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Elephant Rocks State Park

Activities

Park Information

We anticipate overwhelming attendance at Elephant Rocks State Park on the day of the 2024 solar eclipse (Monday, April 8). Access to the park and its amenities may be limited due to overcrowding, and you may experience long delays and a lack of parking. You are encouraged to instead visit Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site, where there will be shuttle services, more parking, and educational activities enjoy.

The elephant-shaped boulders at Elephant Rocks State Park may not be the stars of a circus, but these giant granite boulders are the stars of this unusual park in southeast Missouri.

The elephant rocks, which were formed from 1.5-billion-year-old granite, are giant boulders that stand end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The rocks have created formations that intrigue geologists, are popular with history buffs interested in the past quarrying, and fascinate children who love to climb on and between the boulders. 

An easy way to see the rocks is from the Braille Trail, which was especially designed for people with visual and physical disabilities. The trail winds through the main area of rocks. An extension off the trail leads back to the ruins of an old railroad engine house, a remnant of the area’s quarrying and railroad history.

Picnic tables are scattered among the trees and provide inviting spots to have a picnic lunch or rest and enjoy the interesting geologic formations found throughout the park. 

NEW IN 2023: The park now offers an electronic off-road track chair that visitors with mobility issues can use on portions of Braille Trail and a short spur on Engine House Ruins Trail. Click here for more information.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Park Grounds:

  • Summer Hours (On-Season)
    April 16 through Aug. 31
    8 a.m. to 8 p.m.
  • Fall Hours (Shoulder Season)
    Sept. 1 through Sept. 30
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m.
    Oct. 1 through Oct. 31
    8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
  • Winter (Off-Season)
    Nov. 1 through Feb. 28
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  • Spring (Shoulder Season)
    March 1 through March 15
    8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
    March 16 (daylight saving time) through April 15
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m.