Missouri - also known as the Show-Me State, home of KC (BBQ, Royals, Chiefs, Boulevard, and fountains) St. Louis (Cards, Blues, Budweiser and the Arch) and Branson (show tunes, Silver Dollar City, and Shepherd of the Hills). It's also a flyover state (corn, beans, the Ozarks, I-70, and cows.) Missouri is SO MUCH MORE than what people perceive. Missouri is a great geological wonder waiting to be explored. There are two of many state parks that you must take the time to visit; Johnson's Shut-Ins and Elephant's Rock State Park. Let's talk about two:
1. Johnson's Shut-Ins--- Swimming, camping, fishing, campfires, hiking, horseback riding, you name it! The Shut-In's provides many amenities for all interests! For only $30 a night , you can enjoy a peaceful night in your tent under the stars in a walk-in space (or bring your RV). Critters small and big like to visit if you don't put up your food or apply some bug spray. Camping Rule 101 should always be followed or else you will have some small critters (think raccoons, cute little bandits) and possibly bears (terrifying big bandits...we experienced this fun event)! The Shut-Ins provide clean cold water to relax in, smooth igneous rock slides, & beautiful areas for picnicking. This is a family-friendly area, but do NOT leave your kids alone. Sometimes the currents can be strong and a few of the pools are pretty deep.
Some tid-bits:
Bring water shoes to walk in! While the rocks can be smooth in some areas, some spots might be slippery or jagged.
The swimming area do not allow glass bottles or large coolers - pack at your own discretion!
The new and state of the art visitors center was built after a local company's dam failure. This center will answer the who, what, and where questions of the park.
2. Elephant Rocks---This marvel is like walking back in time. It is absolutely spectacular. Right in the middle of the woods and farmland...BAM! A string of pink granite boulders that look like an ancient train of elephants all lined up to entertain in a circus. Kids and adults have a great time climbing all over these large magnificent beasts. Kids of all ages will love this park. You can even enjoy a picnic on top of the rocks!
Good to know:
Watch your footing on the path because each time that I have visited, I have seen a Copperhead snake. They are timid, but the venom is potent #nothankssnakes
Braille is available and the path is handicapped accessible.
There is no camping here - rocks are not comfortable to sleep on - park rangers will not allow it!
Wear good shoes to hike and climb in - flip flops will flop right off those rocks!
Travel to this scenic site in the spring to enjoy blossoming flowers or in the fall to view the changing colors of leaves - makes for good selfies and such
Instead of the usual, do the unusual in Missouri. Go experience some marvels. The more unique places that I find in Missouri, I will update this page.
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