The Small-Town State Park in Missouri Locals Want to Keep to Themselves

If you're from the Show Me State, you likely know how weekend getaways go. Everyone loads up the car and races to the Ozarks, hoping to grab their own quiet patch of woods before the most popular parks fill up. I, on the other hand, would much rather avoid all that. Instead, there's a small-town state park in Missouri that almost feels overlooked, and I find it to be much more my speed. If you want to spend an afternoon listening to bird calls instead of motorboats, check out Pershing State Park near the quiet community of Laclede.

Why Pershing State Park Stands Out in Missouri

While Pershing isn't always named among the best state parks in Missouri, it's easily one of my favorites. Though its name honors General John J. Pershing, who grew up nearby, the park is not a historical site; rather, the park protects a vast wetland ecosystem that once covered much of the region. You'll also find lush bottomland forests, winding creeks, and tallgrass prairies in this hidden state park in Missouri—perfect for spending time listening to the buzzing of birds and insects instead of the buzzing of your phone. What you won't find here are noisy marinas or long lines of cars and RVs at the entrance.

What You’ll Experience at Pershing State Park

Pershing State Park's centerpiece is the 1.5-mile Boardwalk Trail. It cuts through the park's remnant wetlands, winding through dense shrub swamps and shaded bottomland forest, as well as stretches of open marsh. At the boardwalk's end, you'll find a wooden observation tower overlooking the largest remaining wet prairie in northern Missouri. Watching as more than 1,000 acres of reeds and grass sway with the breeze is quite a sight. Birders will appreciate this park, as well: the National Audubon Society has designated it an Important Bird Area for the waterfowl and migratory songbirds that reside in or pass through the park each year.

Don't leave the park without visiting the Locust Creek Covered Bridge, which was moved into the park's day-use area in 2025. Built in 1868 from massive white pine timbers, the bridge spans 151 feet, making it the longest of the state’s four remaining covered bridges. Standing inside the bridge and admiring its intricate Howe trusses feels almost hypnotic, like being inside a kaleidoscope made of wood. It's these kinds of hidden gems in Missouri that help to make our state so special.

Tips for Visiting This Small Town State Park

During warmer weather, you'll definitely want some strong insect repellent if you head out on the boardwalk. The bugs can be thick in the wetlands. Notwithstanding the bugs, the park's trails are well-maintained and mostly level, so even kids and beginners won't have a problem hiking them.

If you're an angler, bring your gear. Locust Creek and the park's other streams are known for their catfish and panfish. To stay longer, book a site at the park's shady campground and make a weekend out of your adventure. Check the Pershing State Park webpage for fees, reservations, and park updates.

As much as I love the kind of rugged, breathtaking scenery you find in the Ozarks, I think Pershing State Park is home to some of the best hikes in Missouri, trails that offer a little more peace and quiet. So, next time you're looking for a park that's off the beaten path, check out this Show Me State gem.