Pilot Knob MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pilot Knob, Missouri.
1. Fort Davidson State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the fort and battlefield where the significant Battle of Pilot Knob took place in September 1864. The site features a visitor center and museum that interprets the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and a fiber optics diorama of the battle. Visitors can also enjoy the site's playground, picnic area, and hiking trail while learning about this important Civil War battle where Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price led 8,000 men against the Union post.
2. Elephant Rocks State Park
ANCIENT GRANITE FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park features amazing pachyderm-sized boulders formed from ancient granite that is approximately 1.5 billion years old. A paved one-mile Braille trail winds through the boulders with signs in Braille and English pointing out touchable features along the trail. Visitors can explore stoneworkers' names carved into the granite and see evidence of the area's quarrying history, including granite that was used to build streets in St. Louis and the pillars at the Governor's mansion.
3. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features remarkable canyon-like shut-ins, talus slopes, and open glades formed by the East Fork of Black River flowing through fractures in ancient rhyolite rock. The nearly vertical gorge carved by water flow has created a popular natural swimming area that attracts visitors in the summer. A short walk allows visitors to observe the volcanic origins of the area's distinctive geology.
4. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST POINT
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park claims Missouri's highest point at 1,772 feet, offering visitors impressive views of the surrounding Ozark landscape. A loop trail leads hikers to both the highest point and to Mina Sauk Falls, which is the state's highest wet-weather waterfall. The park serves as part of the Ozark Trail system, with a section that passes through the park and continues 12.8 miles to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park.
5. Mina Sauk Falls
HIGHEST WATERFALL IN MISSOURI
Mina Sauk Falls is Missouri's highest wet-weather waterfall, located within Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Visitors can access the falls via a scenic loop trail that also leads to Missouri's highest point. The waterfall is most spectacular after heavy rainfall, creating a cascading display down the rocky Ozark terrain.
6. Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
WHITEWATER RAPIDS AND TRAILS
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is known for its scenic beauty and the St. Francis River's whitewater rapids that attract kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts. The conservation area hosts the annual Missouri Whitewater Championships and offers hiking trails through the rocky, forested landscape. Visitors can enjoy wildflower displays in spring and the unique geology of the area year-round.
7. Pilot Knob Mountain
HISTORIC IRON ORE SITE
Pilot Knob Mountain is the prominent geological feature that gave the town its name and was once an important source of iron ore for the region. The mountain played a strategic role during the Civil War, serving as a backdrop to the Battle of Pilot Knob. Visitors can hike parts of the mountain to enjoy views of the surrounding Arcadia Valley.
8. Arcadia Valley
SCENIC MOUNTAIN VALLEY
The Arcadia Valley is one of Missouri's most scenic areas, encompassing the communities of Pilot Knob, Ironton, and Arcadia. The valley is surrounded by the St. Francois Mountains and features a rich history of iron mining and Civil War significance. Today, the peaceful setting offers visitors numerous outdoor recreational opportunities and access to several state parks and historic sites.
9. Battle of Pilot Knob Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The Battle of Pilot Knob Museum is located at Fort Davidson State Historic Site and interprets one of Missouri's most significant Civil War conflicts. The museum features exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and a fiber optics diorama that brings the 1864 battle to life. Visitors can learn about Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price's campaign and the Union defense of Fort Davidson through artifacts and interpretive displays.
10. St. Francois Mountains
ANCIENT VOLCANIC MOUNTAINS
The St. Francois Mountains are among the oldest exposed mountain ranges in North America, formed by volcanic activity approximately 1.5 billion years ago. This mountain range contains unique geological features including granite and rhyolite formations that create the distinctive landscapes of Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut-Ins. The mountains offer hiking, camping, and exploration opportunities throughout Iron County and the surrounding region.
11. Iron County Museum
LOCAL HISTORY SHOWCASE
The Iron County Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Iron County and the surrounding Arcadia Valley region. Exhibits highlight the area's mining heritage, Civil War significance, and pioneer settlement patterns. Visitors can view artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of this historically significant region of Missouri.
12. Ozark Trail
LONG-DISTANCE HIKING PATH
The Ozark Trail is a long-distance hiking path that passes through some of the most scenic sections of the Missouri Ozarks, including portions in Iron County near Pilot Knob. A notable 12.8-mile section connects Taum Sauk Mountain State Park to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, offering challenging hiking and backpacking opportunities. The trail showcases the region's diverse ecosystems, from hardwood forests to rocky glades and mountain streams.
13. Royal Gorge
HISTORIC MINING SITE
Royal Gorge is a historic iron mining site located near Pilot Knob that played an important role in the region's industrial development. The area features remnants of mining operations that once extracted valuable iron ore from the St. Francois Mountains. Visitors interested in industrial archaeology can observe how the landscape was shaped by 19th-century mining activities.
14. Immanuel Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS LANDMARK
Immanuel Lutheran Church is a historic church in Pilot Knob that has served the community since the late 19th century. The church building features traditional architectural elements and stands as a testament to the German heritage of many early settlers in the region. Visitors can appreciate both the historical and cultural significance of this long-standing religious landmark.
15. Black River
SCENIC WATERWAY
The Black River and its East Fork flow through Iron County, creating scenic waterways popular for fishing, kayaking, and other water recreation. The river is particularly known for its clear waters as it passes through Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, where it has carved impressive rock formations. Outdoor enthusiasts enjoy the river for its natural beauty and recreational opportunities throughout the seasons.