Rock Bridge Memorial State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Rock Bridge Memorial State Park |
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Rock Bridge in 2006
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 Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Location in Missouri
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Boone, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 2,273 acres (9.20 km2) |
| Elevation | 696 ft (212 m) |
| Established | 1967 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Rock Bridge Memorial State Park |
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a special place in Missouri. It's like a natural museum and a fun outdoor area. This park covers about 2,273 acres, which is huge! It's located just 5 miles south of Columbia in Boone County.
This state park is famous for its amazing "karst" landforms. Karst is a type of landscape made when water dissolves rock. Here, you can see a cool rock bridge, big holes called sinkholes, and an underground stream. These features are found in a cave known as Devil's Icebox. The rock bridge itself was formed when part of a cave collapsed. This left a small arch of rock that now forms a natural bridge over a creek.
Exploring the Park's Unique Features
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park is a great spot to learn about geology. It shows how water can shape the land over many years. The park protects these special natural formations for everyone to enjoy.
The Devil's Icebox Cave
One of the most exciting parts of the park is the Devil's Icebox cave system. You can get close to its main features using a boardwalk. This path leads you to the cave's opening and to Connor's Cave. Inside, you can see the underground stream that helped create these formations.
Fun Things to Do
The park offers many ways to explore its natural beauty. There are different trails for you to enjoy.
- Hiking and Cycling: You can walk or bike on many of the park's trails. It's a great way to see the different landscapes.
- Horseback Riding: If you like horses, you can go horseback riding. This is offered in the Gans Creek Wild Area, which is about 750 acres. It's a large, natural space perfect for an adventure.
