State Parks and National Parks

Bennett Spring State Park

Bennett Spring State Park preserves, for public use, the state's third-largest spring. The park's namesake gushes nearly 100 million gallons of water daily to feed a stream that flows through the park.

Not surprisingly, water activities dominate Bennett Spring. A trout hatchery in the park stocks the stream daily during the trout-fishing season (March 1-Oct. 31). The hatchery also offers weekly tours.

The Niangua River is a popular float stream, and canoe rental and shuttle services are available at the park and nearby.

If fishing, paddling or the Olympic-size swimming pool don't appeal, the park has about 12 miles of hiking-only trails that lead to a variety of habitats and features, including the Bennett Spring Natural Tunnel, a unique geological feature almost 300 feet long. The park also has nature-interpretation programs.

Bennett Spring State Park has basic and improved campsites, seasonal rental cabins, even a motel. Camping conveniences include showers and a coin laundry. Fine Ozark-style dining is offered at the park lodge during fishing season.

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