The Basics
Elephant Rocks State Park
c/o Fort Davdison State Historic Site
Graniteville, MO 63656
Phone: (573) 546-3454
Email: moparks@dnr.mo.gov
Directions: From Farmington/Park Hills: Travel west on Hwy 32 approx. 15 miles to State Hwy N, turn left, and head south for approx. 4.5 miles to State Hwy W. Travel approx. 5 miles on St. Hwy W to Hwy 21, turn right, then 1 mile to the park on your left.
About Elephant Rocks
One of the most interesting geologic formations to be found in Missouri is located at Elephant Rocks State Park. Giant boulders of granite stand end to end like circus elephants, some are many times bigger than any elephant! The biggest of all the boulders, nicknamed Dumbo, tips the scales at an impressive 680 tons. He measures 27 feet tall, 35 feet long, and 17 feet wide.
Visitors to the park can view this massive "herd" from the 1-mile long Braille Trail, named so because it is made accessible to visitors with visual or physical disabilities. The main trail circles the granite outcrop, while a small spur trail leads visitors to the top, allowing for exploration of the giant "elephants."
Just outside the park boundaries lies the remains of the oldest recorded quarry in the state. Granite was mined from here starting in 1869 to be used for a bridge spanning the Mississippi River. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, granite was mined for use in many St. Louis buildings, streets, and other construction needs. Another small spur trail leads to a point overlooking this old quarry.
Thirty picknicking sites are scattered throughout the park, allowing for visitors to relax among the giant boulders. A playground is also available, as well as an information kiosk. The park is a great place for families to spend an afternoon.
Features & Facilities
Picnic Area/Tables | Elephant Rocks | Historic Quarry
Activities Available
What's Nearby
Parks & Nature
Bootleg Access
Hawn State Park
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Ketcherside Mountain Conservation Area
Mark Twain National Forest
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
Pickle Springs Natural Area
St. Francois State Park
St. Joe State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Washington State Park
Trails
Hawn State Park
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Mark Twain National Forest
St. Francois State Park
St. Joe State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Washington State Park
Camping
Hawn State Park
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Mark Twain National Forest
St. Francois State Park
St. Joe State Park
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
Washington State Park
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Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Washington State Park
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