas, check out this little slice of paradise hiding right here!

Address: Hwy W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Little Grand Canyon in Missouri

March 07, 2020
Jackie Ann

Where else can I find the best views in Missouri?

When it comes to scenic views, Missouri doesn’t disappoint. The Show-Me State is full of unbelievable views, and if you’re willing to do a little bit of exploration, you’ll be rewarded tenfold with some jaw dropping scenery. Prairie State Park comes alive in the summer with countless wildflower blooms, turning the tall grass prairie into a beautiful color splash that attracts hundreds of visitors every year. For tree top views, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is ideal, and for those looking to explore the views underground, a trip to Onondaga Cave State Park is a must.

What are the most scenic hiking trails in Missouri?

Missouri’s diverse terrain lends to some incredibly scenic hiking trails. Whether you’re a weekend warrior looking to spend some time in the great outdoors, or you just have a few hours to kill, there are plenty of scenic hiking trails in Missouri that you’re sure to love. The Old Kate Trail at the Parkville Nature Sanctuary will reward you with breathtaking views of the sanctuary’s waterfall. For a peaceful hike with spectacular panoramic views of the Meramec River, head over to Castlewood State Park and take the 1.5-mile hike down the River Scene Trail. For wildlife viewing, the trails at Prairie State Park are your best bet to see free roaming American bison.

Are there any other natural wonders in Missouri?

If you’re looking to check out some of Missouri’s most fascinating natural wonders, you have plenty of options. Marvel Cave in Branson, Missouri offers both traditional tours and lantern-lit tours of the caves which allows you to see the caves from an entirely new perspective. Big Spring in the Ozark Mountains is one of the largest springs in the world, and on an average day, its average flow is roughly 286 million gallons of water. Finally, Elephant Rocks State Park has some impressive boulder formations that were formed from 1.5 billion-year-old granite.

Address: Hwy W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA