The outstanding features of what is now Pershing State Park attracted Gen. John J. Pershing during his boyhood years and continue to attract visitors to the park today.

A hike down the 1.5-mile boardwalk or 6.5-mile Riparian Trail allows visitors to glimpse a slice of presettlement Missouri. Visitors can see an active meandering stream with oxbow sloughs and cutoffs, a gently sloping upland forest, a mature bottomland forest and an expansive river bottom prairie, marshland and swamps. Other hiking trails, totaling 3.5 miles, allow for wildlife viewing and naturalist-led walks.

For visitors wanting to savor more of this 3,527-acre wetland masterpiece, the park provides a shady campground with electric and basic campsites, modern restrooms, hot showers and laundry facilities. Four small lakes and Locust Creek provide anglers with an opportunity to catch a variety of fish. Several picnic sites, a picnic shelter and an enclosed shelter with kitchen facilities make Pershing State Park an ideal location for family reunions.

Whether for a few hours or a few nights, come explore the natural features of Pershing State Park that make it a rare natural jewel in northern Missouri.

Pershing State Park offers basic and electric campsites and a special-use camping area. Services include a dump station, showers, water, laundry and reservable sites.

For reservations, there is a required minimum stay for weekends and major holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15.

A small sand beach is located near the picnic area and is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. There are restrooms located at the picnic area. Swimming is at your own risk.

Fishing:

Four small lakes provide fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Anglers can also try their hand at catching bullhead, carp and drum in Locust Creek. Canoes and boats with electric motors are allowed, however, there are no launch ramps. Length limits and other information are posted on site.