Missouri may be famous for its rivers, caves, and the Ozarks, but it also has some amazing, out-of-this-world rock formations. Whether you need a quick photo opportunity or an exciting hike, these 12 strange and breathtaking geological marvels are worth seeing:
1. Elephant Rocks
Where: Elephant Rocks State Park, Belleview
What: Colossal granite boulders that resemble elephants, great for climbing and exploring.
Fun Fact: These “elephants” were created more than 1.5 billion years ago.
Hike: The one-mile accessible Braille Trail is a stroll through this unusual rock playground.
2. Devil’s Icebox
Location: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia
Features: A sinkhole system in limestone karst that resembles something out of another world and remains cool throughout the year.
Fun Fact: This place was supposedly a bootlegger hideout!
Hike: The 2.5-mile Devil’s Icebox Trail circles through beautiful views and cave openings.
3. Grand Gulf “Missouri’s Little Grand Canyon”
Location: Grand Gulf State Park, Thayer
Features: A collapsed cave system that creates a dramatic 130-foot-deep canyon.
Fun Fact: This was once a large underground river.
Hike: The 1.5-mile trail offers incredible views of the gulf and natural bridges.
4. Clifty Creek Natural Bridge
Location: Near Dixon
Features: A 40-foot natural rock arch over Clifty Creek, surrounded by lush forest.
Fun Fact: The bridge was shaped by moving water over millions of years.
Hike: The Clifty Creek Trail is a moderately difficult 2.5-mile loop.
5. Johnson’s Shut-Ins
Location: Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, Middle Brook
Features: Eroded volcanic rock formations that form natural water slides and pools.
Fun Fact: The “shut-ins” were created by ancient lava flows from the St. Francois Mountains.
Hike: The 2.25-mile Shut-Ins Trail provides views of the rocks and river.
6. Table Rock
Location: Table Rock Lake State Park, Branson
Features: A huge flat-top rock with panoramic views of the Ozarks and lake.
Fun Fact: The formation provides the park’s and lake’s names.
Hike: Chinquapin Trail, 1.5-mile loop, traverses through the site.
7. Dancing Rocks
Location: Hughes Mountain Natural Area, Irondale
Features: Stepping stone- or giant piano key-shaped basalt columns.
Fun Fact: These formations date back more than 1.4 billion years, created by ancient lava flows.
Hike: The Glade Top Trail is a short but worthwhile 1-mile hike.
8. Rock Bridge
Location: Rock Bridge Memorial State Park, Columbia
Features: An impressive limestone rock arch over a small stream.
Fun Fact: The park is dedicated to this signature natural feature.
Hike: The Devil’s Icebox and Rock Bridge Trail together form a scenic 2.2-mile loop.
9. Ha Ha Tonka Castle Ruins & Rock Formations
Location: Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton
Features: Towering bluffs, sinkholes, and ancient rock formations encircling castle ruins.
Fun Fact: “Ha Ha Tonka” is Osage for “laughing waters.”
Hike: The 1.5-mile Castle Trail is a loop with panoramic views of the park.
10. Taum Sauk Mountain’s Devil’s Tollgate
Location: Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Arcadia
Features: A passageway between big rhyolite rock formations.
Fun Fact: The spot is Missouri’s highest point at 1,772 feet.
Hike: A 3-mile round-trip hike along the Mina Sauk Falls Trail brings you here.
11. Rock City
Location: Near Minneola
Features: Isolated sandstone boulders, large in size, lying around a grassy field.
Fun Fact: The natural “rock garden” seems to have been dropped from heaven.
Hike: It is an easy walk from the parking lot to this peaceful location.
12. Natural Tunnel
Location: Near Lebanon
Features: A huge tunnel excavated by the Niangua River through limestone rock.
Fun Fact: This secret treasure is well-known for kayaking and photography.
Hike: Paddle on the river or hike a short distance to see the entrance of the tunnel.
Missouri’s varied geology provides an interesting combination of natural attractions. From ancient volcanic leftovers to secret rock gardens, these formations are well worth the journey for explorers, photographers, and nature enthusiasts alike.
