The Most Beautiful State Park in Missouri, Ranked
Voting rules: Choose the state park you think is the most beautiful!
Updated on May 8, 2024 06:20
Deciding which state park to visit in Missouri can be a daunting task given the number of stunning options available. Each park offers a unique blend of natural beauty, from serene lakes and rivers to rugged bluffs and scenic trails. Understanding which park best matches individual preferences for outdoor adventures or tranquil retreats can greatly enhance one's experience.
By participating in the ranking of Missouri's most beautiful state parks, enthusiasts help create a valuable resource that guides others in making informed decisions about where to spend their leisure time. As votes accumulate, the list dynamically reflects the collective admiration and recommendations of a diverse community of park-goers, making it an essential tool for planning visits.
What Is the Most Beautiful State Park in Missouri?
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175votes
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Robert McClure SnyderThis park features a castle-like ruins, natural bridge, and stunning overlooks of the Lake of the Ozarks.Ha Ha Tonka State Park is a stunning natural wonder located in the Ozarks region of Missouri. It encompasses over 3,700 acres of mesmerizing landscapes, including lush forests, towering limestone bluffs, and the picturesque Lake of the Ozarks. The park is known for its unique geological features, such as sinkholes, caves, and natural bridges, that add to its enchanting allure.- Size: 3,700 acres
- Location: Ozarks region, Missouri
- Landscape: Forests, limestone bluffs, lake
- Geological Features: Sinkholes, caves, natural bridges
- Lake: Lake of the Ozarks
Ha Ha Tonka State Park in other rankings- Position 1 of 10 in Most beautiful part of the Ozarks
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219votes
Fredlyfish4 · CC BY-SA 3.0The park features giant granite boulders, which visitors can climb on and explore.Elephant Rocks State Park is a unique and breathtaking natural wonder located in Iron County, Missouri. This enchanting park spans over 1,300 acres and is known for its massive granite boulders that resemble a train of elephants trekking through the beautiful landscape. The park offers visitors a chance to explore these fascinating rock formations, hike through scenic trails, and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.- Location: Iron County, Missouri
- Size: 1,300 acres
- Rock Formations: Massive granite boulders resembling elephants
- Trails: Scenic hiking trails
- Picnic Areas: Designated picnic spots and shelters
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312votes
Kbh3rd · CC BY-SA 3.0The park features natural water slides, a large swimming hole, and beautiful views of the surrounding hills.Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a stunning natural oasis located in Missouri. It is known for its unique rock formations and crystal-clear waters, making it a favorite destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers. The park offers a variety of activities such as swimming, wading, rappelling, hiking, and picnicking, providing visitors with an unforgettable outdoor experience.- Location: Reynolds County, Missouri
- Size: 8,781 acres
- Rock Formations: Carved shut-ins from igneous rock
- Water Features: Natural rock pools, waterfalls, and rapids
- Scenic Trails: Over 7 miles of designated hiking trails
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416votes
Kbh3rd · CC BY-SA 3.0This park is a popular destination for cyclists and hikers, and features beautiful views of the Missouri River.The Katy Trail State Park is a magnificent state park located in Missouri, USA. It is renowned as the most beautiful state park in Missouri and spans a length of 240 miles. The park follows the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad and is built on an abandoned railbed, making it a unique recreational trail.- Length: 240 miles
- Location: Missouri, USA
- Path: Follows the former path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (MKT) Railroad
- Type: Linear park / Recreational trail
- Scenic Views: Offers breathtaking views of the Missouri River, peaceful countryside, and diverse wildlife
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58votesThe park is home to one of the most impressive caves in the Midwest, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and other unique formations.Onondaga Cave State Park is a breathtaking state park located in Leasburg, Missouri. It was created to preserve and showcase the natural beauty of the Onondaga Cave and the surrounding area. The park offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore an underground wonderland and enjoy outdoor recreational activities in a picturesque setting.
- Established: 1982
- Location: Leasburg, Missouri
- Size: 1,312 acres
- Key Feature: Onondaga Cave
- Cave Length: 2.5 miles
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65votes
Rklawton · CC BY-SA 2.5Meramec State Park
State of MissouriThis park is home to a beautiful river, caves, and stunning views of the surrounding Ozark Mountains.Meramec State Park is a stunning park located in Sullivan, Missouri. It was established in 1927 and covers an area of 6,896 acres. The park is named after the Meramec River, which runs through it, offering breathtaking scenic views and a variety of recreational activities. The park's landscape is diverse, featuring lush forests, rugged hills, and limestone bluffs. It provides a haven for wildlife and offers visitors a chance to explore nature's beauty. With its extensive trail system, campgrounds, picnic areas, and river activities, Meramec State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families alike.- Location: Sullivan, Missouri
- Establishment Year: 1927
- Area: 6,896 acres
- River: Meramec River
- Landscape: Forests, hills, limestone bluffs
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79votes
Kbh3rd · CC BY-SA 3.0The park features beautiful hiking trails, scenic streams, and a picturesque lake.Sam A. Baker State Park is a stunning state park located in the southeastern portion of Missouri. It encompasses a diverse landscape of forests, hills, and the scenic St. Francois River. The park offers visitors an opportunity to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature while engaging in a variety of recreational activities.- Location: Patterson, Missouri
- Size: 5,323 acres
- Established: 1927
- Park Type: State Park
- Hiking Trails: 18 miles of trails
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87votesThe park features beautiful views of the Meramec River, and is a popular destination for hiking and rock climbing.Castlewood State Park, located in St. Louis County, Missouri, is a picturesque state park known for its stunning natural beauty and recreational activities. The park spans over 1,800 acres and offers breathtaking views of the Meramec River and surrounding woodlands.
