Elephant Rocks
The elephant-shaped boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park may not be the stars of a circus, but these giant granite boulders are the stars of this unusual park in southeast Missouri. The elephant rocks, which were formed from 1.5-billion-year-old granite, are giant boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The rocks have created formations that intrigue geologists are popular with history buffs interested in the past quarrying, and fascinate children who love to climb on and between the boulders.

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Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site
Today, the Arcadia Valley in Iron County is a peaceful setting in one of Missouri’s most scenic areas. But in September 1864, the valley was the scene of one of the largest and most hard-fought battles waged on the state’s soil—the Battle of Pilot Knob. During the battle, Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price led an army of 8,000 men against the Union post of Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob. Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves Fort Davidson and the battlefield where so many Confederate and Union soldiers lost their lives. A visitor center and museum interpret the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and a fiber optics diorama of the battle. The site’s playground, picnic area, and hiking trail provide relaxing ways to spend the afternoon.

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Taum Sauk Mountain
Climb to the top of Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and be on top of Missouri – literally. The park’s 7,500 acres include the highest point in the state. Located in the St. Francois Mountains, the park's wooded areas and rocky glades provide a beautiful, solitary experience for hikers. A series of trails, including a portion of the Ozark Trail, wind through the park’s picturesque setting and provide awesome views of the surrounding countryside. The park also has a 12-site basic campground, a special-use area for group camping, and a picnic area.

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Johnson's Shut-in State Park
Looking for a unique destination? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers ancient beauty! The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Its rugged character provides the perfect backdrop for hiking, picnicking, splashing in the shut-ins, exploring nature, or just relaxing.

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Shepherd Mountain Bike Park
Shepherd Mountain Bike Park is an exciting new downhill park located in the rolling hills of southeast Missouri. With five challenging downhill trails, combined with great local amenities and attractions, riders can do much more than ride a great park.

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Crane Lake Recreation Area
Crane Lake was originally created many years ago by impounding Crane Pond Creek. The dam is an earth fill dam at the upstream end of a “shut-ins” or narrow gorge cut in the granite bedrock. The lake is about 50 acres in size and approximately 20 feet deep at the dam. The site is popular for fishing and hiking.

Area Attractions