Washington State Park


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Washington State Park

The Basics

Washington State Park
13041 State Hwy. 104
De Soto, MO 63020

Phone: (636) 586-0322
Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov

Directions: From De Soto: Washington SP is located approx. 9 miles south of De Soto on Highway 21.

About Washington

Located in the eastern Ozarks, Washington State Park is well known for its evidence of native american history. Petroglyphs, or rock carvings, were inscribed here by a group of Indians that archaeologists refer to as Mississipian. They are believed to have inhabited the area around A.D. 1,000. Preserving evidence of their beliefs and offering insight to their daily lives, the collection of petroglyphs found here is the largest group yet descovered in Missouri. Because of the number and quality of the carvings, the sites have been placed on the National Register of Historic Places.

But, the carvings are not the only historic feature or showcase of craftmanship at the park. Not long after land was donated to become a state park in 1932, an African-American company of the Civilian Conservation Corps began development in the area. Inspired by the carvings, they caled their barracks "Camp Thunderbird." They carried the theme throughout the park in the buildings they constructed, as well as other stone features of the park. The former dining lodge, which now serves as the camper store and snack bar, has an indian thunderbird carved into its stone chimney, and is also represented in the handmade iron door hinges. The company also did extensive roadside work, laid stones for the 1,000 steps trail, and built 14 other buildings in the park, including the octagonal-shaped lookout shelter.

Natural features of the park, both characteristic and unique to the eastern Ozarks, include tall bluffs above the Big River, limestone glades and savannas atop the hills, and moist, dense forests and trees along the floodplains below. The Washington State Park Hardwood Natural Area, located along the Big River, has a wide variety of trees, and one of the state's best wildflower displays in the spring.

A popular local floating and canoeing river, especially because of the beautiful bluffs, the Big River is also a favorite with anglers, who can catch bass, catfish, bluegill, and carp. Swimmers have a choice between a natural gravel bar in the river, or the park's olympic-sized swimming pool. A picnic shelter, located at the scenic overlook, offers wonderful views of the Big River and surrounding area.

Three trails, ranging from 1.5 miles to 10 miles in length, traverse the hills and bluffs above the Big river, and out into the rugged Ozarks countryside. A backpack camp is also available.

Other overnight opportunities include 51 campsites, some primitive and some semi-modern, and 11 housekeeping cabins, with one-bedroom, two-bedroom, and three-bedroom units available. Cabins are air-conditioned and come fully equipped with kitchens.

Washington State Park - Missouri's Petroglyph Showcase.

Features & Facilities

Park Office | Gift Shop | General Store | Nature Center | Lookout Shelter | Amphitheater | Pavilions | Picnic Area/Tables | Playground | Swimming Pool | Historic Buildings | Cabins | Campground | Woodlot | Telephone | Restrooms | Showers | Laundry | Canoe Rentals | Petroglyphs

Activities Available

Camping | Hiking Trails | Canoeing/Kayaking | Swimming | Fishing

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