Cobalt MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Cobalt, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
NATIONAL PARK ICON
The Gateway Arch is a renowned national park icon located in St. Louis. This 630-foot stainless steel monument stands as a symbol of America's westward expansion and offers stunning views of the city and Mississippi River from its observation deck. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top or explore the museum beneath the arch to learn about its historical significance.
2. Cobalt Art Gallery
LOCAL ARTISTIC EXPRESSION
The Cobalt Art Gallery showcases works from talented local artists in the heart of Cobalt. This cultural hub serves as a gathering place for art enthusiasts and offers rotating exhibitions throughout the year. Visitors can appreciate various art forms while connecting with the creative spirit of the community.
3. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
MIGRATORY BIRD HAVEN
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers a spectacular 10-mile auto tour through 7,440 acres of diverse habitats along the Missouri River floodplain. This refuge supports up to two million ducks during fall and winter seasons and hosts upward of a million snow geese, making it a paradise for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers. With more than 310 bird species, 41 mammal species, and 37 reptile species, including bald eagles and the state-endangered massasauga rattlesnake, the refuge provides an immersive natural experience.
4. Missouri State Parks
OUTDOOR RECREATION DESTINATIONS
Missouri State Parks offer diverse outdoor recreational opportunities near Cobalt. These parks feature hiking trails, camping facilities, fishing spots, and natural wonders that showcase Missouri's varied landscapes. Visitors can enjoy activities year-round while experiencing the natural beauty of the Show-Me State.
5. Cobalt Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Cobalt Historical Museum preserves the rich history and cultural heritage of this Missouri mining town. Exhibits feature mining equipment, historical photographs, and artifacts that tell the story of Cobalt's development and the people who shaped it. Visitors can gain insights into local traditions and the economic forces that influenced the region.
6. Mark Twain National Forest
SCENIC WILDERNESS AREA
Mark Twain National Forest encompasses beautiful woodlands and recreational areas accessible from Cobalt. This vast forest offers hiking, camping, fishing, and wildlife viewing opportunities across its diverse ecosystems. Visitors can enjoy seasonal activities from spring wildflower walks to spectacular fall foliage viewing.
7. Cobalt Community Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Cobalt Community Park serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike with its well-maintained recreational facilities. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and walking paths suitable for all ages. Throughout the year, it hosts community events, festivals, and outdoor concerts that showcase local culture.
8. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park features massive granite boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. These billion-year-old geological wonders can be explored via the Braille Trail, an accessible path designed for visitors with visual or physical disabilities. The park offers excellent opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, and photography against a backdrop of Missouri's ancient geology.
9. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is home to a remarkable geological formation where the Black River cascades through igneous rock channels creating natural water slides and pools. This natural water playground attracts visitors seeking to cool off during hot summer months while surrounded by the beauty of the St. Francois Mountains. Beyond the shut-ins, the park offers camping, hiking trails, and interpretive programs about the area's unique geology and ecosystems.
10. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST POINT
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park encompasses the highest point in Missouri at 1,772 feet above sea level. Hikers can access Mina Sauk Falls, the state's tallest waterfall, via a rugged trail that showcases the beauty of the St. Francois Mountains. The park connects to the Ozark Trail, offering extended backpacking opportunities through some of Missouri's most remote and scenic wilderness.
11. Cobalt Farmers Market
LOCAL PRODUCE DESTINATION
The Cobalt Farmers Market brings together local farmers and artisans to showcase their fresh produce, handmade crafts, and specialty foods. Held weekly during growing season, this community gathering spot offers visitors a taste of authentic Missouri flavors and craftsmanship. The market frequently features live music, cooking demonstrations, and seasonal celebrations that highlight the agricultural heritage of the region.
12. Black River Recreation Area
WATER ADVENTURE HUB
The Black River Recreation Area offers pristine waterways perfect for floating, kayaking, and fishing near Cobalt. Its clear, cool waters wind through scenic Ozark landscapes, creating ideal conditions for outdoor enthusiasts year-round. Visitors can rent equipment from local outfitters or bring their own for a day of water-based adventure.
13. Missouri Mines State Historic Site
MINING HERITAGE PRESERVED
Missouri Mines State Historic Site preserves the former Federal Mill No. 3, once part of the St. Joe Minerals Corporation, showcasing the region's rich mining history. The site's museum displays massive mining machinery, mineral specimens, and interactive exhibits explaining how lead, zinc, and other minerals were extracted and processed. Visitors can tour the mill buildings and learn about the technological innovations and social impacts of Missouri's once-booming mining industry.
14. Hawn State Park
PINE FOREST SANCTUARY
Hawn State Park is renowned for its towering pine forests, sandstone formations, and clear sand-bottom streams that create a wilderness experience unlike any other in Missouri. Hikers cherish the park's Whispering Pine Trail, considered one of the most scenic in the state with its diverse ecosystems and challenging terrain. The park offers excellent opportunities for backcountry camping, birdwatching, and nature photography throughout all four seasons.
15. Old Village Mercantile
NOSTALGIC CANDY EMPORIUM
Old Village Mercantile offers a nostalgic trip back in time with its classic candy store atmosphere and selection of over 600 varieties of treats. This charming establishment features old-fashioned favorites alongside modern sweets, homemade fudge, and local gifts that delight visitors of all ages. The historic building housing the mercantile adds to the experience, creating a perfect stop for travelers exploring the scenic byways near Cobalt.