Did you know that Missouri has a hidden little park dedicated to preserving an important archaeological and paleontological site? The Mastodon State Historic Site, in Imperial, was excavated by Albert C. Koch, Ph.D., in 1839 after locals reported finding bones along Rock Creek. Dr. Koch eventually uncovered the bones of an American mastodon. Later, additional excavations uncovered human artifacts from the "Clovis" culture. This discovery proved that humans and mastodons existed in Missouri together over 10,000 years ago. Today, visitors can hike the Wildflower Trail through the park for a view of the protected bone bed after visiting the awesome on-site museum.
The Mastodon State Historic Site is the perfect place to explore on a sunny Saturday. You can hike or bike the trails, hit the playground, picnic, and learn about prehistoric Missouri all in this amazing park!
At the top of a tall hill, tucked into the trees, is the Mastodon State museum and visitor center. Inside, you'll find an impressive mastodon skeleton replica as well as many artifacts found in the protected bone bed.
Paleontologists believe that the animals that visited the springs may have become trapped in the mud, which helped preserve their bones. One amazing example of the prehistoric animals found in the area is the giant beaver skull. The skull on the left is from a modern beaver, while the one on the right dates back more than 10,000 years!
The Wildflower Trail will take you from the museum down to the creek below where the protected bone bed lies. Past the bone bed, the trail continues to a small foot bridge over a spring. Although the trail is less than a mile in length, it is rated moderate due to the many steps and incline.
Continue uphill through a dense oak forest to the limestone bluff. In the spring and summer months you can often find many types of wildflowers growing here. The trail intersects to lead visitors back to the museum.
Mastodon State Historic Site is a beautiful nature spot tucked into the hills just south of St. Louis. This little park is a treasure that simply can't be missed.
You can find the visitors center and museum at 1050 Charles J Becker Dr. Imperial. For information about special events, visit their Facebook page here.
Have you been to Mastodon State Historic Site? Tell us about your experience in the comments below.
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?
As someone born in Missouri, I take pride in calling this state my birthplace. Known as the "Show Me State," Missouri truly lives up to its name with its stunning landscapes and rich history. I'm excited to show you something pretty neat today!
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Have you ever heard of the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center?
Just a short drive away, this lesser-known spot combines scenic trails with intriguing historical significance. Once a site of industrial activity during World War II, the Weldon Spring Site Interpretive Center is a welcoming destination that invites visitors to explore the area's intriguing history and environmental restoration efforts.
The center itself features engaging exhibits detailing the site’s transformation from a World War II ordnance facility to a model of ecological rehabilitation.
While there, visitors can learn about the cleanup efforts and the innovative disposal cell designed to contain contaminated materials safely; think of it as a sophisticated vault for hazardous materials. With informative programs and guided tours, the center provides an enlightening experience for those interested in the intersection of nature and history.
To access this historical site, you'll use the Weldon Spring Loop, a scenic trail stretching about 13 miles. This trail winds through picturesque landscapes that are sure to refresh your spirit and invigorate your senses. There are three separate trails within this loop: the Katy Trail, the Hamburg Trail, and the Busch Greenway.
To hang out on the pile of nuclear waste, start at the Mound, where you'll find this:
A substantial stone mound concealing radioactive debris from the cleanup of a former uranium processing plant. From there, you can take the gravel Hamburg Trail.
If you want to do the full look, then you'd hit the Katy Trail, which is about 4.5 miles to the Busch Parkway. Then Busch Parkway takes you through a business park and a creek and ends in Busch Wildlife, where you'll meet back up with The Mound.
While the trail is open year-round, the best time to visit is in the spring and fall. In spring, wildflowers bloom in vibrant colors, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Fall brings a stunning array of colors as the leaves transform into brilliant reds, oranges, and yellows. Summer can be hot, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen to hike during the warmer months. Winter offers a quieter experience, perfect for those seeking solitude amid the serene landscape.
The Weldon Spring Loop is clearly marked, ensuring accessibility for hikers of all skill levels. Whether you're an experienced trekker or simply seeking a leisurely walk, the trail is inviting and straightforward. Its diverse terrain features both shaded sections and open areas, allowing you to enjoy the best of both worlds—refreshing shade and the sun's warmth.
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In short, the Weldon Spring Loop is a great Missouri spot that combines fantastic scenery with a little of the area's history. In fact, it's considered to be one of the best hiking trails in Missouri!
Whether you’re ready for a hike or want to chill out atop some nuclear waste, the Weldon Spring Site has you covered.
So, why not grab your gear, pack some snacks, and get out there? Your next adventure is waiting!
