The Show Me State
Missouri
Ozark highlands, the Current River wilderness, and the best cave and spring country in the Midwest.
Missouri at a Glance
Ozark Springs
Missouri has more springs than any other state, with over 1,100 named springs, many flowing from Ozark limestone into crystal-clear rivers
Mark Twain National Forest
Mark Twain National Forest covers 1.5 million acres across nine ranger districts spread throughout the Missouri Ozarks
Shut-Ins
The St. Francois Mountains contain ancient rhyolite and granite rocks, creating the Ozark's most dramatic terrain in Taum Sauk and Johnson's Shut-Ins State Parks
Wild Turkey Country
Missouri leads the nation in wild turkey population density, with the Ozarks supporting some of the most successful turkey hunting in America
Ozark Trail
The Ozark Trail runs 350 miles through Mark Twain National Forest, with plans to eventually reach the Arkansas border and connect with the Ouachita Trail
Current River
Current River is one of the clearest spring-fed rivers in the Midwest, with Akers Ferry and Pulltite spring-fed sections within the national forest
When to Visit
April through June and September through November. The Ozarks are beautiful year-round, but summer is hot. Fall color in October is excellent throughout Mark Twain National Forest.
Top Activities
Gateway Cities
Rolla
Central Missouri city near Mark Twain National Forest's Salem district, with access to the Ozark Trail and the Current River corridor.
Van Buren
Small Ozarks town on the Current River, serving as a hub for float trips, canoe rentals, and access to Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Did You Know?
Mark Twain National Forest is named after the writer born in Hannibal, Missouri, who spent his youth along the Mississippi River.
The Current River maintains a constant 58-degree temperature year-round from its spring-fed sources, making it ideal for summer floating.
Missouri's Ozark National Scenic Riverways was the first National Scenic Riverway designated by Congress in 1964.
Taum Sauk Mountain is just 1,772 ft but its ancient rhyolite summit rocks are among the oldest exposed rocks in North America at 1.5 billion years.
The Irish Wilderness in Mark Twain National Forest was established in the 1850s by Father John Hogan as a settlement for Irish immigrants fleeing the Famine.