Annapolis MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Annapolis, Missouri.
1. Sam A Baker State Park
RIVERSIDE RECREATION PARADISE
Sam A Baker State Park offers beautiful camping and outdoor recreation opportunities along the St. Francis River. Visitors can enjoy hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic views throughout the 5,323-acre park. The park also features historic CCC structures and cabins for overnight stays.
2. Johnson's Shut-ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-ins State Park features a unique geological formation where the Black River cascades through ancient volcanic rock creating natural waterslides and pools. Visitors can swim in the shut-ins during summer months or explore the park's extensive hiking trails year-round. The park recovered remarkably after the 2005 Taum Sauk Reservoir breach and now includes modern facilities and campgrounds.
3. K Bridge Recreation Area
SCENIC RIVERFRONT ESCAPE
K Bridge Recreation Area provides a lovely green space along the river in Annapolis. Visitors can enjoy peaceful walks, fishing spots, and picnic areas in this natural setting. The recreation area serves as a perfect spot for outdoor enthusiasts looking to connect with nature.
4. South Iron High School
HOME OF PANTHERS BASKETBALL
South Iron High School is home to the celebrated South Iron Panthers basketball team. The school serves as an educational and community center for Annapolis residents. Visitors can catch exciting basketball games during the season at this local institution.
5. Ozark Regional Library
KNOWLEDGE AND COMMUNITY HUB
The Ozark Regional Library branch in Annapolis provides literary resources and community services to local residents. The library offers books, digital media, and various programs for all age groups. It serves as an important cultural and educational center for the small community.
6. Freedom Fest
ANNUAL COMMUNITY CELEBRATION
Freedom Fest takes place the first Saturday of every October in Annapolis, bringing the community together. The festival features a parade, local car show, and many traditional carnival events. This annual celebration highlights the town's community spirit and offers entertainment for visitors of all ages.
7. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST POINT
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park contains the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet above sea level. Hikers can enjoy the Mina Sauk Falls Trail leading to Missouri's tallest waterfall, which is especially impressive after rainfall. The park offers breathtaking views of the surrounding St. Francois Mountains and connects to the Ozark Trail for extended hiking adventures.
8. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE BOULDER FIELD
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive pink granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. Visitors can climb among these 1.5 billion-year-old rock formations that rise to heights of 20 feet. The park includes the Braille Trail, making it one of Missouri's first state parks accessible to visitors with visual or physical disabilities.
9. Fort Davidson State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the location of the Battle of Pilot Knob, a significant Civil War engagement from 1864. Visitors can explore the hexagonal earthwork remains, museum exhibits, and learn about the Confederate attack that was repulsed by Union forces. The site offers a self-guided walking tour with interpretive markers explaining the battle's importance in Missouri's Civil War history.
10. Black River
PRISTINE OZARK WATERWAY
The Black River flows through Iron County offering exceptional canoeing, kayaking, and fishing opportunities. Known for its crystal-clear waters, the river is home to smallmouth bass, goggle-eye, and various sunfish species that attract anglers year-round. Scenic bluffs and forested shorelines make this waterway one of the most beautiful natural attractions in the region.
11. Arcadia Valley
HISTORIC MOUNTAIN GATEWAY
Arcadia Valley encompasses the historic communities of Ironton, Arcadia, and Pilot Knob nestled in the St. Francois Mountains. The valley served as an important iron mining region in the 19th century and features beautiful Victorian architecture from this prosperous period. Visitors can enjoy the valley's scenic beauty while exploring its rich history through historic sites and buildings.
12. Silver Mines Recreation Area
HISTORIC MINING DISTRICT
Silver Mines Recreation Area preserves an early 20th-century mining district along the St. Francis River. Visitors can explore old mine ruins, enjoy whitewater kayaking on the river's rapids, or hike the scenic trails through the surrounding forest. The area combines natural beauty with historical significance, making it a fascinating destination for outdoor enthusiasts and history buffs alike.
13. Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
WHITEWATER RAPIDS PARADISE
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area features Class III and IV whitewater rapids that host Missouri's annual whitewater championships each spring. The area offers spectacular views of the St. Francis River as it cuts through ancient igneous rock formations creating a dramatic landscape. Visitors can enjoy hiking the Tiemann Shut-ins Trail, wildflower viewing, and bird watching throughout the 989-acre conservation area.
14. Crane Lake Recreation Area
SECLUDED FISHING DESTINATION
Crane Lake Recreation Area offers a peaceful 100-acre lake surrounded by the rolling hills of the Mark Twain National Forest. Anglers can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, and catfish in this secluded setting away from crowds and noise. The recreation area features primitive camping, hiking trails, and wildlife viewing opportunities in a tranquil forest environment.
15. Royal Gorge
SCENIC MOUNTAIN PASS
Royal Gorge is a picturesque mountain pass located in the St. Francois Mountains near Ironton. The scenic corridor features dramatic rock formations, dense forests, and sweeping views of the surrounding Ozark highlands. Visitors can drive through this natural wonder or explore hiking trails that showcase the area's unique geology and diverse plant life.