Mastodon State Historic Site — Attraction in Imperial Township

Fun for the whole family. Located off of outer road, the museum has a nice display, frequent events, and a movie with some good educational value. A short walk from here takes you to the bone bed where you can learn even more about the park and Mastodon history.

Visitors can use a newly constructed trail to walk to the lower park area, or drive around to the Seckman road entrance to visit the lower park. At the lower park you'll find a large cut field to play in as well as water fountains, a play ground, benches, grills, restrooms, and a pavilion to cool off under. You'll also have easy access to both trails from here. Spring Branch trail is under half a mile and circles the lower area where there is an opportunity to play in and around the creek. Limestone Hill trail is a more challenging 2.5 mile trail and includes narrow paths, some difficult terrain, and steep hills.

A couple of geocaches are hidden throughout the area. There are several Pokestops and two gyms for those interested in this now infamous game.

Another area of the park is open for reservations for groups such as scouts for campouts.

4/5 because the trails are well worn and usually in need of...

Mastodon State Park is a hidden treasure in Imperial, MO. I first visited here when I was a kid and had no idea where this spot was, but my mother-in-law brought us two falls ago and I'm so glad she did!

There's several short, well-maintained trails throughout the park. When I visited a week into November, the path was mostly cleared of leaves. There was a cute kids story about spiders on markers along one of the paths that read like a children's book.

A pavilion, playground, and pit toilets are available on site. We enjoyed a picnic lunch under the pavilion, but had the choice to sit at picnic tables closer to the playground.

My dog loves the creek running through the park and it provides extra pretty views set against the fall leaves and moss-covered rock. We met a man on the trail who grew up near the park and he led us to a spot that produces lots of mushrooms. We passed through a camping area that no one in our group knew existed. This would be a lovely weekend getaway, and very remote as there was no one...

This is a fabulous State Historical Park. When they found a clovispoint in the riboflavin a Mastodon, it marked the earliest sign of man this far north! Excellent staff and Beautiful Museum! My Grandmother, Dorothy Heinze was a spearhead in saving Mastodon Historical State Park in the 70s! My Grandfather, Albert Heinze built the original wildflower trail and there is a cave named after them on the property, Heinze Cave. My family has their reunion there every year. There are many sponsored events that take place here as well...great learning events like the creek walk! Please enjoy. Dorothy wanted it saved for generations to come to learn from and enjoy! Now my grandsons and their Cub Scouts pack are indeed doing this. They held a special presentation for them at the Museum where they learned so much and got to experience a "fake" archeological dig scenario. Great trails that my son and the JCRC enjoy too!! Get...