Missouri is beautiful all year long. However, autumn just might be the most enchanting of the four seasons, especially with the landscape painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. Fall is also the perfect chance to enjoy the crisp air, the sound of the leaves crunching beneath our feet, and just being outside. Here are 11 of the best places to visit in Missouri in the fall that will make your autumn even better.
Elephant Rocks State Park offers plenty to do all year, but it's particularly pretty during fall in Missouri. Embark on one of the hiking trails; bring a picnic along; or watch your kiddos on the playground after a bit of leaf peeping. Read more about this unique Missouri state park in a previous article.
Brimming with natural wonders from a stunning blue spring to a natural bridge, Ha Ha Tonka State Park promises numerous ways to admire the fall foliage. Go on a hike. Kayak on the water, and stop by the castle ruins. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the perfect fall day trip in Missouri.
Can you think of a better place to check out the foliage in Missouri this fall than from the highest point in the state? Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is home to the highest point, which measures 1,772 feet, and you can drink in the views from an easy-to-reach lookout tower. Taum Sauk Mountain boasts some of the best scenic views in Missouri.
As the seventh-largest spring in Missouri, Alley Spring beckons visitors with its sheer natural beauty. During the autumn, it transforms into a scene that belongs on an old-fashioned postcard. Learn more about the gorgeous Missouri hike that will take you to Alley Spring.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides a beautiful backdrop for a day outdoors having fun and admiring the fall foliage. You'll find a ton to do at the park (which requires an admission fee), from hiking trails to horseback riding. Read more about this family-friendly day trip in our previous article.
A stroll through Tower Grove Park in the fall, ideally at the peak of the fall foliage, is the perfect autumn activity. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, giving you plenty of time to explore and admire the colorful grounds. Did you know that Tower Grove Park is one of Missouri's most unique parks?
One of the oldest wineries in the United States, Stone Hill Winery in Hermann is a must-visit any time of the year. Plan a tour and tasting at the winery that's absolutely breathtaking painted in rustic colors. Take a peek at this charming Missouri winery. It's one of the most fun places to visit in the fall.
Stretching 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest offers something for all outdoor lovers - from scenic hikes to camping. Admire the fall foliage as you explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Did you know that Mark Twain National Forest is home to Missouri's second-largest spring?
Get your adrenaline pumping on one of the zipline tours at Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain, which promises both jaw-dropping views and breathtaking excitement. Learn more about this epic autumn adventure in Missouri in our previous article.
State parks in the fall? Yes, please! We have plenty of state parks to visit, each of which offers its own scenic views of the fall foliage. Weston Bend State Park features a scenic overlook (pictured above), where you can stand back and drink in the autumn beauty. Get a glimpse of the fun that awaits at this Missouri state park.
Billed as one of Missouri's most rugged parks, Cuivre River State Park boasts absolutely gorgeous views of the fall foliage. The park features a series of hiking trails, horseback riding, and boating. Learn more on the official website of Cuivre River State Park.
What are your favorite destinations and best places to visit in Missouri in the fall? Let us know in the comments! Then check out the seven reasons Ha Ha Tonka State Park is an amazing fall destination in Missouri.
Want to go hiking this fall in Missouri? Make sure you have the handy AllTrails+ app downloaded to your phone!
Even the most extroverted among us crave some quiet time every now and then. Fortunately, Missouri’s brimming with tranquil destinations – from secluded state parks to remote natural areas – where we can escape whenever we just want some time away from it all. Robertsville State Park is just one example of a quiet gem that’s worthy of a visit. It's also home to two of the best hiking trails in Missouri.
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Just under an hour from downtown St. Louis, Robertsville State Park makes an idyllic daytrip destination or, if you’re up for an overnight adventure, a few nights camping under the stars.
With more than 1,200 acres, this secluded state park offers something for everyone. One of the best ways to explore, however, is on one of its two scenic hiking trails.
The Lost Hill Trail travels just over 2.5 miles and earns a moderate rating while the Spice Bush Trail is short and sweet at just .08 of a mile. It, too, has a moderate rating.
Pack everything you need for a picnic, too. The park features several picnic shelters and picnic tables. After everyone's eaten, the kiddos can play at the nearby playground.
Robertsville State Park also hosts interpretive programs throughout the year. From nature hikes to evening programs, there's something for outdoor lovers of all ages.
If you're blissfully relaxed and want some more time at this Missouri state park, pitch a tent and spend a night or two. Both basic and electric sites are available.
Have you been to this remote state park, home to two of the best hiking trails in Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that Robertsville State Park is just one of several underappreciated state parks near St. Louis, Missouri?
Ready for more outdoor adventures? How about setting off on one of the best hikes in Missouri? Just check out AllTrails for some of the best.
