With the many lakes, rivers, and streams throughout Missouri, there are tons of great spots for a swim. If you're looking for a natural swimming hole in Missouri that will bring back memories of splashing in the streams on a hot summer day, there is no better spot than one of the famous Show-Me State shut-ins. If you're not familiar with a shut-in, it's an Ozark term used to describe a river that is naturally confined within a deep, narrow channel. More than ninety shut–ins are located within and around the St. Francois Mountains region of southeast Missouri, and they've long been part of summer in Missouri. While the most famous in Missouri is likely Johnson's Shut-Ins, there is another great shut-in in the state, the Castor River Shut-Ins, that's a hidden gem worth exploring this summer.
Located in rural Fredericktown near the Mark Twain National Forest is Amidon Memorial Conservation Area. This beautiful nature site has been open to the public since 1993 and features hiking trails, fishing spots, hunting opportunities, and swimming in the Castor River in Missouri!
The pink granite shut-ins are simply stunning and make the perfect spots for a natural waterpark. At times, especially after rainfall the current can become pretty swift so always wear life jackets and be cautious of the elements.
You can also find lovely and calm spots along the Castor River that are great for wading. The water remains cool and refreshing all summer long.
If you're not much of a swimmer, the site offers many other attractions. You can explore the nearby wilderness and look for the two historic cemeteries or keep hiking downstream and explore Hahn’s gristmill.
Try a new swimming hole this summer and visit the Castor River Shut-Ins on the next hot summer day. The stunning waterfalls and the rarity of the pink granite shut-ins make the trip totally worthwhile. However, it's also just as lovely and much less crowded than Johnson's Shut-Ins.
Find the Castor River Shut-Ins at County Road 2143 in Fredericktown. Take the Cedar Glade Trail for a short half-mile hike down to the river.
Take a look at this video by @moretolifemedia8216:
Have you been to the Castor River Shut-Ins? Did you know about this natural swimming hole in Missouri? Please share your thoughts and comments -- and your favorite swimming holes! -- with us in the comments section below. We love hearing from you!
Are you looking for more great swimming spots in Missouri? Check out this list of awesome places to swim in the Show-Me State and make a splash this summer!
And if you're interested in more incredible places to hike to, check out AllTrails+ for free!
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