Who's up for a little adventure? Missouri's the perfect place to find adventure above and below ground. Today, we're heading underground for a one-of-a-kind adventure you'll only find in our beautiful state. This cave boat tour will give you an unforgettable glimpse into the past and, if you're up for a bit of a challenge, you can even become certified in scuba diving and explore the cave under water.
Embark on an unforgettable adventure at Bonne Terre Mine, the largest man-made caverns in the world that date back to 1860.
Bonne Terre Mine boasts Billion Gallon Lake, the largest subterranean lake in the world. And, it's home to the "world's largest fresh water dive resort."
Pretty impressive, huh? The National Historic Landmark, in addition to offering diving tours, welcomes guests to join a walking and boat tour of one of Missouri's man-made gems.
Keep an eye out for such items as ore carts that are submerged in Billion Gallon Lake and wrapped pillars. And, you'll see the Ancient Wooden Cat Walks that hang between 50 and 100 feet above the clear lake.
After you've finished the boat tour, you'll explore by foot, getting a glimpse of underground wonders, including an 1864 shaft, Trout Pond, and abandoned tools.
The mine also offers one of the country's best adventures. Diving tours are available for certified scuba divers. Or, you can become certified through Bonne Terre Mine.
The Bonne Terre Mine operates at different hours during the winter and summer seasons, so check their website ahead of time to ensure its open when you visit.
Click here for the official website of Bonne Terre Mine. Or, go here for Facebook.
Have you ever been on this cave boat tour in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments! And, did you know that Missouri is home to America's only ride-thru cave? Click here to learn more.
Chances are, you've heard of the Appalachian Trail or the Continental Divide Trail. Spanning nearly 430 miles, the Ozark Trail is Missouri’s answer to these iconic hikes. The best part? You could hike the entire Ozark Trail in just three to six weeks, a much shorter commitment compared to the six months typically required for the Appalachian Trail.
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The Ozark Mountains: A Hidden Nature Gem in Missouri
When people think of Missouri, they might not immediately picture mountains. But the Ozark Mountains, our own petite range, runs through the heart of the state. While the peaks here don’t reach the 6,000-foot heights of the Smoky Mountains, the Ozark Trail does take you to Taum Sauk Mountain, the highest natural point in Missouri at 1,772 feet, in Potosi.
You might be surprised to learn that the Missouri Ozarks are some of the most ecologically diverse landscapes on the planet. Along the Ozark Trail, you’ll encounter waterfalls, crystal-clear streams, swimming holes, rocky outcroppings, bluffs, caves, shut-ins, prairies, wetlands, and dense forests, all supporting the native flora and fauna that live in these varied habitats. The area is remote and wild, so don’t be surprised if you spend days on the trail without seeing another soul. The variety of plant and animal life alone makes it worth the trip, but the sense of solitude truly sets the Ozark Trail apart and allows you to get deeply connected with nature.
A Realistic Long-Distance Adventure in Missouri
After watching documentaries about hikers conquering the Appalachian Trail and the Continental Divide Trail, I thought such epic adventures were out of reach for me. Only about one in four people complete these demanding hikes, but the Ozark Trail offers a more accessible challenge: Missouri’s very own long-distance, bucket-list-worthy trail. With eight [mostly] contiguous sections averaging around 30 miles, you can easily break the trail into manageable pieces to hike over seasons or complete it all in one go.
The 250-mile thru-hike Ozark Trail runs from Onondaga Cave State Park (southeast of St. Louis), south to the Eleven Point River sectionnear the Arkansas border. Depending on how you choose to approach the trail, the precise length varies. The Ozark Trail Association provides the most reliable and up-to-date maps using GPS data; this is my go-to resource. For thru-hikers, the entire trail can take anywhere from three to six weeks, depending on your pace. Fast hikers covering around 20 miles a day can finish in about three weeks, while those averaging 10 to 15 miles per day may take four to six weeks.
The remaining sections are still considered part of the Ozark Trail but are not in the contiguous section:
1.
Marble Creek - 9 miles
2.
North Fork - 26 miles
3.
Taum Sauk (with the tallest natural point in Missouri) - 36 miles
4.
