Photos provided by Missouri State Parks
When it comes to natural wonders and majestic scenery, Missouri doesn’t have the Rocky Mountains, the Grand Canyon, or a Mount Rushmore. But the state’s depiction as a flyover state makes the mistaken assumption that our natural wonders are easy to ignore. Folks who already embrace the emphasis on our “Show-Me” monicker know better. Not only are Missouri’s natural wonders photo- and visit-worthy, the hills and secrets of the Ozarks and spring-fed river systems are unlike any other landscape around.
Some sights to behold are along the way from one place to another. Some are well off the beaten path and require a bit of determination – and good directions – to see and experience. From the north to the south, east to west, Missouri has many points of beauty and interest to take in. There is something to be seen and maybe even learned for the visitors and native Missourians alike. Come along on a true Missouri adventure, including distance from Columbia’s central location and a few notes about other things to do in each of the areas.
North
Union Covered Bridge in Monroe County near Paris was built in 1871. With its Burr-arch truss design it is a picturesque place, and one of only four covered bridges left in Missouri. Visitors can take in the natural sights, swim in the stream below, and relax in nature. Located just under an hour from Columbia, it would be a nice afternoon trip. If a longer get away was desired, Mark Twain Lake and Mark Twain’s Birthplace and State Historical Site is a short 35-minute drive east from there.
Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
19099 Monroe Rd. 219, Paris, Mo. (50 miles from Columbia)
Mark Twain Lake
Main access area near Hwy. J and Route 107, Monroe City (85 miles from Columbia)
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
37352 Shrine Rd., Florida, Mo. (75 miles from Columbia)
East
LaBarque Creek Conservation Area is full of Missouri’s natural beauty with hills, forest, valleys, and canyons. A three-mile loop hiking trail lets visitors take in all the beauty, and after rains waterfalls are present through sandstone rock formations. The Missouri Department of Conservation website notes that the LaBarque Creek watershed is “a true aquatic gem, with at least 54 species of fish.” Visitors have many options here including fishing, camping, bird watching, and seasonal hunting in addition to the hiking. Only two hours from Columbia and a 40-minute drive on to St Louis, this could be a day or a weekend trip.
1684 Missouri Hwy. FF, Pacific (135 miles from Columbia)
West
Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is a National Historic Landmark near Lawson. There is a visitor’s center on site with free entry and for a fee visitors can take tours of the brick mill and the 1870s Classic Revival eight-bedroom Watkins home. According to visitmo.com the mill is the only 19th century American woolen mill with its original machinery intact. Adjacent to the site is the Watkins Mill State Park, adding a 100-acre lake with paved bike path around it as well as camping, hiking, wildlife, and picnics to the list of things to do and see here. At two hours and fifteen minutes from Columbia, and just under an hour northeast of Kansas City, this is a destination for a weekend stay or even longer.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and State Park
26600 N. Park Rd., Lawson. (165 miles from Columbia)
South
Grand Falls in Joplin is the largest continually flowing waterfall in Missouri. According to visitmo.com “‘The Falls’ plunges 12 feet down a 163-foot-wide ledge of solid chert, and is a must-stop-photo op.” Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center and Wildcat Glade Natural Area are downstream. Visitors can hike, check out wildlife and native plants as well as biking and birdwatching. A further drive at almost four hours from Columbia, this would be ideal for a weekend or longer get away. Nearby, families could also check out Springfield in just over an hour and Branson almost two hours south.
Grand Falls
Riverside Dr. and Murphy Blvd. area, Joplin (238 miles from Columbia)
Shoal Creek Conservation Education Center and Wildcat Glades Natural Area 201 W. Riviera Dr., Joplin (260 miles from Columbia)
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is America’s first congressionally designated national park for the preservation of a wild river system, according to visitmo.com. This park is 80,000 acres and has more than 300 each, caves and springs, and includes the awe-inspiring Current and Jacks Forks rivers. Visitors enjoy camping, swimming, riding the river currents, fishing, exploring, equestrian trails, golf, hunting and relaxing in this vast national park. In addition to all of these natural wonders, the park is home to some historic sites and mills as well. With so much to do and with being roughly three hours from Columbia, this park would best be explored over a week’s vacation if possible. There are many must-visit locations within the park or nearby, and include all of the following, plus more.
Main headquarters 404 Watercress Dr., Van Buren (220 miles from Columbia)
Falling Spring is a small waterfall that stands thirteen feet and is year-round (wet falls). It has powered two mills, the second still stands today since 1920. This spring is part of the Mark Twain National Forest that surrounds the Ozark Scenic Riverways.
County Road 317, near Winona (210 miles from Columbia)
Mina Sauk Falls near Ironton is the tallest dry (only visible after rains) falls at 132 feet. Visitors can hike a three-mile rugged and rocky loop to view it after rainfall.
Trailhead at Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook (185 miles from Columbia)
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Home to these falls and also to the highest point in Missouri which is Taum Sauk Mountain at 1,772 feet above sea level.
148 Taum Sauk Trail, Middle Brook (185 miles from Columbia)
Alley Mill is the 7th largest in Missouri powered by 80 million gallons of water per day from Alley Spring. A short trail circles the spring in this area and according to visitmo.com it is the “most photographed spot in Missouri and part of the US Mint’s America the Beautiful quarter collection.”
12185 Alley Hollow Rd. Eminence (185 miles from Columbia)
Bollinger Mill
A Civil War era mill on the Whitewater River and runs tours year-round. Adjacent is another covered bridge, Burfordville Covered Bridge, that spans 140 feet. Both are on the National Register of Historic Places. Visitors can picnic and grill in the area.
113 Bollinger Mill Rd., Burfordville (230 miles from Columbia)
Rocky Falls is in Rocky Creek. Accessible by a challenging seven mile out and back hike, there is a deep swimming hole at the bottom of the falls that visitors can enjoy.
Rocky Falls Rd., Winona (210 miles from Columbia)
Castor River Shut Ins on the Castor River near Fredericktown is accessible on a one-mile loop trail and is Missouri’s only pink granite shut ins.
County Road NN area, Fredericktown (190 miles from Columbia)
Johnson’s Shut Ins
A favorite spot in the summer and holds views of the Black River on the Taum Sauk Trail any time of the year. The Elephant Rocks State Park is part of this area and as seen on visitmo.com is “Missouri’s most famous shut-ins and has earned a reputation as Mother Nature’s water park.”
142 Dillard Mill Rd., Davisville (155 miles from Columbia)
Ready to go Show-Me Exploring in “flyover” country? With distances ranging from just under an hour’s drive up to four hours from Columbia, Missouri’s abundant beauty and unique historical sites are ready to be rediscovered.
