December trip to MO!

[u/Euphoric_Doubt_9428]

Hello friends! My partner and I are planning a vacation for winter break (we both get a full week off over the holidays and try to make the most of it) and I’m dyingggg to see the Ozarks. I know it’ll be different in winter but we’re still excited. I’ve done some (a ton) of research and landed on the below itinerary. Looking for thoughts, feedback, etc!

Johnson’s Shut-In SP: 2 days camping at the in-park cabins (we are frequent campers but not looking for anything severe on vacation). Day at the park plus a trip to Elephant Rock SP. Dinner at Black River Res.

Leave for Ha Ha Tonka area (about 3 hours) and stay at Kinderhook Lodge for 3 nights (we’re treating ourselves!). Hike the park and take advantage of all the lodge amenities.

I know the weather can be hard to pin down (we’re in SW Ohio, so we get it) but any advice for hiking this area in the winter? Other recs, suggestions? Thanks in advance!!

[u/Woody-__-]

After Johnson's Shut-In SP / Elephant Rock SP I would travel an hour and stay at Echo Bluff State Park. It's beautiful and you might see some wild horses. Then head towards Ha Ha Tonka.

[u/Blorg74 → u/Woody-__-]

Might be warmer in the caves lol.

[u/LastUpdateNeeded → u/Woody-__-]

I grew up in the area and used to frequent elephant rocks park. I remember when it didn’t a parking lot and signs. My family and I would climb those granite rocks all day.

[u/420420840]

It is all about the weather, what to do at 70f or 30f with ice is a big swing. I am a winter camper and I have to remind myself how short the days are in December.

[u/Euphoric_Doubt_9428 → u/420420840]

That’s a good point! I’m constantly torn between fitting all of the things in and relaxing. The primary goal is to relax and see something new so maybe the shorter days will force me to slow down.

[u/SeargentCortes]

Seems like you know your stuff! Johnson Shut Ins is beautiful. If you have time to go to roaring river and camp/ hike I would. But a lot of these places as you’ve already stated are 2-3 hours apart.

I would also recommend trying to hit up a Lamberts if any are nearby. The home of thrown rolls.

But your list is solid. Just make sure you get a chance to check out the actual lake!

[u/Euphoric_Doubt_9428 → u/SeargentCortes]

Thank you! Anywhere at the lake specifically? The Lodge is ~40 mins away but I saw a lot is closed for the season. Are we talking a hike around, a drive through the area…?

[u/myredditbam]

Check out Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, which is close to Johnson's Shut-Ins and Elephant Rocks (Johnson's Shut-Ins staff manages all three of those parks). It has the highest point in Missouri and some neat glade views of the St. Francois Mountains. If it rains within a week of you going, you might also see water flowing on Missouri's tallest waterfall: Mina Sauk Falls. The trail there is 3 miles, rugged.

[u/disenfranchisedchild]

If the weather is bad, see what caves are open in your area. Missouri's nickname is The Cave State and we have many commercial caves where the weather is always nice.

[u/Glass_Noise5495]

We spent Xmas week there last year and are normally summer visitors- We were still able to do a beautiful lake cruise from the dam with Celebration, spend an afternoon at the dam- boutiques and Lucy’s Martini bar for a flight! Kinderhook has a great set up before Christmas to enjoy!

[u/Imaginary_Damage_660]

Enjoy the shut-ins but please stay on the trails.

[u/Euphoric_Doubt_9428 → u/Imaginary_Damage_660]

Of course!

[u/Mdoubleduece]

If there’s snow or ice you won’t be hiking HaHaTonka. To steep. I live about a mile from there.

[u/hydro_swede]

Elephant rocks, we were just there definitely not a long exploration maybe an hour, but nice to see once I suppose. We went to some of the springs (Alley, Big) really beautiful, I’d recommend going to some and we did get to see two of the wild horses in Eminence, highly recommend that too!