I have enjoyed the Midwest’s state parks all my life and I have to say some of the finest parks in these central states are located right here in beautiful Missouri. Our parks feature gorgeous waterfalls, amazing caves, stunning natural springs, and even ancient ruins from an old castle.
This picture is owned by Katie Isom/Wild Fern Images
Ha Ha Tonka
Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one of the most amazing state parks you will find in the Midwest. The park rests on more than 3,700 acres of rough, hilly, Ozark terrain. Ha Ha Tonka is a popular destination for hikers looking to enjoy the 15 miles of pristine hiking trails. The park is easy to navigate with a series of trails and boardwalks. The park has been referred to as a geological wonderland, with sinkholes, caves, a natural bridge, and one of the largest natural springs in the state. One of the park’s most popular attractions is the ruins of a turn of the century stone castle. For more information, click here.
Grand Gulf State Park
Most people don’t know, that Missouri has its own grand canyon. Or Little Grand Canyon as its often called. Grand Gulf State Park is located in the Ozarks in Koshkonong near the Arkansas border. The Little Grand Canyon is a series of collapsed caves that measure nearly a mile across with massive walls on both sides. This 322 acre park, is located on Missouri’s southern border, and is one of the most breathtaking natural wonders in the Ozarks! For more information, click here.
Johnson’s Shut Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is one of the most unique state parks in the region. Not only is it an excellent spot for hiking and camping,but its most famous for its epic natural waterpark! Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park is also a great place to camp with both basic and electric sites available. The park also has a limited number of camper cabins available for rent. For more information, click here.
Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff Facebook
This beautiful park is literally jam packed with astonishing sights. Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Camping opportunities range from primitive to full-service campsites. The park is surrounded with towering bluffs, a dense forest and the Sinking Creek. If that wasn’t enough, there’s also a beautiful natural spring hiding within the park. Visitors of all ages can fill their days floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. For more information, click here.
Onondaga Cave State Park
The park was established in 1982 and has numerous activities including cave tours, camping, fishing, hiking, picnicking, and swimming. The highlight of this park is of course the Onondaga Cave, cave tours descend deep into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder! The campground offers basic and electric/water campsites and a special-use camping area. For more information, click here.
To see more of Missouri’s Amazing Locations, click here.