Discover Missouri’s National Park Service sites, from the Gateway Arch to Wilson’s Creek and Ozark Riverways. Plan your trip and collect NPS Passport stamps!
National Park Service In Missouri
Missouri doesn’t always come to mind when people think “National Parks.” Yet the National Park Service manages some of the state’s most remarkable sites — from presidential homes and Civil War battlefields to wild rivers and the iconic Gateway Arch. Even better, you can collect stamps for your NPS Passport along the way.
Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, or just looking for family-friendly adventures, Missouri’s National Park Service locations offer something worth exploring.
Missouri’s National Park Service Highlights
1. Gateway Arch National Park – St. Louis
America’s “Gateway to the West,” this shimmering arch on the Mississippi River is Missouri’s only official National Park. Ride the tram to the top, explore the museum, and take in views that stretch for miles.
2. Harry S. Truman National Historic Site – Independence & Grandview
Walk through the preserved home of Missouri’s only U.S. president. Truman’s modest life before the White House is on full display, giving you a personal glimpse of history.
3. George Washington Carver National Monument – Diamond
The first National Monument dedicated to an African American, honoring the life and legacy of scientist and inventor George Washington Carver. Trails, a museum, and Carver’s boyhood home tell his remarkable story.
George Washington Carver NPS Page
4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways – Southern Missouri
Float the crystal-clear Current and Jacks Fork Rivers in America’s first national riverways park. This site celebrates Missouri’s wild beauty and offers fishing, camping, and kayaking.
5. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield – Near Springfield
The site of the first major Civil War battle west of the Mississippi. Walk or drive the loop trail, visit Bloody Hill, and see why this battlefield is often called the “Bull Run of the West”.
Neighboring Site That Shaped Missouri
6. Pea Ridge National Military Park – Arkansas
Just across the state line, Pea Ridge was the battle that secured Missouri for the Union in 1862. With a 7-mile driving loop, preserved landscapes, and plenty of history, it’s a must-visit for anyone exploring Missouri’s Civil War story.
Collecting NPS Passport Stamps
One of the best parts of visiting National Park Service sites is collecting stamps for your NPS Passport. You can stamp your book at visitor centers — even at Pea Ridge across the border. It’s a fun, family-friendly way to track your travels and encourage kids to get involved in history and nature.
Check out: NPS Passport Program
Park Etiquette & Travel Tips
- Respect the sites: Stay on trails, don’t disturb wildlife, and remember these places are protected for everyone.
- Give yourself time: Even smaller historic sites can take a couple of hours if you want to explore fully.
- Check entry: Not every NPS site is free. Always check the National Park Service Homepage for entry fees, hours, and updates.
Final Thoughts
Missouri may only have one true National Park, but its National Park Service sites pack a punch. From the Arch in St. Louis to the battle-scarred hills of Wilson’s Creek, these parks bring together history, nature, and culture in a way that’s uniquely Missouri. And with Pea Ridge just across the border, you’ve got six reasons to grab your passport and start exploring.
👉 Ready to plan your trip? Visit the National Park Service Homepage to start mapping your Missouri adventure today.
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