The city of Ironton is located in the southernmost part of Ohio, along the Ohio River. It’s just 20 miles northwest of Huntington, West Virginia. There’s a downtown Ironton historic district, which you can visit for a taste of history. You can also enjoy shopping and dining in Ironton’s many restaurants and shops.
Elephant Rocks State Park
You can hike, bike, or just enjoy nature at Elephant Rocks State Park in Ironton, Illinois. Located in the Saint Francois Mountains, the park is a geologic reserve and public recreation area. It gets its name from the string of pink granite boulders that resemble circus elephants.
You can enjoy a beautiful fall day at Elephant Rocks State Park. You can hike to the top of the boulders or explore a cliffside trail to get a good view of the surrounding landscape. You can even enjoy a picnic and cook up some BBQ at the park’s picnic areas.
The park’s biggest attraction is the giant granite boulders. These boulders were formed as magma cooled. As they cooled, they cracked into massive blocks, and water rounded their angles. Because of their size and shape, the boulders resemble a train of circus elephants. This seven-acre natural area is also home to one-mile Braille Trail that winds through the park’s quarry pond.
Elephant Rocks State Park is a great destination for picnicking and family outings. There are many picnic tables, charcoal grills, and large boulders for climbing. There is a small playground on the property, as well as six flushing bathrooms. A nice addition to the park is the Braille Trail, which is marked by braille signs.
Elephant Rocks State Park is located about six miles outside of Ironton, Missouri. The park is accessible, and it is close to several other area attractions such as Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and Taum Sauk Mountain State Park. Parking is limited at Elephant Rocks State Park, so plan your trip carefully.
Nearby attractions include Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the Otahki Lake Cabins & Campground. Both offer rustic camping opportunities, and Otahki Lake Cabins & Campground feature a lake and a dog park. Another option is the Fort Davidson Hotel, which has an outdoor pool, and Home On The Mountain, a two-bedroom cabin with a private terrace. You can also stay at the Plain & Fancy B&B, which has a seasonal outdoor pool and rooms with a hot tub.
The state park is an excellent day-trip destination. The park offers hikers a chance to see giant granite boulders that are almost one billion years old. Visitors can explore the park’s eerie beauty, and take in its history. Located in the Saint Francois Mountains, Elephant Rocks State Park is one of the most popular Missouri State Parks.
The park has interpretive placards displaying the history of different Indian tribes. Before the fur trade reached western Missouri, the Osage were the most powerful tribe in the Midwest. The park has interpretive stations along its one-mile loop trail. It leads to Engine House Ruin and the main Elephant Rock formation.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State park in Reynolds County, Missouri is an outdoor recreation area with 8,781 acres of land. It is one of Missouri’s oldest state parks and is a great place to go fishing, hiking, camping, or just relaxing. Here you can find a variety of wildlife and plants that make this area a popular destination.
The park is easy to reach from Highways 44 and 55. It is located about two hours from St. Louis and five hours from Kansas City. You can drive or take a bus, though the roads can be curvy and steep. The nearest town is Lesterville, where you can find gas and a nature museum.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State park is a popular destination for rock climbers. The giant rock formations offer many different types of crags, each with its own characteristics. The rocks are usually about 40 feet high and have a smooth, clean edge. Visitors can also enjoy the park’s walking trails.
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State park has some of Missouri’s most beautiful scenery. It’s also home to the eastern collared lizard and rare eastern maple. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of this natural area and take photos with the animals that live there.
A trail through the park is well marked and leads to a small wooden walkway. You can also access the Shut-Ins’ natural waterslides and swimming holes. If you don’t feel adventurous, you can take the trails with hiking boots. Despite the rugged terrain, the park offers some great scenery and scenic views.
For campers, Johnson’s Shut-Ins State park has many different options for accommodations. There are basic sites, electric campsites, and sewer/electric/water campsites. There are even special campsites for equestrians. There’s a store at the campground.
Hikers can choose to take the Shut-Ins Trail or the Scour Trail. Both trails are relatively easy, but there are several rocky sections. Both trails offer spectacular views. There’s also a water crossing if the weather is bad. The Shut-Ins Trail is the most popular trail and is accessible from the main parking area.
There are numerous activities for families and children in the area, and families can spend a day hiking or exploring the area. Those looking for something a little more adventurous should visit Elephant Rocks State Park. This park is home to pink granite boulders and igneous rocks.
Charleville Vineyards and Chaumette Vineyards and Winery
There are plenty of things to do in Ironton. You can visit Chaumette Vineyards and Charleville Vineyards and Winery, both of which are family-owned and located in picturesque rural settings. If wine isn’t your thing, you can enjoy a French-style lunch at Chaumette Vineyards and Winery. There are also several antique shops and gift and collectible stores in Ironton, including the Plunder Palace, a favorite of junk enthusiasts.
