National Park Guide | Missouri's National Parks

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Missouri's National Parks

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Missouri is an exciting and interesting state. Throughout the state there are many national parks. These parks offer many wonderful opportunities for recreation and activities. Visitors have the opportunity to see the beautiful nature and wildlife in Missouri. In addition, visitors can enjoy learning about the rich history of the state and much more.

George Washington Carver National Monument

Visitors to the George Washington Carver National Monument can learn all about how he was influenced and eventually became an important agricultural scientist and more. The George Washington Carver National Monument offers visitors a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a hike on the Carver Nature Trail. Visitors can also enjoy all sorts of programs at the park, including art programs, programs about the interests of George Washington Carver, as well as many wildlife programs and more.

Harry S Truman National Historic Site

The Harry S Truman National Historic Site preserves the historic home of President Truman. President Truman lived at this site as a young man and later in his final years. Visitors to this site have the opportunity to learn all about this important President. One way visitors can explore the site is to take a tour of the Home. Another exciting activity at this National Historic Site is to explore the Truman Farm. The Noland Home is another historic destination at the site, which is where the cousins of President Truman lived for many years.

Jefferson National Expansion Memorial

Located in St. Louis, the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial is a wonderful Missouri destination. The Memorial is home to the Gateway Arch, which at 630 feet is the tallest man-made monument. Visitors to the Gateway Arch can even take a tram to the top of the arch to enjoy the views of the city. While visiting this park visitors can learn about the role Thomas Jefferson played in the history of opening the West, as well as the pioneers at the Museum of Westward Expansion. Another feature of the Memorial are the Old Courthouse houses and information about the Dred Scott case.

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

The Ozark National Scenic Riverways was the first National Park area created to protect a river system, it is made up of two spring-fed rivers. At Ozarks National Scenic Riverways has many stunning caves and springs that visitors can enjoy, as well as mills and even a waterfall. Some notable spots include Round Spring and Cave, Alley Spring and Mill, Blue Spring, Rocky Falls and Welch Spring and Hospital. The ruins of Welch Hospital is located over the opening to welch cave. Blue Spring is one of the most beautiful springs in Missouri, it is named for its bright blue color and it is also 310 feet deep, making it a very unique spot within the park. Visitors can also enjoy tours of Round Spring Cave during the summer months, as well as ranger programs teaching traditional skills, more cave tours and nature hikes.

Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site

The Ulysses S Grant National Historic Site commemorates the life of both the 18th President of the United States and his wife. The site is located on the historic home of Julia Dent, the wife of Ulysses S Grant, before their marriage. Visitors have many options for learning about the lives of both Ulysses S Grant and Julia Grant. There are interpretive visits to the Main House, as well as a film, the interpretive museum and much more. Visitors can also enjoy walking the historic trace to learn all about the lives of Ulysses and Julia Grant.

Wilson's Creek National Battlefield

This destination is the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi. Visitors to the Battlefield can learn all about the history of the battle. The Battlefield remains much the same today, except for some vegetation, and is in near pristine condition. Visitors to the battlefield can take a self-guided auto tour, which has eight stops and five walking trails, to learn all about the history of the battle. Each year the anniversary of the battle, on August 10, is observed with a ceremony and special program. In addition, the Living History Programs allow visitors to learn about the life of Civil War soldiers, and have musket and artillery firing demonstrations. Visitors can also stop at The Ray House, which served as a temporary field hospital, and they can visit the Wilson's Creek Civil War Museum, to see the great collection of artifacts from the Civil War west of the Mississippi.