Missouri’s brimming with unique natural and manmade wonders – from Blue Spring to Gateway National Arch – that leave us in awe. Chances are you’ve at least heard of, if not visited, one of the oldest natural wonders in Missouri. It dates back nearly two billion years and grabs the imagination of visitors of all ages.
Visitors from Missouri and beyond flock to Elephant Rocks State Park all year round to see the unique granite boulders that are lined up like elephants in a circus.
Google/Kevin Roberts
Created from granite that’s believed to be 1.5 billion years old, Elephant Rocks have become one of the shining stars of the state park system. Little ones love climbing on the boulders, which promise one-of-a-kind photo ops.
Missouri State Parks
The largest of the boulders, affectionately dubbed Dumbo, weighs in at 680 tons. It stands 27 feet high and measures 34 feet long and 17 feet wide.
Flickr/Melissa
A geological wonder, Elephant Rocks began forming during the Precambrian era, when molted rock started gathering below the surface of the earth. As it cooled, it took on a reddish color.
Google/Mackenzie Hutson
Numerous factors, including erosion, lead to the boulders being formed underground and eventually, when the earth above it wore away, the boulders became exposed above ground.
Google Maps/Charles Morris
The elements cause the boulders to continue to change even to this day. Boulders become rounder, for example, as a result of rain that freezes. You might notice lichen on Elephant Rocks, too.
Google/Jess Shaw
Elephant Rocks sit in the seven-acre Elephant Rocks Natural Area, which you will find along the picturesque Braille Trail. The trail tallies just one-mile and is easy.
Google/Jeremy Rousan
It will take you right to Elephant Rocks and to the remains of a historic engine house. You definitely don’t want to forget your camera on this one-of-a-kind Missouri trail.
Google/Kevin Roberts
Learn more about Elephant Rocks State Park on the Missouri State Parks website. Or, stop by its Facebook page.
Google/Mike Kluba
Have you been to this unique natural wonder in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Then take a peek at the seven beautiful Missouri destinations you probably didn’t know existed.
Google/Kevin Roberts
Missouri State Parks
Flickr/Melissa
Google/Mackenzie Hutson
Google Maps/Charles Morris
Google/Jess Shaw
Google/Jeremy Rousan
Google/Mike Kluba
OnlyInYourState may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article.
Address: Elephant Rocks State Park, 7390, 7406 MO-21, Belleview, MO 63623, USA
