Posted in Missouri Nature, On The Water July 10, 2022 by

The Natural Swimming Hole In Missouri That Will Take You Back To The Good Ole Days

With the many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Missouri, there are tons of great spots for a swim. If you’re looking for a natural swimming hole in Missouri that will bring back memories of splashing in the streams on a hot summer day, there is no better spot than one of the famous Show-Me State shut-ins. If you’re not familiar with a shut-in, it’s an Ozark term used to describe a river that is naturally confined within a deep, narrow channel. More than ninety shut–ins are located within and around the St. Francois Mountains region of southeast Missouri, and they’ve long been part of summer in Missouri. While the most famous in Missouri is likely Johnson’s Shut-Ins, there is another great shut-in in the state that’s a hidden gem worth exploring this summer.

Located in rural Fredericktown near the Mark Twain National Forest is Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. This beautiful nature site has been open to the public since 1993 and features hiking trails, fishing spots, hunting opportunities, and swimming!
Amidon Memorial Conservation Area/Facebook
The pink granite shut-ins are simply stunning and make the perfect spots for a natural waterpark. At times, especially after rainfall the current can become pretty swift so always wear life jackets and be cautious of the elements.
Bob Watson/Google
You can also find lovely and calm spots along the river that are great for wading. The water remains cool and refreshing all summer long.
Do more adventures/Google Local
If you're not much of a swimmer, the site offers many other attractions. You can explore the nearby wilderness and look for the two historic cemeteries or keep hiking downstream and explore Hahn’s gristmill.
ARPwildlifebio/Wikimedia
Try a new swimming hole this summer and visit the Castor River Shut-Ins on the next hot summer day. The stunning waterfalls and the rarity of the pink granite shut-ins make the trip totally worthwhile. However, it's also just as lovely and much less crowded than Johnson's Shut-Ins.
Kayla Peters/Google Local
Find the Castor River Shut-Ins at County Road 2143 in Fredericktown. Take the Cedar Glade Trail for a short half-mile hike down to the river.

Have you been to the Castor River Shut-Ins? Did you know about this natural swimming hole in Missouri? Share your thoughts and comments — and favorite swimming holes! — with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!

Are you looking for more great swimming spots in Missouri? Check out this list of awesome places to swim in the Show-Me State and make a splash this summer!

Address: Castor River Shut-Ins, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA

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The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Swimming Hole in Missouri

July 15, 2022
Sarah M.

What’s another natural swimming hole in Missouri I need to check out this summer?

If you’re looking for a natural swimming hole in Missouri that feels more like a bona fide water park, check out Echo Bluff State Park. One of Missouri’s newer state parks, Echo Bluff truly has something for everyone. Whether your family likes swimming, hiking, or even mountain biking you can do it all at Echo Bluff — you can even stay for the weekend in the lodge or rough it at one of the campsites!

Another epic natural swimming hole in Missouri is Rocky Falls. This swimming hole is part of the Ozark Scenic Riverways, and it’s truly a little slice of paradise. This shut-in flows down the rocks to the wider basin pool that’s accessible and great for families. Rocky Falls is a perfect swimming spot and a great place to have a picnic, too!

Finally, we’d be remiss not to include Fugitive Beach in a discussion of amazing Missouri swimming holes. Typically opening in mid-May, Fugitive Beach is a perennial favorite for Missourians that’s a wonderful destination for swimmers of all ages. This re-purposed quarry has a huge water slide, cliff jumps, a white sandy beach, and a play area for kids. Think water park, but in a natural environment. There are amenities here, too. Stay all day and grab lunch and drinks from the bar and grill!

Address: Castor River Shut-Ins, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA

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