There are seven National Parks in Missouri with a wide selection of national park sites to experience.
This includes the 60th. Named National Park when the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial became Gateway Arch National Park on February 22, 2018.
Missouri's National Parks is filled with American history as it played a big role on the westward expansion as well as being a great place for to see natural beauty.
National Parks in Missouri
I have been pleasantly surprised exploring some of the lesser known National Park sites like Ste Genevieve National Historical Park, Ulysses s. Grant National Historic Site, and Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
Of course some of Missouri's non-park attractions is also worth stopping for including the 43 foot rooster in Branson! Okay, so maybe not so much the rooster but perhaps taking in a show or a scenic railroad ride into the mountains.
I'm sure you will have a great time no matter what you decide to do in the show-me state.
View of Gateway Arch, the visitor center and the Mississippi River Photo by John Tillison (Park Ranger John)
Gateway Arch National Park
Top Things to do - Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Guided Tours, Enjoy stunning views from the top of America's tallest monument, Move along the historic St. Louis Riverfront Trail, Explore with Lewis and Clark.
Lodging - Gateway Arch National Park in St. Louis, Missouri, doesn't have on-site lodging. However, numerous lodging options are available in downtown St. Louis and the surrounding area, including hotels, vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, and extended stay accommodations, providing choices for various budgets and preferences
Camping- Camping is not available within Gateway Arch National Park or its immediate vicinity, as it is an urban park located in downtown St. Louis.
Park Address - 11 North 4th Street, St. Louis, MO 63102
Located on St. Louis' Mississippi River riverfront, this national park has been established and preserved in remembrance of Jefferson, and others, who directed territorial advancement, symbolized by the world-famous St. Louis Gateway Arch. Known as "the gateway to the west," the site is situated where Interstate routes 44, 55, 64, and 70 converge.
Gateway Arch is 630-feet tall and is easily recognizable as a landmark of the United States.
The park's Gateway Arch is open daily, by guided tour, from 8 a.m.-10 p.m. Memorial Day through Labor Day (summer hours) and from 9 a.m.-6 p.m. the remainder of the year.
The park also includes the St. Louis Courthouse which was originally built in 1828. The courthouse is where the famous Dred Scott case was heard. The Dred Scott case dived into the legal status of enslaved people and contributed to the outbreak of the Civil War.
The park's Old Courthouse is open daily from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
George Washington Carver National Monument
Top Things to do - Explore the park museum and visitor center, walk the trails
Lodging - There is no lodging within the park.
Camping- There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - 5646 Carver Road, Diamond 64840
George Washington Carver National Monument is located in Diamond, Missouri, just 12 miles southeast of Joplin, Missouri. The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to take a guided tour of the Carvers 1881 home.
This national park has been established and preserved in remembrance of George Washington Carver, a famous African American agronomist, educator, and humanitarian. George Washington Carver was born into slavery during the Civil War. He overcame countless obstacles to become a scientist.
He worked to help poor Southern farmers find alternative crops to cotton. He also worked at Tuskegee Institute to be an inspiration for African Americans to attain equal rights.
The park is open daily all year from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., situated on approximately 210 acres.
Harry S Truman National Historic Site
Top Things to do - Take a guided tour of the historic Truman Home, Visit the Truman Farm, Visit the Noland Home, Become a Junior Ranger
Lodging - Harry S Truman National Historic Site, located in Independence, Missouri, does not have on-site lodging. Visitors can find various lodging options in Independence and nearby Kansas City, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, vacation rentals, and extended stay accommodations, catering to different budgets and preferences.
Camping- There is no camping within the national historical site
Park Address - 219 North Delaware Street (Truman Home)
223 North Main Street (Visitor Center)---Ticketing Location, Independence, MO 64050
This national park has been established and preserved in remembrance of the United States 33rd president, Harry S. Truman. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site is situated on seven acres and is located in Independence Mo., just east of Kansas City.
When President Franklin D. Roosevelt passed away in 1945 Harry S. Truman was thrust into power. The National Historic Site is at the home that President Truman lived in from 1919 until he passed away in 1972.
The visitor center is open daily from 8:30 a.m.-5 p.m. Guided tours of the Truman Home are available between 9 a.m.-4:45 p.m. The Truman home is closed on Mondays from Labor Day to Memorial Day (September through May).
The Truman Farm Home in Grandview, Mo. is open for tours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Tours are available from 9:30 a.m.-4 p.m. The farm grounds are open daily (year-round) for self-guided tours.
