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Washington State Park

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Park Information

Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing and the park’s three hiking trails address every type of hike, from easy strolls to power hikes. Buildings constructed by African-American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons complement the park and add to its sense of history.

Park Hours

Park Grounds:

  • Sunrise to sunset, year-round.
  • November through March
    The roads to the upper picnic shelter, pool complex, cabins and the river bottoms are closed to vehicles. They are open to foot traffic.

Thunderbird Lodge hours

  • April 1-14
    Closed
  • April 15-30
    8 a.m. - 5 p.m. daily
  • May through October
    8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday through Thursday
    8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Friday and Saturday
  • November through March
    Closed

Interpretive Center hours

Sunrise to sunset, year-round

Park Office hours

  • 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday, year-round.
    Please note there may be times when the office is closed while staff are working in the park.

Address

13041 State Hwy. 104
De Soto, MO 63020-7000

Phone numbers

  • Park Office: (636) 586-5768
  • Lodging/Store: (636) 586-2995
  • Canoe Rentals: (636) 586-0322
Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites
May 23, 2013
Fifty years ago, if you had arrived at the natural tunnel in Bennett Spring State Park, you would have seen a lake. Around 1964, a dam created from gravel and silt and reinforced with rebar and concrete blocked the upstream entrance of the natural tunnel. There is no record of how long the resulting lake lasted, but historical accounts state the dam failed after heavy rains, leaving only the portion of the structure seen today at the end of the trail. Walk the Natural Tunnel Trail today and imagine what it would have been like 50 years ago. For more information about this trail, other trails at the park, and all the other things you can do at Bennett Spring State Park, visit mostateparks.com.