Sam A. Baker State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Sam A. Baker State Park |
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Dining lodge made of native stone and wood
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 Sam A. Baker State Park
Location in Missouri
Sam A. Baker State Park
Location in the United States
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| Location | Wayne, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 5,323.62 acres (21.5439 km2) |
| Elevation | 922 ft (281 m) |
| Established | 1926 |
| Operator | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Sam A. Baker State Park |
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Sam A. Baker State Park Historic District
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| Nearest city | Patterson, Missouri |
| Area | 4,860 acres (1,970 ha) |
| Built | 1933 |
| Built by | Civilian Conservation Corps; Works Progress Administration |
| Architectural style | Rustic |
| MPS | ECW Architecture in Missouri State Parks 1933-1942 TR |
| NRHP reference No. | 85000540 |
| Added to NRHP | February 27, 1985 |
Sam A. Baker State Park is a fun place to visit in the Missouri Ozarks! It's a big park, covering about 5,323 acres. You can find it in the beautiful Saint Francois Mountains. This park is a great spot for outdoor adventures like fishing, canoeing, swimming, and camping. It also has many trails for hiking and even horseback riding. The park's visitor center, where you can learn about nature, is in an old building that used to be a stable back in 1934.
Contents
Park History and Development
This section tells you how Sam A. Baker State Park came to be.
How the Park Started
The park was created in 1926. It is named after Sam Aaron Baker, who was the governor of Missouri at the time. A governor is the leader of a state, similar to a president for a country. Governor Baker really wanted to see this park built in his home county.
Building the Park with the CCC
In the 1930s, a special group called the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) helped build many parts of the park. The CCC was a program during the Great Depression that gave young men jobs. They built things like the park office, the visitor center (which was once a stable), and the stone dining lodge. They also built most of the park's cabins and shelters for backpackers on the Mudlick Trail.
A Historic Place to Visit
Many of the buildings and structures built by the CCC are very old and special. There are 25 buildings and 5 other structures that are part of the Sam A. Baker State Park Historic District. This means they are recognized as important historical places. This district was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985. The National Register lists places across the country that are important to history.
Fun Things to Do at the Park
Sam A. Baker State Park offers many exciting activities for visitors.
Water Activities
- You can go fishing, canoeing, and swimming in the St. Francis River and Big Creek. These are great ways to cool off and enjoy the water.
Camping and Cabins
- The park has 187 campsites where you can set up your tent or park your RV.
- About half of these campsites have electricity.
- There are also 18 rustic campsites for a more natural camping experience.
- If you prefer more comfort, you can stay in one of the air-conditioned cabins.
- For those who love horses, there's a separate campground with 21 sites just for people with horses.
Exploring the Trails
- Mudlick Trail: This trail is about 14 miles long. You can hike, backpack, or ride horses on it. It has three stone shelters where backpackers can rest. Along the trail, you'll see amazing views of the 4,420-acre Mudlick Mountain Wild Area and the 1,370-acre Mudlick Natural Area.
- Other Hiking Trails: The park also has the 1.5-mile Shut-Ins Trail and the Hollow Pass Trail. The nearby Wappapello Section of the Ozark Trail is also available for hikers.
- Paved Bicycle Trail: There's a 2-mile paved trail perfect for cyclists, hikers, skateboarders, and roller skaters. It's a smooth path for a fun ride or walk!
