Missouri Parks and Recreation Areas

Ozark National Scenic Riverways was created by an Act of Congress on August 24, 1964, to protect 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in the Ozark Highlands of southeastern Missouri. The clean, clear waters of these two beautiful rivers provide excellent opportunities for johnboating, canoeing, swimming, fishing and tubing. Hunting is also an authorized use within the Riverways' boundaries. The landscape is predominantly rural, with broadleaf forests and occasional open fields. read more...

Phone: 573 323 4236   Price Range: $2 - $5   Open Season: N/A   Camping: Yes
Nearest Popular City: Van Buren   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Park, Recreation Area   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Boating and Watercraft, Fishing, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting and Shooting, Kayaking, Swimming, Wildlife Watching, Camping, Auto Touring, Nature Walks, Interpretive Programs, Star Gazing   Details Provided By: Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Harry S Truman (1884-1972), 33rd President of the United States, lived here from 1919 until his death. The white Victorian style house at 219 North Delaware Street was built by the maternal grandfather of Bess Wallace Truman (1885-1982), and was known as the Summer White House during the Truman administration (1945-1953). The site also includes the two adjacent homes of Mrs. Truman's brothers, and, across Delaware Street, the home of the President's favorite aunt and cousins. read more...

Phone: 816-254-2720   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Independence   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities:   Details Provided By: Harry S Truman National Historic Site

The battle fought here on August 10, 1861, was the first major Civil War engagement west of the Mississippi River, involving about 5,400 Union troops and 12,000 Confederates. Although a Confederate victory, the Southerners failed to capitalize on their success. The battle led to greater federal military activity in Missouri, and set the stage for the Battle of Pea Ridge in March 1862. Wilson's Creek was also the scene of the death of Nathaniel Lyon, the first Union general to be killed in combat. With the exception of the vegetation, the 1,750 acre battlefield has changed little from its historic setting, enabling the visitor to experience the battlefield in near pristine condition. read more...

Phone: 417.732.2662   Price Range: $0 - $3   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Republic   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Battlefield   Activities: Backpacking, Biking / Bicycling, Birding, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Wildlife Watching, Auto Touring, Nature Walks   Details Provided By: Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

George Washington Carver's boyhood home consists of rolling hills, woodlands, and prairies. The 210 acre park has a 3/4 mile nature trail, museum, and an interactive exhibit area for students. The cultural setting includes the 1881 Historic Moses Carver house and the Carver cemetery. read more...

Phone: 417-325-4151   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: Diamond   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Monument   Activities: Birding, Nature Walks   Details Provided By: George Washington Carver

Established as a unit of the National Park Service in 1990, the park commemorates the life, military career, and Presidency of Ulysses S. Grant, as well as his wife Julia Dent Grant. The site, also known as White Haven, consists of 9.65 acres holding five historic structures (main house, stone building, barn, chicken house, and ice house). read more...

Phone: 314-842-3298   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: St. Louis   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Historic Site   Activities: Tours   Details Provided By: Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial consists of the Gateway Arch, the Museum of Westward Expansion, and St. Louis' Old Courthouse. During a nationwide competition in 1947-48, architect Eero Saarinen's inspired design for a 630 foot stainless steel arch was chosen as a perfect monument to the spirit of the western pioneers. Construction of the Arch began in 1963 and was completed on October 28, 1965, for a total cost of less than $15 million. The Arch has foundations sunk 60 feet into the ground, and is built to withstand earthquakes and high winds. It sways up to one inch in a 20 mph wind, and is built to sway up to 18 inches. Fees are charged to ride the unique tram system to the top. Acreage: 90.96. read more...

Phone: 314-655-1700   Price Range: N/A   Open Season: N/A   Camping: No
Nearest Popular City: St. Louis   Nearest Lake or River: N/A   Park Type: National Monument   Activities:   Details Provided By: Jefferson National Expansion Memorial