Imagine a place where untamed beauty roams free—where wild horses live in the forest and surprise you with their appearance on your hikes. Welcome to the Mark Twain National Forest, a hidden gem in Missouri that offers a rare glimpse of Shannon County's beautiful wild horses. This is one of our family's favorite destinations, a beloved getaway for nature lovers, photographers, and adventurers alike.
Every autumn, our family spends a long weekend 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.
Autumn is a favorite time to visit the Ozarks, and this area is ideal. It is just a short distance from 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 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.
This location is especially scenic in the fall. It is just a short distance from 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 an elk preserve.
Wild Horses of Shannon County
However, one of the most special surprises at Echo Bluff State Park is the herd of wild horses that live in the area and frequent the park. Shannon County's Wild Horses are well known in Southern Missouri as they roam Echo Bluff State Park, Round Spring, Broadfoot, and Shawnee Creek. Seeing the horses is not a guarantee on your visit to the park, but rangers will offer tips as they are able. Specifically, visitors are asked not to feed or pet them and to let them live wild.
There are approximately 35 horses in two herds. Over the years, we have seen the horses at Echo Bluff State Park and Round Spring. If you ask the rangers at the state park, they will give updates on the horses. We frequently find them in the early morning at the state park, and mid-afternoon around Round Spring, though their habits are not consistent.
The Bureau of Land Management protects wild horses throughout the United States, and two herds live in Southern Missouri. According to the BLM, "Most wild horses and burros living today are descendants of animals that were released or escaped from Spanish explorers, ranchers, miners, the U.S. Cavalry and Native Americans. Wild horses and burros are diverse in their coloring, ranging from solid brown and black to colorful pintos and palominos."
TOP PICKS FOR YOUR VISIT TO EMINENCE, MISSOURI:
Plan a float trip!
If you love fall foliage and wildlife, a float trip on the Current River or Jack's Fork is the best way to enjoy the scenery. We love Carr's Canoe Rental for their service and care. We've tried other local outfitters over the years and the number one reason we choose Carr's is their friendly, safe transportation to and from our spot. Choose a route based on what you want to see. We have stopped at Welch Hospital Ruins, many springs, and caves. You may choose half to full day routes, or even longer routes if you want to camp along the way.
Bike and Hike.
Echo Bluff State Park offers both paved and rugged trails. We pack bicycles every year, but they offer rentals as well. The park even offers a mountain bike trail for adventure enthusiasts. For avid hikers, the Current River Trail connects Echo Bluff State Park and Current River State Park. We love the variety of options for all skill levels, interests, and both short and long excursions.
Spend an afternoon at Alley Mill in Eminence.
This historic red mill is one of the prettiest sites in the Ozarks in the fall. Visits to the mill are free and you may take a self-guided tour to learn how the mill was used to grind wheat to flour. There are hiking trails around the mill and an overlook. This is a favorite place for fall photos.
Take in the view!
There are many overlooks, trails, and hikes to enjoy in the area. We have enjoyed exploring the various state parks, Missouri Conservation Department sites, waterfalls, mills, and rivers.
Take photos with the wild horses and enjoy the scenery!
Our family first started visiting the park in 2016, the year it opened. We came for the horses, the river, and the fall foliage. We keep coming back for the memories.
Bonus: Discover 7 reasons we LOVE Echo Bluff State Park
Echo Bluff State Park is our favorite place to enjoy glamping in Missouri. The state park offers ideal lodging to enjoy the wild horses, canoeing and family fun!
Here are 7 reasons we LOVE staying at Echo Bluff State Park.
They offer ideal lodging for everyone! You may tent camp, stay in an RV, rent a hotel room in the beautiful lodge, or rent a fully equipped cabin (ranging from 1-4 bedrooms, accessible or non-accessible, with options for everyone). Our family chooses three nights in a three bedroom cabin.
There is so much to do. We spend one entire day canoeing, and spend the rest of the time hiking, biking, exploring the sites like Alley Mill, Rocky Falls and Peck Ranch an elk preserve. We always plan a themed family night for either a talent show, an interactive murder mystery, or a themed movie night.
The Views: We love stargazing at night, wildlife viewing, and the scenery from the trees, river and bluff.
Wild Horses! Learn more about this state park and the wild horses of Shannon County that live there here.
Food options: We choose to cook our own meals in our cabin. The girls love bring-your-own appetizer night for an app buffet. iIf you'd rather not cook, the restaurant at Betty Lea Lodge offers a great selection for all three meals. And, the lodge provides a complimentary continental breakfast. The gift shop in the lodge also offers standard camping groceries (we purchase ice cream there) for simple items like s'mores, snacks, hot dogs, and the like. Tim's Bestway Foods and Dollar General in Eminence are additional grocery options. Likewise, you'll find several locally owned restaurants in town.
Fun options provided by the State Park: Bike rental is available at the lodge. They also have a free library of board games and books, a beautiful lobby with a fireplace, tables, and sofa, as well as a large deck with rocking chairs and picnic tables overlooking the bluff. The large firepit behind the lodge is a favorite gathering spot for nighttime s'mores and music. And, ranger programs and special events are offered throughout the year as well.
Holidays at the Park: Our girls have enjoyed trick-or-treating around the park during Halloween and a cabin decorating contest. We have enjoyed a fall craft fair as well. Throughout the year, they offer Thanksgiving and Christmas specials and other fun holiday or seasonal events. Here are some fun photos from the cabin decorating contest we won during Halloween 2020:
Start planning your Eminence, 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.
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