- Location: St. Louis County, Missouri
- Size: 1,800 acres
- Features: Meramec River, woodlands
- Trails: 10 miles of hiking and biking trails
- Picnic Areas: Multiple picnic areas with tables and grills
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98votes
TheCatalyst31 · CC0The park features beautiful views of the Mark Twain Lake, and is a popular destination for boating, fishing, and hiking.Mark Twain State Park is a scenic state park located in Ralls County, Missouri. It is named after the famous American author, Mark Twain, who was born in Missouri. The park covers an area of approximately 2,775 acres and offers a diverse range of natural landscapes, including wooded areas, open fields, and the 18,600-acre Mark Twain Lake. With its rich history and stunning beauty, this state park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.- Location: Ralls County, Missouri
- Size: 2,775 acres
- Features: Mark Twain Lake, wooded areas, open fields
- Activities: Hiking, camping, fishing, boating, wildlife viewing
- Historical Sites: Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
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105votesThis park is a historic site that commemorates the forced removal of Native Americans from their land in the 1800s. It features beautiful views of the Mississippi River and surrounding bluffs.Trail of Tears State Park is a stunning state park located in Cape Girardeau, Missouri. It was created as a memorial to honor and remember the Native American tribes who were displaced during the tragic Trail of Tears relocation in the 1830s. The park covers an area of approximately 3,415 acres, providing a serene and picturesque environment for visitors to explore and enjoy.
- Location: Cape Girardeau, Missouri
- Size: 3,415 acres
- Year Established: 1959
- Terrain: Wooded hills and bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River
- Trails: Over 15 miles of hiking trails
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Ranking factors for beautiful state park
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Natural beautyThe overall natural beauty of the park, including its landscapes, vistas, geological features, and ecosystems. This may include unique and scenic features such as lakes, rivers, waterfalls, caves, rock formations, forests, and prairies.
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Recreational opportunitiesThe availability and variety of recreational activities that the park offers, such as hiking, biking, camping, fishing, swimming, birdwatching, and picnicking. The quality and condition of the park's facilities, such as trails, picnic area, and campgrounds, should also be considered.
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Wildlife and biodiversityThe diversity and abundance of flora and fauna within the park that contribute to its beauty. This may include unique, rare, or endangered species, as well as the overall health of the park's ecosystems.
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Historical and cultural significanceAny historical or cultural sites and features found within the park that add to its attractiveness. These might include Native American archaeological sites, historical landmarks, or even the park's place in Missouri’s history.
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Accessibility and visitor experienceThe park's proximity to major cities and transportation options, as well as the quality of the visitor experience once in the park. This may include factors such as ease of navigation within the park, availability of park maps and information, park staff knowledge and friendliness, and the cleanliness and maintenance of the park's facilities.
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Seasonal appealThe park's beauty and recreational offerings throughout the year, including the attractiveness of the park during different seasons, such as spring wildflowers, fall foliage, or winter snow.
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Environmental and conservation effortsThe efforts being made by park management to protect the natural resources and maintain the beauty of the park, including sustainable practices, wildlife conservation initiatives, and habitat restoration projects.
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Public reviews and opinionsFeedback from park visitors through reviews, ratings, and testimonials can provide valuable insight into the overall consensus on the park's beauty and appeal.
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Awards and recognitionAny notable awards or recognition that the park has received for its beauty and conservation efforts, such as being named a national or state natural landmark, receiving a scenic byway designation, or earning a spot on a "best parks" list.
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Size and variety of landscapesLarger parks with diverse ecosystems and topography often have a greater capacity for beauty and unique features. Consider the total acreage of the park as well as the variety of its landscapes.
About this ranking
This is a community-based ranking of the most beautiful state park in Missouri. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or Park is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!
Statistics
- 1176 views
- 163 votes
- 10 ranked items
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Voting Rules
A participant may cast an up or down vote for each Park once every 24 hours. The rank of each Park is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.
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More information on most beautiful state park in missouri
Missouri is a state that is renowned for its natural beauty and stunning landscapes. One of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of Missouri is by visiting its many state parks. With over 80 state parks, Missouri offers visitors a diverse range of outdoor activities, from hiking and camping to fishing and swimming.
When it comes to the most beautiful state park in Missouri, there are many contenders. From the rugged Ozark Mountains to the picturesque Lake of the Ozarks, Missouri's state parks offer something for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, Missouri's state parks provide the perfect backdrop for your next getaway.
So, which state park is the most beautiful in Missouri? That's a tough question, as each park has its own unique charm and beauty. However, with so many visitors and locals raving about the beauty of Ha Ha Tonka State Park, it's hard to ignore its claim to the title. With its stunning natural bridge, castle ruins, and breathtaking views of the Lake of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is truly an unforgettable destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.
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