Open from April through October, it offers valuable information about the park’s unique geology, flora, fauna, and recreational opportunities. The Black River Center at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park serves as the primary visitor center. For more information about campsite reservations, visit the Missouri State Parks website. Some of the campground amenities include picnic tables, pedestal grills, and fire rings, making it a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. With a range of options to suit different preferences, including electric and non-electric sites, the campgrounds accommodate families and groups of various sizes. The park provides both tent and RV camping opportunities for visitors who wish to spend more time exploring its natural beauty. Here, we’ll discuss some of the main attractions such as Campgrounds, Visitor Center, Picnic Areas and Restrooms. Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, located in Middle Brook, MO, offers various facilities and amenities to enhance the experience of park visitors. Remember to follow park regulations and fishing etiquette to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone. With a Missouri fishing license, visitors can enjoy catching a variety of fish species along the river. The Black River offers opportunities for fishing enthusiasts who visit Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. Trails in the park range from easy to moderate, making it an ideal destination for families or those looking for a leisurely hike. Hikers can also explore trails that feature picturesque Missouri landscapes, with various tree species, rolling hills, and natural streams. One popular trail is the Shut-Ins Trail, which takes hikers right to the heart of the shut-ins for up-close views of the water formations.

There are several hiking trails in the park, offering diverse experiences for all skill levels. The park provides a perfect opportunity for swimming in the clear river waters, especially during the hot summer months. Activities and Attractions Swimming and Water FunĪt Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, visitors can enjoy the unique geological feature of shut-ins where the Black River has carved its way through ancient volcanic rock, creating natural pools and water slides. Over time, water erosion has led to the creation of channels, small plunge pools, small waterfalls, and chutes, which resulted in a unique feature known as “shut-ins.” These shut-ins act as a natural water park, attracting visitors to enjoy and explore the fascinating geology and history of the area. Johnson’s Shut-Ins FormationĪt Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, the East Fork of the Black River has naturally carved its path through the hard volcanic rock.

These rocks are rich in minerals like quartz, feldspar, and biotite, giving them their distinct appearance and properties. Francois Mountains are composed of intrusive igneous rocks, specifically granite and rhyolite. Igneous rocks are formed from the solidification of magma or lava and are primarily classified into two categories: intrusive (formed inside the Earth) and extrusive (formed outside the Earth). The volcanic and erosional activity that shaped the landscape over time resulted in unique geological features, such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. These mountains are primarily made up of Precambrian igneous rocks, which are around 1.4 billion years old. Francois Mountains, part of the larger Ozark Plateau, are an ancient mountain range located in the southeastern region of Missouri.

When planning a trip to Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park, prepare to be amazed by the rich history, breathtaking scenery, and endless opportunities for adventure. These shut-ins provide visitors with a chance to immerse themselves in Mother Nature’s hydraulics, as they play in the shallows or shoot through the water-filled passages.

With its intriguing geological features that span over 1.4 billion years and an array of outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and horseback riding, the park is a must-see destination for nature enthusiasts.Īt the heart of the park, you will find the renowned shut-ins, where the East Fork of the Black River flows through ancient volcanic rock formations, creating natural water chutes and pools. Nestled in the beautiful wilderness of Middle Brook, Missouri, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers a unique and exciting outdoor experience for visitors of all ages.

Johnson shut in state park from owasso