STATE PARKS
Missouri’s state park system, which on multiple occasions has been ranked as one of the top four state park systems in the nation, contains 91 state parks and historic sites. West Plains is fortunate to be close to four state parks.
Echo Bluff
37.3158922,-91.4116711
- 476 acres
- Opened to the public in 2016
A year-round outdoor destination for adventurers and nature lovers.
https://mostateparks.com/park/echo-bluff-state-park

66 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Just before Willow Springs, take Highway 60 east toward Mountain View. After Mountain View, turn left on Highway 17. Stay on Highway 17 for 13 miles to Summersville. At Summersville, turn right on Highway 106. In 7 miles, continue straight on D Highway. Go 9 miles then turn left on Highway 19. In 8.5 miles, the entrance for Echo Bluff will be on your right.
Grand Gulf
36.5739011, -91.7798014
- Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon”
- Formed 10,000 years ago
- Cave system with collapsed roof
https://mostateparks.com/park/grand-gulf-state-park

25 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 south toward Thayer. At Koshkonong, turn right on F Highway. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left on County Road 377. Stay on CR 377 for 3.75 miles. This will be a dirt road. At W Highway, turn right. The entrance to Grand Gulf will be on the right in less than a half mile.
Montauk
37.1169771,-92.154219
- 40 million gallons of water per day
- Located at headwaters of Current River
- Famous opening trout day on March 1
https://mostateparks.com/park/montauk-state-park

71 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 north toward Willow Springs. Follow Highway 63 and Highway 60 west toward Cabool. At Cabool, take exit for Highway 63 north. Eleven miles after Houston, turn right on P Highway. In 1 mile, turn left on Highway 137 then in 1.25 miles, turn right on VV Highway. In 10 miles turn left on Highway 119. Then in less than a mile, turn right on County Road 6660. Montauk is 1 mile ahead.
MAMMOTH SPRING (Arkansas)
36.5170074, -91.5960565
- 216 million gallons of water per day
- 10-acre lake
- 1886 Frisco Train Depot & Museum
- Arkansas Welcome Center
https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/mammoth-spring-state-park
31 miles From West Plains
Take Highway 63 south toward Thayer. Just past the Arkansas state line, the entrance to the park is on the left.
