Elephant Rocks State Park

#11001 among destinations in the United States

National park

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Nestled in the heart of the Missouri region, Elephant Rocks State Park is a natural wonder that promises visitors a unique and unforgettable experience. This geological marvel is home to a collection of massive granite boulders, some as large as elephants, hence the park's name. These massive rocks are believed to have formed over a billion years ago, and their intriguing shapes and formations make for a fascinating sight.

One of the main draws of Elephant Rocks State Park is the opportunity for visitors to explore the massive boulders up close. The park features a 1-mile loop trail that takes hikers through and around the giant rocks, offering plenty of opportunities for climbing and scrambling. This makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and families looking for a fun and active day out in nature. The park also offers picnic areas and playgrounds, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely day trip.

In addition to its natural beauty, Elephant Rocks State Park also boasts a rich history. The park was once a granite quarry, and remnants of the industry can still be seen throughout the area. Visitors can learn about the park's past through interpretive signs and exhibits, adding an educational element to the experience.

Established: 1967 (57 years ago)Elevation: 1253 ft a.s.l.Coordinates: 37°39'16"N, 90°41'18"W

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MissouriUnited States

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Day trips

Elephant Rocks State Park – popular in the area (distance from the attraction)

Nearby attractions include: Arcadia Valley, Iron County Courthouse, Bismarck Conservation Area, Fort Hovey.

4.8 miSE
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Arcadia Valley, Ironton
122 min walk • Arcadia Valley in Missouri is located 80 miles south of St. Louis in the St. Francois Mountains of the Ozark Plateau. The valley includes of the towns of Arcadia, Ironton and Pilot Knob, all founded in the 19th century.
5.1 miSE
Greek Revival architecture
Iron County Courthouse, Ironton
131 min walk • Iron County Courthouse is a historic courthouse complex located in Ironton, Iron County, Missouri. In 1979 the courthouse, along with several associated buildings, was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
5.3 miNE
Nature, Natural attraction, Protected area
Bismarck Conservation Area
135 min walk • Bismarck Conservation Area consists of 1,188 acres southwest of Bismarck, Missouri. The area surrounds 210 acres DiSalvo Lake. The lake was constructed in 1944 by Hanna Mining Company, and the Missouri Department of Conservation acquired the land from Hanna Mining Company in 1981.
5.6 miSE
Forts and castles
Fort Hovey, Arcadia
143 min walk • Fort Hovey was a small Civil War era earth-and-wood fort built on a hill overlooking the junction of the road running south out of Ironton, Missouri and the road running east to Fredericktown, Missouri.
5.1 miSE
Church, Gothic Revival architecture
St. Paul's Episcopal Church, Ironton
130 min walk • St. Paul's Episcopal Church is a historic Episcopal church located at the northwestern corner of Knob and Reynolds Streets in Ironton, Iron County, Missouri. It was built in 1870–1871, and is a rectangular, Gothic Revival style frame building. It measures 23 feet by 60 feet. It has a steep ridge roof and three story corner bell tower.
4.9 miSE
Greek Revival architecture
Ironton Lodge Hall, Ironton
127 min walk • Ironton Lodge Hall, also known as Star of the West Lodge, No. 133, A. F. & A. M. Building; and Iron Lodge No. 107. I.O.O.F. is a historic lodge hall located at Ironton, Iron County, Missouri.
5.5 miSW
Nature, Natural attraction, Valley
Womble Hollow, Mark Twain National Forest
140 min walk • Womble Hollow is a valley in Iron County in the U.S. state of Missouri, north of Sawyer School. Womble Hollow has the name of the local Womble family.
5.8 miSE
Universities and schools, Tudor Revival architecture, Romanesque architecture
Arcadia College, Arcadia
149 min walk • Arcadia College, located in Arcadia, Missouri, United States, was founded by Rev. J.C. Berryman in 1843. The institution was associated with the Methodist Episcopal Church. Berryman then sold the institution in 1858 and it closed in 1861. The buildings were used as hospital for Union soldiers before reverting to Berryman in 1863.
4.2 miN
National park
Buford Mountain Conservation Area
107 min walk • Buford Mountain Conservation Area consists of 3,824 acres north of Ironton and southwest of Bismarck, Missouri. The area includes Buford Mountain at 1,740 feet above sea level. The mountain consists mostly of rhyolite, with few permanent water sources. However, there are eight fishless ponds each about 0.25 acres in size.