Missouri State Parks: Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut Ins

A few weeks ago, I told hubby that we needed to go hiking. It was a long string of weekends that were either 100 degrees or pouring rain. I was getting some cabin fever and all i wanted to do was be outside; to feel the ground under my shoes.

About an hour and a half south of us is a cluster of state parks, including Elephant Rocks and Johnson's Shut Ins. 

Elephant Rocks is a former granite quarry that evolved into a state park thanks to the rain eroding the giant boulders into stand alone stones. Amazing rock formations and views.

He's so little

Before this visit, I had no idea what a shut in was, but I soon came to realize that it's a river that is congested with rocks to form swimming holes, sort of. Either way, I was excited for both hiking and swimming, two of the things I miss most about home. 

Time for swimming

Rocky shores

Feels weird swimming in shoes

Shut in

So far Missouri is pretty great. I have so many things on my excited-to-do list that the weekends just aren't enough. There's always a museum or restaurant or event or hiking trail to visit. Always something to do. Can't wait for our next hiking adventure.

-Akemi-chan