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Missouri
62

Missouri State Parks

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USA Parks
Missouri
Northeast Region
Mark Twain State Park
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MARK TWAIN STATE PARK
MARK TWAIN STATE PARK
20057 State Park Office Road
Stoutsville, Missouri   65283

Phone: 573-565-3440
Toll Free: 800-334-6946
Reservations: 877-422-6766
Email: park email button icon
One of America?s unique and best-loved personalities, Samuel Clemens -- later known as Mark Twain -- was born about one-fourth mile north of this historic site in a rented cabin in the small town of Florida. The cabin is now preserved inside the museum at Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. The historic site and surrounding Mark Twain State Park stand as a tribute to the author-humorist.

Details of Samuel Langhorne Clemens? remarkable life are interpreted through exhibits and audio-visual programs at the museum. Along with the two-room cabin in which he was born, the museum features first editions of Mark Twain?s works, a handwritten manuscript of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and furnishings from his Hartford, Conn., home. A public reading room is available for personal study and research. Visitors may see these exhibits and the birthplace year-round (except New Year?s Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas). A nominal admission fee is charged.

In the village of Florida, a red granite monument marks the original location of the cabin. Surrounding the state historic site, which offers picnic sites, is the 2,775-acre state park, providing opportunities for camping, hiking, swimming and fishing and access to Mark Twain Lake.
Swimming
1. Mark Twain State Park offers a public beach for swimming on the shores of Mark Twain Lake.
2. The sandy beach is open from sunrise to sunset, providing ample time for swimmers.
3. Lifeguards are not provided at this location; visitors swim at their own risk.
4. Swimming outside designated areas and after hours is strictly prohibited in the park.
5. Visitors can also enjoy boating or fishing activities besides swimming in the lake area.

Boating
The park offers a variety of boating options for visitors. The 18,600-acre Mark Twain Lake is open to all types of boats and there are several boat ramps available throughout the area for easy access. There's also a marina that provides services such as fueling stations, fishing supplies and snack bars. For those who don't own their own watercrafts, pontoon rentals are offered at the lake during summer months.
Fishing
The park offers fishing in two main areas: Mark Twain Lake and Lick Creek. Anglers can catch crappie, catfish, bass and sunfish here. The lake is stocked with walleye for added variety. Fishing from the shore or a boat are both popular options.


Location
Mark Twain State Park is

Picnicking
Mark Twain State Park offers numerous picnic areas, equipped with tables and grills. Some sites also have playgrounds nearby.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore the park's six-mile multi-use trail. Be aware, it is shared with hikers and horseback riders.

The terrain varies from flat to moderately steep hills, so caution should be exercised when navigating these trails.

While biking at night isn't prohibited, remember that lighting conditions may affect visibility on certain parts of the path.

For those seeking a leisurely ride or family outing, consider sticking to flatter sections for an easier experience.

Remember always wear helmets while cycling; safety first!

Please note: The weather in Missouri can change quickly - check forecasts before setting out on your bike adventure.

Lastly but importantly! Respect wildlife you encounter along your journey - keep distance and do not feed them.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding options with over 100 species, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can explore the six-mile Lick Creek Trail or visit Buzzard's Roost Lake for aquatic birds. The park also hosts annual events like the Great Backyard Bird Count in February.

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Area Campgrounds
Mark Twain Landing
42819 Landing Lane
Monroe City, MO
Nearby Hotels
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Directions
From St. Louis : Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is approximately 130 miles from the St. Louis Gateway Arch; the trip will take about two and one-half hours depending on traffic. Travel west on I-70 to Exit 210B toward Wentzville/Hannibal. Merge onto U.S. Hwy. 61 N for 48 miles. At Bowling Green, take U.S. Hwy. 54 west for 12 miles. Approximately three miles past Curryville, take Hwy. 154 west for 13 miles. Then take Hwy. 19 north for 11 miles. Turn left back onto Hwy. 154 and travel west through Perry for eight miles. Turn north onto Hwy. 107 and continue for three miles. Turn east onto Route U, then turn onto the first paved road to the right, Shrine Road, and follow it to the historic site.

From Jefferson City : Allow one and half hours for the trip. Take U.S. Hwy. 54 East to Mexico. Take Hwy. 22 west for approximately one mile before turning north/right onto Hwy. 15. Continue on Hwy. 15 for 26 miles. Take Hwy. 154 east for 11 miles then turn left/north onto Hwy. 107 and travel three miles. Turn east onto Route U, then turn on the first paved road to the right, Shrine Road, and follow it to the historic site.

From Springfield : Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is approximately 243 miles from Springfield; allow four hours for the trip. Travel north on U.S. Hwy. 65 from Springfield for 50 miles. Near Preston, turn right/east onto U.S. Hwy. 54 and continue through Jefferson City to Mexico. Take Hwy. 22 west for approximately one mile before turning north onto Hwy. 15 and traveling 26 miles. Turn right/east onto Hwy. 154 and continue for 11 miles. Take Hwy. 107 north for three miles then turn east onto Route U. Take the first paved road to the right, Shrine Road, and follow it to the historic site.

From Kansas City : Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site is approximately three and one-half hours from downtown Kansas City. Travel east on I-70 for 126 miles. At Columbia, turn left/north onto U.S. Hwy. 63 and continue for 32 miles to Moberly. Turn right/east onto U.S. Hwy. 24. Approximately ten miles east of Paris, turn right/south onto Hwy. 107 and continue for six miles. Turn east onto Route U, then turn onto the first paved road to the right, Shrine Road, and follow it to the historic site.

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Missouri
62

Missouri State Parks

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