This Epic Park Has Caves, Springs, Underground Streams, And Even A Natural Bridge

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park contains a wide diversity of natural and cultural resources to explore. Some of Missouri’s finest examples of karst topography, restored grasslands, forests and streams rest within park boundaries. Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is located at 5901 South Highway 163, in Columbia, Missouri. More information on the park can be found by clicking here.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil’s Icebox. You can explore Connor’s Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.

Devil’s Icebox Cave has a total mapped passage distance of 6.5 miles. Over the years, these spacious cave passages have become the home to especially adapted animals. The cave’s watershed of 8,500 acres contains thousands of sinkholes as well as losing streams, which allow water to drain down cracks in the limestone rock and flow into the cave. The water’s quality affects the pink planarian and other cave animals.

Picnic sites are scattered throughout the park, and offer a quiet place to enjoy lunch or rest after a day of hiking. Two reservable picnic shelters and playground equipment make the park a great place for family gatherings. Primitive camping for groups is available by making advanced reservations.

Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a popular destination for hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and horseback riding. The park is open year-round from sun rise to sun set! Pictures used in this article are owned by the Missouri Parks System.

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