Like an island well
north of Ozark Country, Johnson's Shut-ins State Park is, for Missouri, unique
in geology and scenery. The residue of ancient volcanic activity, millennia of
erosion have created a canyon (here called a 'shut-in') for the East Fork of
the Black River. The harder, more resistant to erosion, rock has helped form
cataracts and this is a popular destination for park visitors. In fact, this
park is so popular and space so limited that many have to wait hours or are
turned away. If you wish to see the cataracts ('waterfalls'), early Spring is
the best time and this is before the crowds form.
If you are on I-44,
take exit 208 at Cuba and follow MO-19 south to Steelville (about 9 miles).
Turn left onto MO-8 and continue through Potosi to MO-21 (about 36 miles).
Turn right and follow MO-21 (south) through Graniteville to County Road 'N'
(about 26 miles). Turn right 'N' takes you into the Park.
If you are southbound
(i.e., coming from St Louis) on I-55, take exit 174 and follow US-67 south to
MO-72 at Fredericktown (about 52 miles). Turn right and follow MO-72 to MO-21
at Pilot Knob (about 18 miles). Turn right and head north about 4 miles to
County Road 'N' (it will be on your left), turn left and follow it into the
Park.
If you are northbound
on I-55, take exit 99 and follow MO-72 all the way to MO-21 at Pilot Knob
(about 65 miles). Turn right and head north about 4 miles to County Road 'N'
(it will be on your left), turn left and follow it into the Park.
Web sites of interest
include:
