8 Unique Places to Visit in Missouri for Nature Lovers
Despite being a landlocked state, Missouri is teeming with unforgettable landscapes, showcasing the true beauty of the US. The state isn’t short of popular attractions like Gateway National Park and the Silver Dollar City. That said, there’s a whole world of unique places to visit in Missouri if you’re a nature lover at heart looking to miss the crowds.
Many of these picturesque locations have some stunning Midwest hiking trails for you to enjoy as well, so an outdoor adventure will always be around the corner. If you’re planning a trip to The Show-Me State, these eight destinations are all you need for a memorable experience.
1. Lake of the Ozarks
The Lake of the Ozarks rests within the center of Missouri and offers 21,850 hectares of pure bliss. From the lush evergreen vegetation to the silvery glistening water, you can easily visit the Ozarks and be one with nature.
It also offers plenty of activities for you to enjoy, from wandering through Bridal Cave or Jacob’s Cave to relaxing at the Big Surf Waterpark. Finding where to stay in Lake of the Ozarks isn’t hard either, as there are loads of rental cabins and holiday homes offering stunning lakeside scenery.
Simply put, you can’t go wrong with a weekend at this oasis along the Osage River.
2. The Pinnacles
For a chance to trek amongst fossilized remains of ancient sea creatures and stunning limestone cliffs, look no further than The Pinnacles in Burlington. Around 250 million years ago, this area, now known as Boone County, was a shallow sea. This explains the unique fossils you can identify within the sandstone cliffs.
Today, you can enjoy two stunning trails through the Pinnacles Youth Park, each offering a unique experience of the natural sites and rock formations. The Summit Loop is the shorter — although slightly more challenging — of the two treks, covering just 0.8 miles. The Lower Loop, on the other hand, is a gentle 1.1-mile hike amongst this weathered limestone bedrock.
3. Elephant Rocks State Park
While many people will visit the Mark Twain National Forest, it would be a shame to miss the peculiar sights of Elephant Rocks State Park. Many believe the two massive granite domes that rest against each other look like red circus elephants, hence the name.
With 30 picnic sites and a 1-mile interpretive trail, you’ll be able to admire these perplexing rock formations from every angle imaginable. While it’s not the biggest state park in the country, it is a great place to visit, especially at sunset.
4. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins
Not many could imagine finding the ruins of a European castle in the heart of Camdenton, Missouri, but that’s exactly what you’ll find at Ha Ha Tonka. Built by Robert Snyder in 1905, the castle only saw its completion in 1920.
It’s not just in the style of an old European castle, it very much is one, with stone imported from Europe to ensure its authenticity. Its eerie remnants showcase America’s boom in the early 1900s after the economic crash in the 1930s.
Now, you can see the ruins of a fire that destroyed most of the building in 1942. Despite its sad history, this castle serves as an eclectic spot hidden from the main Missouri tourist trail.
5. Rocky Falls
If you want a glimpse into the awesome power of Mother Nature, look no further than Rocky Falls along the Ozarks National Scenic Riverways. Here, you’ll be able to witness silvery-white rapids as water cascades nearly 40 feet into a plunge pool below.
It’s not one large drop but rather a group of smaller ones, much like a flight of stairs. This enigmatic location was created by lava nearly 1.5 billion years ago, which is what gives the rocks their distinct hues of brown, pink, and purple.
It’s also best to visit Rocky Falls in spring or fall, either when the redbuds bloom or the trees show off the shades of autumn.
6. Bonne Terre Mine
If you’re looking for a super fun activity that the entire family will enjoy, then venturing underground through the Bonne Terre Mine is a must. Created by the St. Joe Lead Company between 1862 and 1963, the mine is now a labyrinth of amazing possibilities.
From scuba diving through the flooded sections of the mine to wandering the vast neon-lit passages, there will be something for you to enjoy. One of the most awe-inspiring features of the mine is the massive stalactites and stalagmites, which are illuminated by downlights. The mine is so big, in fact, that you can even join an underground boat tour.
7. Meramec Caverns
If you’re looking for more fun below ground, the Meramec Caverns offer 4.6 miles of geological wonders. Resting below the winding hills of Meramec Valley — which has its own activities worth experiencing — you’ll find a world of mineral formations.
From the Jesse James Hideout to the Stage Room, there are now seven levels of remarkable caverns to explore. After your tour of these illuminated mineral deposits, you can go wall climbing, ziplining, or pan for gold in the Meramec Valley.
In other words, a visit to the Meramec Caverns is as unique as it is exhilarating and a great rainy day activity.
8. Grand Falls
As the largest flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, the Grand Falls near Joplin is sure to make your jaw drop. It also doesn’t take much effort to visit this natural phenomenon, as it’s just 12 minutes (five miles) and a short walk from Jopin’s city center.
As for the falls themselves, they plunge just 12 feet down but are an impressive 163 feet wide. While there’s not much to do at the falls, spending a couple minutes watching the cascading water and listening to its roar is an amazing experience. It’s also a great photo opportunity, so it really is worth a stop.
Conclusion
As you can see, Missouri is blessed with an abundance of natural landmarks, with some being more popular than others. So, if you’re a lover of the outdoors, adding these unique places to your next Missouri visit will turn your trip from just another vacation into the getaway of a lifetime.
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Author Name: Armughan Zaigham
Author email: armughan.spoliamag@gmail.com
Bio: Embark with Armughan on a journey to satiate your wanderlust! Explore hidden gems, savor local flavors, and dive into the vibrant cultures around the globe. See the magic that happens when you follow the compass of curiosity.
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