Ozark Chinquapin Trail at Big Sugar Creek State Park follows a small stream with a smooth bedrock bottom and is surrounded by steep hills on both sides.
MoDNR photo by Ben Nickelson

Get away from your usual habitat and enjoy enticing scenery, while enjoying activities that provide cognitive benefits and improve mood, at the following gems of the Missouri State Parks system. Despite these spots being visited less than other parks and sites, those who do visit always return.

Big Sugar Creek State Park is a day-use park, open sunrise to sunset, with a meadow-like trail where deer often roam. If you’re interested in birds, there are a wide variety of less-common species that call this park home, one being the scarlet tanager. These medium-sized, orange-red American songbirds often are found in the upper canopy of trees where they spend their time searching for food. Besides wildlife, the Ozark Chinquapin tree species is one of the park’s biggest attractions. 

If you’re looking to experience diverse habitats, Big Oak Tree State park is the place to go! The towering hickory trees, oaks and swampy wetlands make the park a prime place to see wildlife, and the moat-like borrow pit surrounding the former lake basin is available for fishing. If you’re lucky, you may catch a glimpse of a rare swamp rabbit. Big Oak Tree State Park also hosts an annual “History Day” event where reenactors show their skills in blacksmithing, weaving, spinning, quilting, woodcarving, herbalism and making bobbin lace, among others.

For people who love to experience the outdoors in comfort, Crowder State Park provides all the amenities for a relaxing stay. The designated campground area provides ample space for RVs and tents alike. Each campsite is equipped with a large campfire ring and vault toilets are nearby. You may choose to venture out on 17 miles of trails for activities such as hiking, bicycling, backpacking or horseback riding. The family-oriented park also offers fishing and boating opportunities on the 18-acre Crowder Lake. Crowder State Park is an inexpensive place to go for an adventure-packed vacation with family and friends.

Boardwalk Trail at Big Oak Tree State Park winds it’s way through some of the state’s largest trees.

The lake at Crowder State Park provides many aquatic recreation options, including kayak rentals.

Home of the highest point of elevation in Missouri, Taum Sauk Mountain Sate Park offers panoramic views of the surrounding rolling hills.

Taum Sauk Mountain State Park offers primitive campsites where guests can enjoy the beauty of fall foliage, along with peace and quiet.

The structures at Current River State Park, originally built by the Alton Box Board Co., are undergoing renovations. When complete, the spaces will be available to rent for private events.

Current River State Park is a perfect place to stop for a rest during a float on the Current River.

At Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, you can cross climbing to the top of a mountain off your bucket list. The park includes the highest elevation point in the state. Forested areas and rocky glades provide hikers with a unique experience. Besides the amazing views, this park features campsites with fire pits and picnic tables surrounded by rocky plains. The park also offers a great place to take a selfie — at the top of the 132-foot Mina Sauk Falls!

Current River State Park is open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday through Sunday and on Monday holidays, from May through October. The park’s namesake, the Current River, cuts through the park, with clear, blue water due to the natural springs that contribute to its flow. Meandering approximately 184 miles, the Current River is famous for float trips. Constructed as a retreat by the Alton Box Board Company in the 1930s and 1940s, the park’s buildings reflect the rustic architectural style used by the National Park Service. If you enjoy cooling off around the water, this is one of the most scenic rivers to take pictures, swim, fish and enjoy the outdoors.

To plan your next getaway, visit the Missouri State Parks website.