State Parks and National Parks

The combined beauty of the Ozark Highlands and the steady flow of clear water from the valley springs first attracted settlers to this secluded area in the early 1800s.

Homesick for their native New York, one group of residents named their post office for Montauk, Long Island.

Taking advantage of the springs' water power, four mills served the community at various times. The last, a grist mill built in 1896, is open to the public and there are plans to restore its interior.

Montauk State Park is a popular vacation spot. The fast-flowing, spring-fed waters provide excellent habitat for rainbow trout, and the scenic valley is a wonderful place for an assortment of recreation activities.

In addition, the Current River, one of the best canoeing rivers in Missouri, has its headwaters in Montauk State Park. The northernmost canoe put-in at the river, Inman Hollow, is located just below the park’s southeast border.

The park has 156 campsites, 125 with electrical hookups. A modern dining lodge is located across from the park office and is open daily during trout season for breakfast, lunch and dinner. It is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays during the winter catch-and-release season.

Housekeeping cabins and a motel are also available in the park during the regular fishing season (March 1 to Oct. 31) and the winter catch-and-release season. A general store for supplies is located at the lodge.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.