Upper Current - 29 miles
5.
Victory - 19 miles
6.
Wappapello - 34 miles
Adding these trails to the above thru-hike section brings the grand total of the Ozark Trial to around 430 miles, covering over 1.5 million acres. Hikers often tackle sections in smaller trips, hiking 20 to 30-mile stretches over different seasons or years.
Unique Topography of the Ozarks
The Ozark Mountains, stretching from St. Louis to the southernmost part of the state near Arkansas, are part of a larger mountain range that also covers parts of Arkansas, Illinois, and southeastern Kansas. The Ozark and adjacent Ouachita Mountains are unique because they are the only significant areas of rugged topography between the Rockies and Appalachians. Terrain like this is rare in the Midwest, making the Ozark Trail a true hidden gem.
One of the great things about the Ozark Trail is that it doesn’t require permits, making it accessible year-round. However, Missouri’s four-season climate means you’ll need different gear depending on when you hike. Summers are humid, hot, and wet, so be prepared for ticks, mosquitoes, and other bugs. Invest in quality waterproof hiking boots and bring layers for cooler weather and rain protection. You can camp anywhere along the trail, but remember to set up at least 100 feet away from water sources, public use areas, and popular spots. Use The Ozark Trail Association's trip planner to scour your route by distance, route type, pace, and length.
Should You Tackle the Ozard Trail?
The Ozark Trail offers a once-in-a-lifetime hike in Missouri that more people should know about. Whether you’re planning a full thru-hike or breaking the trail into sections, this scenic and remote path is perfect for both adventurers seeking solitude and nature lovers looking for beauty without the crowds. Are you ready to take on this iconic trail in Missouri? Are you more likely to do it in sections or plan a whole spring or summer adventure?
The Audubon Center in Missouri Where You’ll See More Than 30 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Discover the best birdwatching spot near St Louis: Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri! Spot bald eagles & swans along the accessible trails.
Located within the sprawling 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This incredible space is more than just a birdwatcher’s paradise; it’s a place where the natural beauty of the Midwest converges with vital conservation efforts that impact birds across the continent. Here, visitors can experience the Mississippi Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory routes, while learning about the essential role birds play in our ecosystem.
Imagine standing on the center's wraparound deck, gazing out over the Mississippi River. In the colder months, the air is filled with the graceful calls of trumpeter swans and the occasional swoop of bald eagles hunting from nearby trees along the riverbanks. With spotting scopes readily available, visitors can observe these majestic birds up close, along with numerous species of waterfowl that frequent the river, like tundra swans, American white pelicans, and countless duck species.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! This sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species that either live in, or migrate through, the area, making each visit a new and exciting experience. If you want to explore on foot, the center has eight and a half miles of scenic trails through diverse habitats, from marshlands to bottomland woodlands. One of the highlights is the Ellis Island Trail, where you can walk right alongside the mighty Mississippi, taking in views of the river and the sky filled with gulls and pelicans. At peak migratory season in the fall, you could see up to 30 different species of birds in a single day.
The Avian Observatory, designed specifically for birdwatching, provides an intimate view of Heron Pond. Here, you can catch glimpses of wading birds, including herons and egrets, going about their day. In addition to the beauty of the birds, the sanctuary is rich with native plant species, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. Native plants and insects are important food sources for migrating birds. Grasses, sedges, and flowers attract colorful birds like the ruby-throated hummingbirds, American goldfinches, tree swallows, and more. This is a bird sanctuary, but you’re likely to encounter beautiful butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and moths, too. This is a place you can visit over and over again because the sights and sounds change with the seasons.
If you visit on a cold day, the Audubon Center also features engaging indoor exhibits about river ecosystems and bird conservation. With educational programs, a warm welcome from knowledgeable staff, and access to bird checklists and recent sightings, every visitor is equipped for a day of discovery.
Whether you’re a birding enthusiast or just looking to immerse yourself in nature, the Audubon Center at Riverlands offers an unforgettable adventure for all. If you’re planning a visit, check their calendar for upcoming family-friendly events and activities. When I visit a place like the Audubon Center, I’m inspired to find ways to give back. The Parks Project offers a way to get some cool gear and contribute.