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Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail
Top Things to do - Start your journey at the Lewis and Clark Visitor Center in St. Charles, Explore scenic trails and pathways that follow the Missouri River, Boating and Canoeing, Fishing, Scenic Drives, Birdwatching, Ranger- Led Programs
Lodging - Lodging options along the Missouri segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail can be found in nearby towns and cities such as St. Charles, Kansas City, Columbia, Jefferson City, Independence, and Boonville.
Camping- Along the Missouri segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail, there are several campgrounds available for outdoor enthusiasts. These campgrounds are located in state parks such as Lewis and Clark State Park, Katy Trail State Park, Finger Lakes State Park, Mark Twain State Park, and Cuivre River State Park. Additionally, private campgrounds and RV parks can be found along the trail route.
Park Address - The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail spans multiple states, including Missouri. The trail follows the expedition of Lewis and Clark to find an overland route to the Pacific Ocean.
While the headquarters of the trail is located at 601 Riverfront Dr, Omaha, NE, there are several places to visit along the trail in Missouri.
One such place is the Lewis & Clark Boat House and Museum located at 1050 South Riverside Drive, Saint Charles, Missouri 63301.
Lewis and Clark NHT is approximately 4,900 miles long crosses sixteen states following the Lewis and Clark Expedition. The Lewis and Clark expedition led by Meriwether Lewis and William Clark officially started in May 1804 and ended in September 1806.
President Thomas Jefferson was determined to send an expedition to explore western North America and find a feasible water route to the Pacific Ocean.
Alley Mill at Ozark National Scenic Riverways Photo by John Tillison (Park Ranger John)
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Top Things to do -Guided Tours, Hiking, Horseback Riding, Hunting, Fishing, Explore the springs, caves, mills, and even a waterfall
Lodging - Towns like Eminence, Van Buren, and Winona offer a range of accommodations, including motels, cabins, vacation rentals, and campgrounds.
Camping - Several campgrounds are available, offering a variety of options. These range from front country sites equipped with electricity and running water to more basic, primitive sites. For those seeking a truly rustic experience, there's even the opportunity to camp on a gravel bar, where amenities are minimal, but the night sky is your stunning backdrop.
There are six front country campgrounds including Alley Spring Campground, Big Spring Campground, Pulltite Campground, Round Spring Campground, Two Rivers Campground, and Akers Campground.
Park Address - Alley Spring Visitor Center- 12185 Alley Hollow Road, Eminence, MO 65466
Big Spring Entrance Station: Hwy 103, Van Buren, MO 63965
Administrative Headquarters: 404 Watercress Drive, Van Buren MO 63965
Ozark National Scenic Riverways has been established as the first national park to protect a wild river system. Two of America's clearest spring-fed rivers make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. The Current and Jacks Fork Rivers wind through a landscape of rugged hills and towering bluffs.
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is open year-round and is located just northwest of Missouri's 'boot heel'. While there is no formal visitor center, the Alley Mill is open to provide information in the summer, and the park headquarters (in Van Buren) is open year-round, during business hours.
Hours are from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, except holidays.
Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
Top Things to do - Visit Green Tree Tavern, Visit the Jean Baptiste Vallé House, Visit the Bauvais-Amoureux House, Walk Around The Jean Baptiste Vallé Gardens, Hiking, Wildlife Watching
Lodging - There is no National Park lodging within the park. The town is known for having amazing Bed and Breakfasts.
Camping- Thee is no camping within the park
Park Address - 66 South Main Street, Ste. Genevieve, MO 63670
This is the 422 National Park Site that was established on October 30, 2020. Ste. Geneviève National Historical Park is located in Eastern Missouri south of St. Louis. The park is one of the newest National Park Service. The park was created to protect French colonial architecture and tell the story of early French settlement in North America.
Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
Top Things to do - Stop By The Visitor Center, Check Out the Park Museum, Take a Guided Tour of White Haven, Watch the Orientation Film, Explore the Little Free Library, Self-Guided Tours - Walking, Wildlife Watching
Lodging - The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site in St. Louis, Missouri, does not offer lodging. However, you can find various lodging options within or near St. Louis, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfasts, and vacation rentals. Staying in St. Louis provides convenient access to the historic site and the city's attractions.
Camping- There is no camping within the park.