Exploring Missouri means always having a long list of places to go and things to do. We can all probably agree that we can never really get bored in Missouri unless we feel like it. There is so much to do here. Even if we're strapped for cash, we can get out and have fun at one of the best state parks in Missouri. Missouri's state parks are admission-free and offer something for everyone - hiking, biking, swimming, boating, camping, and just kicking back and chilling.
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Most Popular State Parks In Missouri
One of the best ways to get to know Missouri is by exploring its many state parks, where you can hike, boat, go horseback riding, and camp. Many of Missouri's state parks offer activities all year round. If you're not sure where to start when it comes to exploring, plan a visit to one of the most popular state parks in Missouri.
Wow Factor: Roaring River Spring is a stunning blue.
Need To Know: The state park is home to Roaring River, which offers some of the best trout fishing in Missouri.
If you've not been to the most-visited state park in Missouri, known for its trout fishing and deep blue spring, add it to your bucket list. You'll find a full menu of things to do at Roaring River State Park, including fishing, wildlife watching, picnicking, and camping. Slip on a pair of comfy shoes, and follow one or all of the seven hiking trails, too. If you're bringing the little ones along, stop by the playground in the day-use area.
Wow Factor: Ruins of Ha Ha Tonka Castle & a natural bridge
Need To Know: Ha Ha Tonka State Park is home to Missouri's 12th largest spring.
Crowned one of the "50 Most Beautiful Places in the World" by Conde Nast Travel, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is perhaps best known for the ruins of a majestic castle, originally built by the Snyder family, that went up in flames in the 1940s. Visiting the ruins is just one of the many things to do at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. Explore the more than two dozen trails; go boating; or spend time watching wildlife. Ha Ha Tonka transforms into a winter wonderland after it snows, making it one of the best state parks in Missouri in winter.
Wow Factor: Elephant Rocks, natural rock formations that date back more than 1.5 billion years
Need To Know: Guests with mobility issues can reserve an electronic off-road track chair to explore the park's trails.
Of all the things to do at Elephant Rocks State Park, the most memorable is visiting Elephant Rocks, 1.5-billion-year-old granite rock formations that look like circus elephants. That's just the beginning of the fun, though. Bouldering, hiking, and picnicking are all popular activities. One of the best state parks in Missouri to visit in summer, Elephant Rocks hosts a food truck on select days throughout the year. Grab a hot dog, nachos, chips, and shaved ice.
Best State Parks In Missouri To Camp
Pack all of your gear for an epic adventure at one of these Missouri state parks that promise an amazing camping experience. Try glamping in a yurt; pitch a tent for a primitive adventure, or book a stay at a modern cabin. Missouri's state parks promise something for everyone.
Wow Factor: Rent one of the yurts for a glamping adventure.
Need To Know: You can book a stay up to one year in advance.
Go on a glamping adventure by booking one of the yurts at Pomme de Terre State Park. You'll find many of the comforts of home - air-conditioning, a mini-fridge, and a lamp - but no running water. During the day, discover the many things to do at Pomme de Terre State Park, including hiking, biking, kayaking, canoeing, picnicking, and camping. Spend your summer days lounging on one of the two sandy beaches and swimming in the lake.
Need To Know: The park has three campgrounds, including one that's open all year.
Adventure calls in all seasons, and you can answer by going camping at Sam A. Baker State Park, home to three campgrounds - a seasonal campground, an equestrian campground, and a year-round campground. Campgrounds are handicap-accessible and feature a variety of amenities, including parking, showers, and bathrooms. Spend your days exploring the many things to do at Sam A. Baker State Park. Hiking, biking, horseback riding, boating, swimming, and picnicking are all popular activities at the park.
Wow Factor: This is glamping at its finest. The yurt has two bedrooms.
Need To Know: There is only one yurt that's available year-round.
For the ultimate camping adventure, reserve the two-bedroom yurt at Table Rock State Park. The yurt is brimming with modern amenities, including A/C and heat, a full kitchen, a living room, a sliding glass door, and a skylight. If you prefer a more traditional experience, pitch a tent or park your RV. Camping is just one of the many
Enjoy all the comforts of home while camping out under the stars at one of these state parks in Missouri that are perfect for an RV adventure. Spend your days exploring the Missouri state park, hiking, picnicking, and even swimming before retreating to your RV. If you don't have an RV, rent one from RVshare, and hit the road.
Wow Factor: There's a site for every type of camper, or you can stay in the park's lodge.
Need To Know: There are 60 full-service sites and 12 walk-in sites.
For an epic adventure, book your stay at Timbuktu Campground at Echo Bluff State Park, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV. The campground boasts a full menu of amenities, including complimentary wifi, laundry, and a restaurant. That's just scratching the surface of all the things to do at Echo Bluff State Park. Spend the day hiking or mountain biking; watch the kiddos at the splash pad, and enjoy a day of floating on the river in the summer.
