Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park - Lesterville, Missouri

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Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park - Lesterville, Missouri

Swift waters of the Black River flowing around some of the oldest exposed rocks in the nation have formed a series of canyon-like gorges or “shut-ins” in Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The 8,470-acre park, which has been left mostly as wilderness, contains more than 900 species of plants. It is a major trial head for the 500-mile-long Ozark Trail, which is under development. The park contains picnic areas and a campground. Pets are not allowed at the shut-ins, and access to the park is limited, so there may be a wait to enter. Please contact the park for up-to-the-minute details.

On Dec. 14, 2005, the nearby Taum Sauk Reservoir breached, sending 1.3 billion gallons of water through the major day-use area of the park. Most of the facilities in the area along the East Fork of the Black River were either destroyed or damaged. Cleanup began immediately. It is hoped that the park will be fully operational sometime in 2008.