Located in the heart of America, Missouri can boast some scenic landscapes, but did you know there are 13 registered national parks in Missouri? The U.S. National Parks system records these sites, and each national park greatly contributes to Missouri’s cultural, historical, and natural beauty.
If you are planning a trip to Missouri, especially to witness the beautiful parks, then here is a detailed guide specially curated for you. Here’s what you want to understand about each site—including why they’re significant and the way to go. These amazing parks showcase different aspects of nature and its beauty.
List of National Parks in Missouri
1. George Washington Carver Memorial
The Chief Executive Carver monument may be a unit of the national park in Missouri site services. It was established as a memorial in 1943 and covers 210 acres. The location is about 2 miles from Diamond, Missouri, and was declared by former US President Franklin Roosevelt. He even donated $30,000 to the monument.
George Washington Carver, also called a “plant scientist,” had an agricultural career in which he worked for several agribusiness companies throughout his career. His memorial monuments are in Diamond, Missouri, where he was born and lived for the first eight years.
The 1-mile trail features various sculptures as well as the Moses Carver residence. A couple of families were buried along the trail; George W. Carver was buried at the Tuskegee Institute in Alabama. The ranges lead daily tours on the trail from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. Lastly, a museum dedicated to Mr. Carver is also housed there.
This was the primary monument within US history that was dedicated to a non-President and an American. The memorial encompasses President Carver’s boyhood home, the Moses Carver house, and the Carver cemetery. Prairies, woodlands, and rolling hills surround the property. The location consists of nature trails, a museum, and an interactive exhibit area open for visitors all year round.
2. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site
This national historic site in Jackson County, Missouri, is another unit of the parkland service sites in Missouri. The positioning preserves the previous home of the US’ 33rd President, Harry S. Truman. The location also preserves several other properties included during this national historic site listing, like those in Kansas City.
This is everyone’s favorite national park in Missouri. The United States was the 33rd president when President Roosevelt died in 1945. His biggest achievements include the Marshall Plan, the Truman Doctrine, and NATO. He was raised in this house. Several other National Historic Sites also include the Wallace homes and Noland house (where he married Bess Wallace). Guided Ranger tours can be booked in advance.
3. Gateway Arch Parkland
This memorial site in St. Louis is one of the most iconic landmarks in the state. It’s also a unit of the National Park in Missouri service sites managed by the US Park Service. The memorial is found along the place of the Lewis and Clark Expedition. It was named a National Memorial in 1935, covering over 192 acres along the Mississippi River. There are three main reasons to ascertain this memorial. It aims to commemorate the district and the subsequent movement of Yank pioneers and expeditions toward the West.
Gateway Arch National Park is best known for its new name: the arch, symbolically signifies the West’s journey. Riding the trams to the top is advisable in St. Louis; the national park in Missouri also features some other gems. The old courthouse on the opposite wall has an interesting museum. The Court House witnessed history as the Dred Scott decision was one of many historical cases. In this museum, you will discover the 2 Dred Scott exhibits.
It also commemorates the primary civil government west of the river and, therefore, the debate over slavery. Nearly 3 million tourists visit the memorial annually.
4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
The Ozarks are one of the foremost visited tourist attractions in Missouri. The Ozark was established in Missouri in 1964 to commemorate the importance of the river and, therefore, the surrounding areas. The aim of naming this site as a national scenic riverway is to safeguard the present and Jacks Fork rivers.
The park measures 80,000 acres and is home to several animal and plant species. Additionally, it’s also a famous site for several recreational activities, with an estimated visit of 1.3 million tourists annually. Canoeing is the most well-liked of those recreational activities along the river. Still, tourists can even enjoy kayaking, river tubing, hiking, hunting, fishing, horseback riding, nature photography, bird watching, or sightseeing.
How did Ozark National Scenic Riverways become the first national park in Missouri site to protect the river network? The area consists of a Jack’s River and a Current River. The water bodies enable you to paddle, swim, and fish. Several caves and lakes have been protected along with the parks.
The Ozark Trail is another popular destination and national park in Missouri worldwide, which could be a long-distance hiking trail that passes through this River and Rocky Falls.
5. Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in Grantwood Village is another memorial for a former President of the US because, as the name implies, this national park in Missouri site was established in 1979 to preserve the memory, life, and works following the former United States President. The location is additionally mentioned as White Haven, which consists of 5 historic structures related to the previous President’s life.
The interpretation of slavery in White Haven is vital to naming these properties as a national historic site. When Grant and his wife lived on this 19th-century farm, his experience with slaves influenced his role as a Union general who fought to abolish the peculiar institution. He continued on his mission when he became President.
White Haven is a residence belonging to President Grant. The home is owned by his wife, Julia, who remains at home. From 1855 to 1859, their family and enslaved African–American workforce grew. Today, guests may visit the visitor center and museum to learn about the family’s life.
6. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
This 1,700-acre battlefield site is the final entry for this list of Missouri Park Service sites. It is located at 6424 West Farm Road 182 near Republic, Missouri. The location commemorates the Battle of Wilson’s Creek placement in 1861. This served as the first major engagement west of the Mississippi River during the American War.
There are several features within this battlefield memorial site, including the restored 1852 Ray House, a 5-mile automobile tour loop, and, therefore, the site of a significant battle referred to as ‘Bloody Hill.’ This national park in Missouri, or battlefield site, was established in 1960 and is visited by over 160,000 tourists yearly.
A unique national park in Missouri, Wilson’s Creek is a battle that was one of the earliest battles of American Civil warfare and the only battle in western Missouri. Nathaniel Lyon, the first American military officer to die at the battle, has died here: this gave Southman a victory. They fought for control over Missouri for one year. This national park in Missouri has a history. Although the Confederates won it, the Union still managed to win Missouri.
Bottom Line
Spend your time in the lap of nature, knowing we assure you that you will love every bit of the national parks. However, we recommend that before leaving for any journey, you ensure that you have valid travel insurance policies. It’s essential for people living more than 100 kilometers from home to have coverage for accidents, illness, theft, and other injuries.
Last Updated on by Sathi Chakraborty, MSc Biology
