Hidden in Plain Sight: Grand Gulf State Park, Missouri

Are you looking for a little something to do and want to get the heck out of Dodge? Or maybe a little something different than a Missouri spring has to offer?

If you’ve ever wanted to see the Grand Canyon but you don't have a ton of PTO or extra money to blow on plane tickets, or a desire to roast in the Arizona sun (well, I always thought of it more as being baked instead of fried) — Missouri has a secret for you: Grand Gulf State Park.  GGSP is affectionately (and a little ambitiously) called the "Little Grand Canyon of the Ozarks."

So you'll have to make a bit of a drive for this one.  It's about four hours drive away, down by the border of Arkansas.  228 Miles.  So it's a commitment, but a nice one.

It used to be a cave, and then it had a sort of mid life crisis and collapsed in on itself.  Much drama.  Anyway, it left behind this massive gorge that could remind you of the Grand Canyon.  Hence the nickname.

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No, really, this is one of those landmarks that.... almost feels unreal.  Like all of a sudden Chaka from Land of the Lost is going to show up and have a giant dinosaur behind him.  These huge stone walls are like, over 100 feet tall, and they rise all round this gulf that used to have a river in it.  It’s quiet, mysterious, and just weird enough to make you feel like you’ve accidentally walked into another dimension (but in a good way).

So, What Can You Do There?

If you have small children that require a lot of attention and stimulation, this one probably isn't for you.  But it's wonderful if any of you just want to walk and look.  You know what I mean?  Sometimes it's nice to take older kids somewhere where you can truly experience quiet.  The rim trail is short and sweet, with overlooks that make you stop and say, “Whoa,” even if you’re usually more of a “meh” person.

And of course, you have to be practical when you go there.  Sturdy hiking boots or good walking shoes are a must.  I mean, it is a collapsed cave.  Don’t expect luxury amenities—  seriously, bring a lunch — but the peacefulness and the dramatic scenery make it worth the trek.

So What's the Final Verdict?

Grand Gulf is the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way. Whether you’re a geology nerd (said as someone who was the Vice President of the Science Club in High School, so that's for real), a casual hiker, or just someone who wants to stand at the edge of something cool and yell “Echo!”—this park delivers.

It's pretty simple.  All ya gotta do is pack up a good lunch with lots of water and snacks and go.  Your social media will thank you, with all the pictures you're gonna take.

What are some of your "hidden gems" in Missouri?

Gulfly yours,
Behka