Top 7 National Parks in Missouri You Must Visit in 2021

Sep 22, 2021

Last Updated on: Jul 7, 2025

Destinations

Missouri, a state located in the central-western part of the United States, is one of the most visited places in the country. People often make a stop while passing through this region to enjoy and appreciate the beauty of this place. People on vacation can have an exuberant experience visiting the national parks in Missouri. 

If you are an adventurer or an admirer of nature, then visiting Missouri is worth every of your penny. Parks have always been a source of fascination for many travelers. The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these parks behold. 

The Missouri map entails some of the most favored national parks in the world. Let us have a look at what beauty these Missouri national parks behold.

Most Beautiful National Parks In Missouri

The beautiful land of Missouri is gifted with some of the most mesmerizing national parks. The best parks in Missouri are among the top tourist attractions of the state. 

If you are planning on a short vacation with your family, do not forget to explore the National Parks in Missouri along with the historic trails that pass through the county. 

Are you ready to know about what national parks are in Missouri and their important details? Here is a Tour and Travel guide.

1. Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park

Location: St. Louis

Among the National Parks in Missouri, the Gateway Arch National Park is the most popular and iconic landmark in the state. The arch was established in 1960 in the memorial of Thomas Jefferson, Dred Scott, and others representing the spirit of western expansion in the US. 

The construction of this 630 feet tall arch called for two separate structures to be raised from the ground and then welded together. A museum, a tram ride, and beautiful landscapes are what tourists can have an experience of here.  

2. George Washington Carver

George Washington Carver

Location: Diamond 

Located just 12 miles southeast of Joplin, the George Washington Carver is a national park in Missouri that is open throughout the year. The park consists of a monumental structure, a memorial in remembrance of George Washington Carver. He was regarded as a great man because of his expertise as an educator, agronomist, and humanitarian. 

Tourists planning to visit this site can have a great hiking experience in the dense forests present all around. There is no entry fee here, and several cultural activities are held occasionally. 

3. Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail

Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail image

Location: Various

This National Historic Trail extends for about 4900 miles and passes over through sixteen states. The expedition conducted by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark from  1804-1806 led to the exploration of this trail. The trail is considered among the best national parks that pass through Missouri. 

This site can be viewed from several places in Missouri. The main motive behind the Lewis and Clark expedition was, however, to explore north-western America and a convenient water route to the Pacific Ocean. Vacationers can plan to cover the entire trail and gather historical information and learn about the impacts of the trail. 

4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Ozark National Scenic Riverways

Location: Van Buren

One of the most mesmerizing places that you can visit in Missouri is the Ozark. This site comprises the Current and Jack Forks Rivers which are the two of America’s clearest spring-fed rivers. The Ozark National Scenic Riverway was among the first national parks in  Missouri to preserve a wild river system. 

This park offers tourists a number of adventurous outdoor activities such as canoeing, hiking, swimming, and fishing. Adventurers are surely going to love it here. The summers are the best time to take a trip out over here. The presence of various shopping centers, indoor places, and natural caves makes it more enjoyable for you and your family. 

5. Oregon National Historic Trail

Oregon National Historic Trail

Location: Various

Considered one of the best national parks in Missouri, this National Historic Trail connects the Missouri rivers to the valleys in Oregon. It is a route of historical significance that involved military action, exploration, and even migration. 

This trail offers some of the most beautiful landscapes and forests that visitors can get to see. The route covers about 2,170 miles, and if travelers want to cover the entir

e path, they need to save some time for it. However, the route is accessible by car, and one can experience an exquisite journey while traveling

6. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield

Location: Republic

A national battlefield or a national park in Missouri, Wilson’s Creek is situated in the southwest region of Springfield. This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861. 

This memorial had been built in remembrance of the first major Civil War, which was fought west of Mississippi in 1861. 

However, the Confederate Army won the battle. So, Missouri remained in the Union.

