Our field trip is to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park in Reynolds County, Missouri just north of Lesterville, located on Reynolds County Highway "N".
Directions: Click here for directions to the park which is located 8 miles north of Lesterville on Route N in Reynolds County. Click here to view State of Missouri write up on this unique park.
This is an unique area where Precambrian-age volcanic rocks have gotten eroded into falls and rapids by the East Fork of the Black River. The rock type in the park is igneous and dolomitic limestone, creating different types of habitat for many plans and animals. The park is the richest floristicly of any state park in Missouri.
There are three dedicated natural areas located within the park. The "shut-ins", dolomite glade and a woodland fen.
The shut-ins, being the most popular with the general population, is usually overcrowded with people during the weekend and hot days in the summer.
The fen is located along the entrance drive into the park. This is a fragile area that is very wet: The water seepage has a high mineral content. The plants found here are not usually found anywhere else within the park.
Permission is required before entering, but you can walk along the edge without getting wet and observe many of the plants and insects that living in this area.
The dolomite glade is on the southern end of the park, direction will have to be obtained from the park office. These types of habitat are common in much of the Ozarks, but within the St. Francis Mountains, are extremely rare. The St. Francis chain being mostly volcanic in origin.
As always, your safety and comport are your responsibility. This area has high cliffs and animals that bite and sting. A good hat, plenty of water, protective clothing and anything else you need to keep minor or major inconveniences from ruining your trip is better brought along.
Plan accordingly and enjoy this beautiful state park for all seasons of the year.
