Autumn in Missouri is beautiful. Explore the most picturesque spots to revel in leaf-peeping and historic charm. Visit charming wineries, wander through orchards, connect with nature, and admire the rustic beauty of mills.
Eminence, Missouri
Autumn is a favorite time to visit the Ozarks, and Eminence, Missouri is our family's favorite spot. We love glamping at Echo Bluff State Park, a beautiful site surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest with stunning views of the bluff at Sinkin' Creek, and easy access to our favorite Missouri rivers for float trips: The Current River and Jack's Fork. It is also home to wild horses. Book your stay at Echo Bluff State Park here.
Nearby, we visit Alley Mill, a beautiful historic mill on the National Register of Historic Places, Rocky Falls one of Southern Missouri's prettiest waterfalls, and Peck Ranch Wildlife Conservation Area an elk preserve. The area is home to wildlife and we have observed otters, beavers, raccoons, deer, snakes, turtles, coyotes, foxes, bats, owls, bald eagles, and more on our annual treks.
Elephant Rock State Park
Elephant Rock State Park derives its name from the colossal red granite boulders that resemble a herd of elephants throughout the park. Located in Belleview, about ninety minutes south of St. Louis, this park is a favorite for families, hikers, and rock hounds. The giant rocks are fun to climb and explore; many are carved with the names of local 19th-century miners. A walking trail meanders around a pond and through the giant granite rocks, though some passages are quite narrow. This is a play-at-your-own-risk site. Perfect for an afternoon stop en route to another state park or destination, this is a favorite for a picnic and some exploring, and autumn leaf-peeping.
Hodgson Mill
Hodgson Mill is known as the most photographed mill in Missouri. The mill can be found 17 miles northeast of Gainesville on Hwy. 181 in Dora, Missouri. The mill was built by Alva Hodgson in 1894, replacing the original mill on Bryant Creek that had burned down. The mill operated until 1977, it was powered by spring-fed water that, according to park signage produced 28,900,000 gallons of water a day and remained 58 degrees year-round. The site operated a cotton gin, sawmill, and factory. No longer in operation, the historic site is well maintained and remains one of the prettiest sites in the Ozarks for a photograph.
Ha Ha Tonka State Park
The castle ruins of the Ozarks, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the stuff of legend. The castle, built on the bluffs overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks, was the luxurious getaway for prominent Kansas City businessman, Robert McClure Snyder. He befell tragedy, dying in one of the state's first recorded automobile crashes. In October of 1942, a fire destroyed the castle, leaving the still-standing ruins behind. Visitors to the park enjoy the trails exploring the remains of the home, as well as a natural bridge, bluffs, caves, and one of the state's largest springs. Beautiful wooded trails meander through the park, though only some are accessible. This is a popular day trip destination on Ozark getaways with beautiful views year-round.
Hermann, Missouri
Hermann, Missouri is home to six locally owned wineries, with Stone Hill being the largest and most well-known. The German town is situated on rolling hills with beautiful views of the river and local vineyards. Taste wine at local wineries, or sample beer at the breweries. Shop boutiques and stay in a local bed and breakfast. Stone Hill Winery's guided tours are our favorite experience in the town. Hermann is a lovely place to stay for couples. Find lodging in Hermann here.
Dogwood Canyon
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park is a favorite family-friendly attraction in the Ozarks. The beautiful park features an old mill, restaurant, tram tours through their elk and deer park, treehouses, a nature center, and paved trails for biking, walking and hiking. You may rent a bicycle, hire a fishing guide, or take a tour of the park. Admission is charged and you pay for attractions.
Weston, Missouri
Weston, Missouri, is a quant riverfront town. On Main Street, you'll find boutiques and restaurants (most are closed on Monday). The town is also home to pumpkin patches, apple orchards, wineries, bed and breakfasts, and O'Malley's Irish Pub. Just outside of town, is Weston Bend State Park offering paved trails for bikes, rugged trails for hiking, tent camping, a historic tobacco barn, and an overlook with a view of the Missouri River. Weston is a beautiful place to stay. Find lodging in Weston here.
Watkins Mill State Park
Watkins Mill State Park in Kearney, Missouri, offers a great place for family camping with both tent and RV sites available. The campground offers trails to the lake with fishing, a swim beach, and space for kayaks (bring your own). In addition to hiking and biking trails, they also offer equestrian trails. The park is named for the historic woolen mill and home on the grounds. Stop by the visitors center and tour the historic sites to learn more about the history of the mill.
Sam A. Baker State Park
Sam A. Baker State Park is the oldest park in the state with a rich and wonderful history. The park offers something for everyone with a creek and St. Francis River for fishing and canoeing, equestrian trails, hiking and biking trails, and wide open spaces to play catch. Lodging includes tent camping, RV spots, and cabins. The nature center offers exhibits on local wildlife and the history of the park. Our family loves the rustic cabins, grilling out at night, and the homemade ice cream offered at the park's general store.
Rockbridge Trout & Game Lodge
Rockbridge Trout & Game Lodge is a favorite for flyfishing and glamping in their comfortable cabins. The site is also home to the Rockbridge Grist Mill Club, where guests may dine in an old pub set in the 1800s grist mill. The menu features appetizers and drinks. The mill is located riverside overlooking a scenic waterfall.
Bonus: Guided Ozarks Off-Road Adventure Tour
For a truly thrilling adventure, experience leaf-peeping in Missouri on a guided off-road ATV tour through the Ozarks. Book your off-road adventure here.
Start Planning Your Missouri Getaway:
Recommended Reading:
This book is my favorite reference for Missouri's State Parks. Written by four skilled writers and lifelong conservationists, this beautiful book showcases the captivating history, beauty, and recreational importance of Missouri's state park system, which is ranked among the top four nationwide. The book includes hundreds of photographs and provides details on all 88 state parks and historic sites, featuring the nation's longest developed rails-to-trail project, homes of notable Missourians, Civil War battlefields, and other historical landmarks such as mills and covered bridges. The authors narrate the complete story of the park system, from its beginning in 1917 to the newest state park established in 2015, covering much of Missouri's history and its scenic and diverse landscape.
Milling Around: 26 Mills in the Missouri Ozarks invites travelers and history buffs to discover 26 historical mills—24 water-powered and 2 steam-powered—set in scenic locations. Nearby activities include fishing, hiking, birdwatching, and kayaking, with some mills also serving as community hubs for festivals and events. This book reflects Barbara Baird's 24-year journey, starting in 2000 when she sought material for her newspaper column.
Hermann, Missouri is a town abundant in heritage, culture, and beauty. In Hermann, Missouri, One of the Prettiest Towns in America, local photographers William Fields and Tony Carosella guide you through Hermann, highlighting its stunning landscapes, majestic river, architectural charm, and, naturally, its people.
With natives as guides, this series steers readers down the most scenic and historic byways in the areas covered, featuring plenty of intriguing points of interest and places to eat, stay, and shop along the way. This book caters to those who may not know that grape vines in Missouri changed the wine industry in France, that the worst earthquake in American history also occurred in the same state, or that more Civil War battles were fought on Missouri soil than in any other border state. It is ideal for those who prefer two-lane blacktop and gravel roads over interstates, and includes 30 black-and-white photos.
A handy trail locator providing an overview of each trail's characteristics and available amenities. Hiking Missouri vividly presents the history, landscape, plants, and wildlife of each region. Its descriptions of nearby recreational and sightseeing spots ensure you experience everything during your visit. Hiking Missouri is your companion for relishing the great outdoors!
Do you have any favorite spots in Missouri to add to our list? Share in the comments below.
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