Park Address - 7400 Grant Road, St. Louis 63123
Ulysses S. Grant NHS is located just southwest of St. Louis. The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to take a tour of White Haven, Grant's home and see a museum dedicated to the president.
This national park has been established and preserved in remembrance of Ulysses S. Grant, known as the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. The park is located in St. Louis County and is situated on 10 acres.
The site includes five historic structures of Grant's home, known as "White Haven," including a two-story residence, a barn, and a stone building believed to have housed Grant's father-in-law's slaves. The park is open daily, year-round, from 9 a.m.-5 p.m.
Visits inside the main house begin at 9:30 a.m. and are offered every half hour. The last visit to the main house begins at 4 p.m.
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
Top Things to do -Self-guided auto tour, Hiking, Horseback riding, Living History Programs, See the Ray House
Lodging - Wilson's Creek National Battlefield does not have lodging options within the park itself. Find lodging in nearby Springfield, Republic, and Battlefield, Missouri. Options include hotels, motels, campgrounds, and vacation rentals.
Camping - There are no campgrounds within the park.
Park Address - 6424 W. Farm Road 182, Republic, MO 65738
Wilson's Creek NB s located in southwestern Missouri approximately 10 miles southwest of Springfield. The park is open year-round and offers the opportunity to take a driving tour of the battlefield.
This national park has been established and preserved in remembrance of the Civil War battle fought on August 10, 1861, which was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi. The Confederate failure at Wilson's Creek resulted in keeping Missouri in the Union.
Major features include a five-mile automobile tour loop, the restored 1852 Ray House, and "Bloody Hill," the scene of the major battle. Situated on 1,750 acres, Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is located three miles east of Republic and 10 miles southwest of Springfield, Mo.
Visitor center hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., seven days a week. Museum hours are 9 a.m.-5 p.m., seven days a week. Please note: The Wilson's Creek Museum is closed during November, December, January, February, and March.
List of National Parks in Missouri
Missouri National Parks include National Monuments, National Historic Trails, and National Battlefields.
- Gateway Arch National Park
- George Washington Carver National Monument
- Harry S Truman National Historic Site
- Ozark National Scenic Riverways
- Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park
- Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site
- Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield
Affiliated Sites
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- California National Historic Trail (CA, CO, ID, KS, MO, NE, NV, OR, UT, WY)
- Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail (ID, IL, IA, KS, MO, MT, NE, ND, OR, SD, WA)
- Oregon National Historic Trail (ID, KS, MO, NE, OR, WA, WY)
- Pony Express National Historic Trail ( CA, CO, KS, MO, NE, NV, UT, WY)
- Sante Fe National Historic Trail (CO, KS, MO, NM, OK)
- Trail of Tears National Historic Trail (AL, AR, GA, IL, KY, MO, NC, OK, TN)
There are 7 National Parks in Missouri with over 2.8 million visitors producing over $196 million in economic benefits.
Missouri National Parks include 1 National Heritage Area, 3 National Trails managed by the park service, and over 2200 National Register of Historic Places Listings.
There are over 2.2 million objects in the Missouri National Park Museum Collection along with 545 Archaeological Sites!
If you have dreamed of working in the National Parks make sure and check out our article on How to Become a Park Ranger. Working in the parks is one of the most amazing jobs you can find. There is just something special about waking up and knowing you are going to work in a beautiful park.
National Park Travel Resources
Planning a National Park vacation? America the Beautiful/National Park Pass covers entrance fees for an entire year to all US National Park Sites and over 2,000 Federal Recreation Fee Sites.
The park pass covers everyone in the car for per-vehicle sites and for up to 4 adults for per-person sites.
Buy on REI.com and REI will donate 10% of pass proceeds to the National Forest Foundation, National Park Foundation, and the U.S. Endowment for Forestry & Communities.
Free Entrance Days -Mark your calendars with the five free entrance days the National Park Service offers annually.
For a fun adventure, check out Escape Campervans. These campervans have built-in beds, kitchen area with refrigerators, and more. You can have them fully set up with kitchen supplies, bedding, and other fun extras. They are painted with epic designs you can't miss!
Escape Campervans has offices in Vancouver, Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Phoenix, Salt Lake City, Denver, Chicago, New York, and Orlando
Check out the National Parks in neighboring states
For an entire list of US National Parks head over to our list of US National Parks in Alphabetical Order. We also have a printable checklist of all 417 National Park properties in the United States available.
