You Can’t Afford To Miss These 10 Free Outdoor Activities In Missouri
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Liz Oliver
Author
You’ll find that some of the best attractions in Missouri are absolutely free! So just because you’re short on cash doesn’t mean you need to be short on fun. With summer break just weeks away, it’s the perfect time to plan family activities and trips. We’ve already complied a list of 10 free outdoor attractions in the Show Me State that you simply can’t afford to miss! What have you got to lose? Check out the list below.
It's been voted America's top free attraction and best zoo! They offer shows, feedings, and a wide range of events.
Tucked away in Creve Coeur, a suburb outside of St. Louis, is a large park full of adventures. Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park is the largest park in St. Louis County and is popular among bikers, runners, and even sailors. Explore the park or simply watch the action out on the lake. Find the park at 2143 Creve Coeur Mill Rd., Maryland Heights.
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The large castle ruins at Ha Ha Tonka State Park are simply mesmerizing. In 1905, Robert McClure Snyder, Sr., a Kansas City businessman, began constructing a massive stone mansion. Sadly, misfourtune found the Snyder family at every turn and the home was destroyed by fire in 1942. By 1978 the state had purchased the property and Ha Ha Tonka State Park was created. The park also features 15 miles of hiking trails and stunning lake views. Find the park at 1491 Missouri D, Camdenton.
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The tallest point in the state of Missouri is at the top of Taum Sauk Mountain in Ironton. You'll love the stunning views and along the way you'll also see Missouri's tallest waterfall, Mina Sauk Falls. Find the Taum Sauk Mountain State Park at Hwy. CC
Ironton.
Missouri has a few spectacular sand beaches that are perfect for swimming. You'll find one of these great sand beaches at Mark Twain Lake. Once the water warms you'll want to take a dip. Find the beach at Mark Twain Lake State Park at the north end of the park at the Highway 107 Recreation Area.
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Biking the Katy Trail is a great experience. The trail is actually a state park and the largest park in state. The trail was created through the re-purposing of the old Missouri-Kansas-Texas railway. You'll love riding over the old railroad bridges and through the old train tunnel. The trail runs from Machens to Clinton and there are trail-heads located all across the state.
For a unique experience you'll want to spend a day at Laumeier Sculpture Park. You'll be delighted by the unique art and the lovely setting. This stunning little park is a diamond in the rough tucked behind boring corporate buildings just off Interstate 270. Pack a picnic and visit the park at 12580 Rott Rd., St. Louis.
If you love spotting wildlife in their natural habitat you'll want to visit Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge. You'll have the opportunity to spot waterfowl, native song birds, whitetail deer, beavers, and bobcats if you're lucky. There are even more animals to discover and stunning acreage to explore. Find the refuge at US-159 South off I-29 & Exit 79, Mound City.
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One of the most beautiful spots in the state is located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. Alley Spring Mill is the perfect place for a leisurely stroll and picnic. It's bright red color pops among the bright blue waters and lush green setting. A visit to the mill will make for an unforgettable memory. Find the mill off Highway 106 near Eminence.
Big Burr Oak is one of the largest trees in the state. Located just outside of Columbia, this large tree is approximately 355 years old. Find the tree start at the intersection of Stadium Boulevard and Providence Road, head south on Providence for about 10 miles. After a few minutes, the road turns into State Highway K and then Burr Oak Road. The drive is almost as lovely as the tree!
Have you been to any of the attractions on our list? What other free outdoor activities would you suggest we check out in Missouri? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
Looking for more fun? Check out these 15 once-in-a-lifetime adventures you can conqueror here in Missouri.
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