Pershing State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pershing State Park |
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 Pershing State Park
Location in Missouri
Pershing State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Linn, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 5,257.35 acres (21.2757 km2) |
| Elevation | 689 ft (210 m) |
| Established | 1937 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Pershing State Park |
Pershing State Park is a fun place to visit in Missouri. It's a large public park covering over 5,000 acres. You can find it near Laclede in Linn County. The park is named after John J. Pershing, a famous general from World War I. He grew up right here in Laclede!
Contents
Park History: From Ancient Times to Today
Native American Roots
Long before anyone from Europe came to Missouri, this land was home to Native American tribes. The Sac and Fox tribes mostly used this area for hunting. They also had a few small villages here. Inside Pershing State Park, you can still find two ancient burial mounds. There's also a spot where a village used to be. Experts believe these mounds are between 1,000 and 2,000 years old.
How the Park Started
Pershing State Park began in 1937. The State of Missouri bought a big piece of land, about 1,770 acres, for $20,000. People from Laclede had asked the government to create a special memorial for General Pershing. He was still alive then, so they couldn't make it a national memorial. A state park was the next best idea. General Pershing's father owned farms nearby. John Pershing himself loved to hunt and fish along Locust Creek when he was young.
Early Development and Natural Beauty
The park officially opened in 1940. For many years, not much was built there. Only two buildings were put up by the Civilian Conservation Corps before World War II. This lack of building was actually a good thing! It helped keep the park's natural wetlands safe. The park has winding Locust Creek, wet prairies, marshes, and forests. This shows how northern Missouri looked before farms and big changes to rivers.
Special Features of Pershing State Park
War Mothers Memorial
The park has a special place called the War Mothers Memorial. This memorial honors mothers who lost their sons in wars. The Missouri chapter of the American War Mothers organization dedicated it in 1940.
Locust Creek Covered Bridge
Right across U.S. Route 36 from the main part of the park is the Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site. It's a cool old covered bridge you can visit!
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Much of Pershing State Park is natural land. It's a great place to explore the outdoors!
Hiking Trails for Exploration
- Boardwalk Trail: This trail is 1.5 miles long. It takes you through different types of wetlands. You'll see shrub swamps, wet prairies, marshes, and bottomland forests. This area is important for birds. The National Audubon Society has called it an "Important Bird Area."
- Locust Creek Riparian Trail: This trail is 6 miles long. It connects the park to the Fountain Grove Conservation Area.
Other Activities
The park also offers other fun activities:
- Camping: You can set up your tent and stay overnight.
- Fishing and Boating: There are four small lakes where you can fish or go boating.
- Picnicking: The park has places where you can enjoy a picnic with your family and friends.
