Location HC Route 1, Box 126
Middlebrook, MO 63656
Contact (573) 546-2450
More Information Website
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| Johnson's Shut-ins State Park |
The beauty and natural wonders of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park give it a unique character, appealing to a variety of tastes. Water cascading between large, smooth rocks, creating natural waterslides, has made the park a popular recreation destination, and its landscape has piqued the curiosity of all who visit.
One and a half billion years ago, hot volcanic ash and gases spewed into the air, then cooled, forming igneous rock. Later, shallow seas covered the rock, depositing sedimentary rock. The land rose. The sea fell. The weather began tearing down the land, exposing the volcanic rock beneath it. Waters of the Black River became confined, or "shut-in," to a narrow channel. Water-borne sand and gravel cut deeply even into this erosion-resistant rock, swirling, churning…carving potholes, chutes and spectacular canyonlike gorges.
Most of the park, including the shut-ins and two miles of river frontage, was assembled over the course of 17 years and donated to the state in 1955 by Joseph Desloge (1889-1971), a St. Louis civic leader and conservationist from a prominent lead-mining family. The family has continued over the years to donate funds for park improvements.
A one-fourth mile walkway takes visitors to an observation deck overlooking the shut-ins. Camping, hiking and swimming are popular pastimes, with rock climbing and rappelling allowed by permit at the shut-ins area from the Tuesday after Labor Day to the Friday before Memorial Day. Picnic tables and a playground make the park ideal for family outings. Basic and electric campsites are available, along with a park store. All campsites are reservable. Total capacity in the day-use area is 100 vehicles so plan to arrive early. Pets are not allowed in the shut-ins.
Directions to Johnson's Shut-ins
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