Mark Twain State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Mark Twain State Park |
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Picnic shelter at Buzzard's Roost
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 Mark Twain State Park
Location in Missouri
Mark Twain State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Monroe, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 2,775.14 acres (11.2306 km2) |
| Elevation | 607 ft (185 m) |
| Established | 1924 |
| Named for | Mark Twain |
| Visitors | 240,301 (in 2016) |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Mark Twain State Park |
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Mark Twain State Park Picnic Shelter at Buzzard's Roost
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| Nearest city | Santa Fe, Missouri |
| Area | Less than one acre |
| Built | 1941 |
| Built by | CCC |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000515 |
| Added to NRHP | March 4, 1985 |
Mark Twain State Park is a fun place to visit in Monroe County, Missouri. It's a large public park that covers about 2,775 acres. The park is right next to the Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. This means you can explore both places easily!
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Discover Mark Twain State Park
Mark Twain State Park was created in 1924. It is named after the famous American writer, Mark Twain. The park is located on the shores of Mark Twain Lake. This big lake offers many exciting activities for visitors.
Fun Activities at the Park
There are lots of cool things to do at Mark Twain State Park. You can enjoy many water sports on the lake. This includes boating, fishing, and swimming. If you love being outdoors, you can also explore the park's hiking trails. These trails let you see the beautiful nature up close. The park also has campgrounds where you can stay overnight. It's a great spot for a family adventure!
A Special Historic Shelter
Inside Mark Twain State Park, there's a special building called the Mark Twain State Park Picnic Shelter at Buzzard's Roost. This picnic shelter is very old and has an interesting history. It was built around 1941. The shelter was constructed by an all African-American group from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). The CCC was a program that helped people find work during the Great Depression.
Building a Rustic Shelter
The picnic shelter is made of stone. It has a "rustic style," which means it looks natural and fits in with the park's environment. This style was popular for park buildings back then. The shelter was recognized as an important historical site in 1985. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a protected landmark.
