Missouri Ozark springs and shut-ins
Granite boulders, volcanic-rock swimming holes, a red mill and some of the largest springs in the US along the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
- Distance
- 315 km (196 mi)
- Driving
- 3 h 30 min
- Suggested days
- 4
- Stops
- 9
- States
- MO
- Updated
- May 15, 2026
At a glance: 4-day road trip of about 315 km (196 mi) with 9 stops, from St. Louis to Big Spring. About 3 h 30 min of driving in total.
Route description
From St. Louis, take I-55 and US-67 south, then MO-21 into the St. Francois Mountains, about two hours away. Elephant Rocks State Park has giant granite boulders on an easy paved loop, and nearby Johnson’s Shut-Ins has natural chutes and pools in the Black River that are perfect for a summer swim.
Head west on winding state roads through the forest to MO-19 and Round Spring on the Current River. This is the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, the first national park area created to protect a river, and outfitters along the way rent canoes and tubes.
Eminence is the small hub of the area. West of town, Alley Spring’s red 1894 mill stands over a deep blue spring pool; south-east, a gravel road leads to Rocky Falls, a cascade over pink rock with a swimming pool at its base.
MO-106 and back roads continue to Van Buren and Big Spring, one of the largest springs in the country, pouring from the foot of a bluff. Roads are paved but narrow and curvy; summer weekends are busy with floaters, while April, May and October are quieter.
Stop-by-stop itinerary
In driving order. Distances are estimates between consecutive stops.
- 1Start
St. Louis
MO - 2140 km
Elephant Rocks State Park
NatureBelleview, MOHuge rounded granite boulders lined up like a circus parade, with a paved trail suitable for wheelchairs and strollers. Kids love climbing the smaller rocks.
- 323 km
Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park
NatureMiddle Brook, MOThe Black River squeezes through volcanic rock, forming chutes and pools that make a natural water park. Summer weekends can reach capacity; come early.
- 469 km
Round Spring
NatureEminence, MOA spring rising in a collapsed cave basin by the Current River, part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. There is a campground and a river access.
- 518 km
Eminence
MO - 69 km
Alley Spring and Mill
HistoryEminence, MOA red 1894 roller mill beside a deep blue spring pool on the Jacks Fork. One of the most photographed spots in the Ozarks.
- 726 km
Rocky Falls
NatureEminence, MOA cascade over pink volcanic rock into a wide plunge pool, popular for a summer swim. The last stretch of road is gravel.
- 824 km
Van Buren
MO - 96 km
Big Spring
NatureVan Buren, MOOne of the largest springs in the US, pouring out of a bluff base into the Current River. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the stone cabins and dining lodge nearby.
