This Secret Swimming Hole in Missouri Is Perfect for an Unforgettable Adventure

Summer is the perfect time to explore Missouri’s natural wonders, as long as you can beat the heat. There is nothing like a hike complete with a swimming hole to cool off in on a hot summer day. The Castor River Shut-Ins, located in the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, features the only pink granite shut-ins in Missouri. These rosy-hued rock formations are not just picturesque, they are natural water slides that invite visitors to splash around at one of the best summer spots in Missouri.

What Makes This Spot So Special

While there are other shut-ins in Missouri, the Castor River Shut-Ins are the only place to see them formed from pink granite. The pink granite is an igneous rock formation created 1.5 billion years ago. Shut-ins form where water erodes soft stone before meeting stronger rock and then cutting channels into its canyon. As you slide on these natural chutes into pools of clear, cool water, you are enjoying the results of volcanic activity! Its natural beauty, waterfalls, and plenty of pools to wade in make the Castor River Shut-Ins the best swimming hole in Missouri.

What It’s Like To Visit

A visit to the Castor River Shut-Ins feels like stumbling on one of the best secret spots in Missouri. Making your way from the forest trail to the rushing river is like choosing your own adventure. Scramble over boulders, slide through water channels, plunge into pools, or wade in the clear water. Admire the gorgeous pink granite as you spot fish, wildflowers, and more.

How To Get There

The Castor River Shut-Ins is located near Fredericktown in southeast Missouri. Take Highway 72 out of Fredericktown and continue onto Highway J, Highway W, CR 208, and CR 253 until you see a parking area and trailhead. Follow the Cedar Glade Trail a short distance to the water, and then find a scenic spot to take a dip.

What To Know Before You Go

As part of the Amidon Memorial Conservation Area, the Castor River Shut-Ins are free to visit. There is limited cell phone reception and no bathrooms or other services. You should bring along any supplies you may need, such as water and sunscreen, and take them with you when you leave.

While the trail is flat, water shoes or sneakers are recommended for climbing the rocky areas near the water. Take care you navigate them as the rock surfaces are slippery. Expect to scramble over boulders, roots, and more. If you are climbing on the rocks, try not to disturb any plant or animal life, and do not dive from them. If you are visiting with small children, check out the shallow pools further from the waterfalls. 

Visit the Missouri Department of Conservation to learn more about why the Castor River Shut-Ins is one of Missouri's best summer destinations. With a variety of pools and cascades to explore, there is plenty of room to find a swimming spot of your own. If you are looking for more fun in the sun, check out this Missouri summer bucket list or visit the Missouri Division of Tourism.