Elephant Rocks State Park

Have you ever seen an elephant rock? No, it is not some kind of dance, it is a giant billion-year-old boulder that gives this state park the name Elephant Rocks State Park. Most of these rocks of granite are bigger than elephants, and many are lined up like an elephant train at the circus. Adults and children alike are fascinated by these humongous stones and they even have the names of some of the miners who worked in the area engraved into them. 

There are several different trails at this Missouri park, one of which is ADA accessible with braille signage for those who need it. Park visitors claim that this trail is the best way to see all the elephant rocks and the other natural wonders in the Elephant Rock State Park. Your four-footed family members are allowed on the trails, but they must remain on a leash that is six feet long or less. In addition, you need to bring clean up bags to pick up whatever your pet deposits along the way. 

While visiting this park, do not let your pooch annoy the other park guests or the local wildlife or you may be asked to leave the park. If you and your tail-wagger work up an appetite, you can grab a bite to eat from the food truck that is at the Elephant Rocks State Park on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. If you go during the week, you can always bring your own food or visit one of the restaurants in the area. Public restrooms are also available.

The Elephant Rocks State Park has picnic tables scattered throughout the park, some of them shaded and some in the sunlight. You may even choose to just eat in the lush green grass on a blanket like a real picnic. Watch out for and do not feed any of the critters you may come across. Do not let Fido chase them around either, even if it is fun to watch.