Wow Factor: Wakonda State Park is home to a massive 20,000-square-foot beach.
Need To Know: You can book a campsite at Wakonda State Park (and all Missouri state parks) up to 12 months in advance.
Go camping year-round at one of Wakonda State Park's two campgrounds. Both feature water and showers seasonally. Boulder Lake Campground has electric sites while Wakonda Lake Campground offers sewer, electric, and water. You'll find so many things to do at Wakonda State Park that you'll want to camp out for at least a few evenings. Popular park activities include hiking, biking, swimming, boating, and fishing. If you visit during the summer, bring your swimming gear for a day at the sandy beach. The beach makes it one of the best state parks in Missouri in summer.
Need To Know: All campers must be on-site by 10 p.m. nightly when the campground gate closes.
Pull into one of the shaded RV spots at Crowder State Park that also offers tent camping. The RV campground features a variety of amenities, including vault toilets, showers, and water. Plan to spend time checking out all of the things to do at Crowder State Park, too. From horseback riding and wildlife watching to hiking and boating, there's something to do for everyone at this nearly 2,000-acre state park.
Best State Parks In Missouri For Hiking
Is there a better way to experience all of the beauty that Missouri has to offer than on a scenic hike? Missouri's more than 800 hiking trails promise something for everyone, from newbies who prefer a leisurely walk through the woods to seasoned hikers who want a mighty challenge. Some of the best hiking trails in Missouri are in its state parks.
Wow Factor: At 17,626 acres, it's the largest state park in Missouri.
Need To Know: The park is home to a cavern. Guided tours are offered on select days throughout the year.
More than a dozen hiking trails, spanning 56 miles, offer an idyllic way to get to know Lake of the Ozarks State Park, the largest in Missouri. For a relatively short and sweet trek, follow the 1.3-mile Lake Trail that meanders along the lakeshore. Just be prepared for a moderate challenge. The park is also home to a 9.9-mile aquatic trail if you're up for a day on the water. For more things to do at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, relax on one of the two sandy beaches, go fishing, or plan a camping adventure.
Wow Factor: Katy Trail is the longest trail in Missouri, spanning 240 miles.
Need To Know: The trail is broken into 26 segments.
If you're up for an epic adventure, follow the entirety of the 240-mile Katy Trail, which runs from Clinton to Machens. The trail is divided into 26 shorter segments. The most popular things to do at Katy Trail State Park include hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Katy Trail, one of the best state parks in Missouri in spring, offers a glimpse at Missouri history, features four railroad depots, and boasts a tunnel of trees.
Wow Factor: The natural shut-ins are absolutely stunning and a popular swimming hole in the summer
Need To Know: The park can get really crowded, especially during the summer.
Wear a pair of comfy shoes because you've got a lot of hiking ahead of you at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. Six trails meander through the park. The Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Trail leads straight to this natural wonder. It offers a bit of a challenge, and dogs are not allowed on it. However, it's worth it for the views of the shut-ins. When you're not hiking, you'll find plenty of other things to do at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, including biking, horseback riding, swimming, fishing, and wildlife watching.
Best Little-Known State Parks In Missouri
With 93 state parks and historic sites in Missouri, we can easily overlook a few gems that are more than deserving of a spot on our bucket list. Next time you're planning an adventure, check out one of the best lesser-known state parks in Missouri. Here are a few to get you started.
Wow Factor: Hickory and oak trees stand 120 feet here.
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Need To Know: The park offers a glimpse of Missouri before it was developed.
Stroll along a boardwalk trail that will take you under a canopy of trees at this lesser-known state park in Missouri that promises plenty of quiet. The towering trees make it one of the best state parks in Missouri in fall, and you'll likely cross paths with a variety of wildlife - from raccoons to deer. Other
Wow Factor: It's home to the "largest remaining oxbow lake" in Missouri.
Need To Know: Big Lake State Park is popular with families, offering both day use and camping.
The gem of the cozy 407-acre state park is the oxbow lake, where you can while away the hours boating and fishing. With all the things to do at Big Lake State Park, you might want to make your visit an overnighter or a weekend getaway. Reserve a camper cabin or pitch a tent lakeside.
Wow Factor: It promises plenty of quiet about an hour from Kansas City.
Need To Know: This is a particularly family-friendly park.
While it's rather snug at around 500 acres, Wallace State Park boasts plenty of natural beauty, including its gem - a six-acre lake. Among the things to do at Wallace State Park, the most popular are fishing, boating, and hiking. The park has four trails and a playground for the kiddos.
Do you agree that these are the best state parks in Missouri? How many state parks in Missouri have you visited? Let us know in the comments! Ready for even more adventures in Missouri? Set off on this epic road trip to experience Missouri's great outdoors. Before heading out on any day or road trip, make sure you check out OIYS's road trip essentials packing list.