The legendary battle was, however, won by the Confederate Army, which resulted in keeping Missouri in the Union. A museum, an automobile tour, the preserved Ray House are some of the top attractions of this site. History connoisseurs must not forget to pay a visit to this place. 

7. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Harry S. Truman National Historic Site

Location: Independence Missouri

This national park in Missouri is one of the most visited and popular historic sites in the country. It had been established in the memory of Harry S. Truman, who was the 33rd President of the US. This national site preserves the house of President Truman that is laid over 7 acres of area. 

The house has been converted into a museum-like place. Inside, you can observe various displays of historical items and get information about the entire history of that place. It is located east of Kansas City, and travelers can take out some time and go around the places in the vicinity. 

Do You Also Want To Know About The National Parks Near Missouri?

You already know how many national parks are there in Missouri. If you are willing to travel some extra miles, you will also find many national parks near this US state. 

Missouri shares its borders with many states. It has Iowa on its north and Arkansas on its south. Furthermore, states like Illinois, Kentucky, and Tennessee are on its East, and the state has Oklahoma, Kansas, and Nebraska on the west. 

Here, we will introduce you to the national park near Missouri you can visit in the neighboring states. 

US State Near Missouri National Park 
ArkansasHot Springs National Park
KentuckyMammoth Cave National ParkCumberland Gap National Historical Park
TennesseeCherokee National Forest

So, states like Oklahoma, Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa do not have any national parks. However, you will come across many national monuments and historic sites in these states. 

1. Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park

Hot Springs National Park is the melting pot of history and nature. It has the most amazing geological features with natural hot springs, mountains, and other views. 

It is literally the national park that bathes the entire world. So, soak in the thermal spring fountains and cold spring fountains here. 

2. Mammoth Cave National Park

Mammoth Cave National Park

As you can see in the name, the Mammoth Cave National Park is home to the longest cave systems in the world. It is also a hub of outdoor pursuits like biking, hiking, and horseback riding. 

Stargazing is also one of the most relaxing activities at Mammoth Cave National Park. 

3. Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

Cumberland Gap National Historical Park

The Cumberland Gap National Historical Park tells the tales of Native Americans. Further, it is the most amazing spot for nature lovers, with 14,000 acres of wilderness and 85 miles of trails. 

Moreover, if you are ready to indulge in the most relaxing activity, like stargazing, you can visit Hensley Settlement in this national park. 

4. Cherokee National Forest

Cherokee National Forest

The Cherokee National Forest houses the Great Smoky Mountains National Park, which divides the park into two halves. 

Further, it has many campgrounds, picnic areas, rivers, and scenic byways. Also, do you know that you can explore 700 miles of trails here? 

You can even take a relaxed walk along the backcountry trail and explore wildlife. Moreover, at night, you can enjoy some immersive stargazing experience. 

Frequently Asked Questions.

Which National Park is a must see?

The top must-see national parks in the US are
1.Grand Canyon National Park,
2.Arizona. 
3.Glacier National Park,
4.Montana. 
5.Yosemite National Park

What 5 states have no national parks?

States that are without National Parks are Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho ,Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Mississippi, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.

Name the only two U.S national parks loacted within three states?

Most of the parks of appointed wilderness is in Montana. Yellowstone is not the only national park that is in three different states.

Final Thoughts

There you go with all the information you needed to know about the national parks in Missouri. Apart from these most well-known parks, there are several other Missouri State Parks that have been quite an attraction for tourists. 

From my personal experience, I can tell you that not only these sights, but the entire city is mesmerizing and soulful. I am sure that you can already fantasize about the beauty of these places. You must keep your patience till you land your foot there! 

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Subham Saha started his career as a professional web content writer. He has more than 4 years of experience in digital marketing. He also has a great knowledge in SEO, SMO, Website development, etc. He completed his graduation in Electrical Engineering. He is very passionate about building his career in the Digital marketing industry. Subham has a great interest in reading books about Business, Economics, Psychology, Technology, and History.

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