The Ultimate Bucket List For Anyone In Missouri Who Loves The Outdoors

There’s so much to love about the Missouri outdoors. From the gorgeous rushing rivers to the gently rolling hills and mountains, our state is a treasure trove of natural wonders just waiting to be discovered. With that in mind, we’ve put together the ultimate bucket list for anyone in Missouri who loves the outdoors. Ready to get started? Adventure awaits!

Greer Spring, Woodside Township, MO 65606, USA

Mike Miller / Google Reviews

Just off Missouri Highway 19 lies the trailhead for Greer Springs. The hike is only 0.9 miles, but you can also kayak or float through via the Eleven Point River.

Ha Ha Tonka State Park, 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton, MO 65020, USA

Heath Cajandig/Flickr

No list of things to do outside in Missouri is complete without a mention of the iconic Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Explore the castle ruins or hike to the top for a beautiful view of the Niangua arm of the Lake of the Ozarks. Experience the surreal beauty of Ha Ha Tonka State Park when you watch the brief drone video below:

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Mina Sauk Falls, Arcadia Township, MO 63650, USA

Randy Watson/Flickr

You'll not only get to see Missouri's tallest waterfall, but you'll also get to stand atop the state's high point by hiking this trail. Learn more about what makes Mina Sauk Falls such a bucket-list-worthy attraction.

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Crystal City Underground, 700 Crystal Ave, Crystal City, MO 63019, USA

J Troy Hollingsworth / Google Reviews

What's cooler than kayaking on a river? Kayaking through caves of course. This 150-acre spring-fed lake is completely underground. Learn more about visiting the unforgettable Crystal City Underground in Missouri.

Boze Mill Spring, Ozark Township, MO 63935, USA

Charlie Llewellin/flickr

Another popular destination along the Eleven Point River, Boze Mills Spring is accessible via hiking or kayaking/floating on through.

Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA

jennlynndesign/flickr

The Braille Trail not only takes you to the Elephant Rocks but it's also designed for people with visual and physical disabilities. Learn more about why Elephant Rocks State Park might just be the best state park in Missouri.

Devil's Icebox, Sinkhole Trail, Columbia, MO 65203, USA

Terry Robinson/flickr

Located in Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Devil's Icebox is a favorite amongst visitors. Hike the Devil's Icebox trail to view and explore its cave and underground stream. It's truly the most unique hidden park in Missouri.

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Trail of Tears State Park, 429 Moccasin Springs Rd, Jackson, MO 63755, USA

William Wulfing / Google Reviews

A lot of tragic history is attached to this state park. It was here that 9 out of the 13 Cherokee Indian groups crossed the Mississippi River when they were being relocated to Oklahoma. Today, it's been created into a state park with trails and a visitor center to educate visitors on the land's history. Have you ever visited Trail of Tears State Park?

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Marble Creek Campground, Arcadia, MO 63621, USA

N/flickr

Tucked away in the Mark Twain National Forest, Marble Creek offers creekside campsites at a low cost for visitors. The Ozark Trail also runs through this park, so there are plenty of opportunities to go for a jog or a hike.

Grand Gulf State Park, State Hwy W, Koshkonong, MO 65692, USA

Chris M Morris/flickr

Known to many as the "Little Grand Canyon", this state park features 130-foot walls that resulted from a collapsed cave system. Learn more about planning your visit to the impressive Grand Gulf State Park in Missouri.

Blue Spring, Eminence Township, MO 63638, USA

Cathy Hale / Google Reviews

Hike a short trail to enjoy the beauty of Blue Spring, a 310-foot-deep spring on the Current River. It's so beautiful, that Native Americans called it the "Spring of the Summer Sky."

Osceola, MO 64776, USA

David Casteel/flickr

Trappers Camp is a crag in the little town of Osceola that rock climbers retreat to for a challenging climb. Its 70-foot wall rises up where the Osage and Sac rivers meet.

The Fugitive Beach, 16875 County Rd 5285, Rolla, MO 65401, USA

Charles Haynes / Google Reviews

Once a rock quarry, now a rural oasis for swimmers and sunbathers. Check out this little beach outside of St. Louis for a fun day in the sun. You'll quickly discover why it's the perfect hidden beach in Missouri to get away from it all.

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Pickle Springs Natural Area, Dorlac Rd, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA

Rick Mester/flickr

With a mixture of waterfalls, box canyons, and 250 vascular plant species, Pickle Springs is undoubtedly one of the most diverse, if not the most diverse, natural areas in Missouri.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park Campgrounds, 257 Public Beach Rd, Brumley, MO 65017, USA

Phil Roussin/flickr

Whether you like to bike, run, hike, kayak, horseback ride, boat or swim, Lake of the Ozarks has something for every and any outdoor enthusiast. It's the largest state park in Missouri, and it's absolutely brimming with outdoor adventures.

We hope this list of Missouri outdoor adventures has inspired your next great outing. What are some of your favorite natural spaces in Missouri? Feel free to share them with us in the comments below — we would love to hear from you! And, before embarking on your next great outdoor adventure, don’t forget to check out our hiking essentials packing list.