MISSOURI STATE PARKS

Help us tackle the invasive species in the park! Invasives species aides will help us remove common invasive plant species that grow at Mastodon State Historic Site, including honeysuckle and garlic mustard. Volunteers can sign up for our "Honeysuckle Hack" events, or work with full time staff to schedule volunteer hours outside of these events.

Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and paleontological site – the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Here, scientists discovered the some of the first solid evidence of the coexistence of humans and the American mastodon in eastern North America.

Today, visitors can learn about this discovery at the site museum. The museum contains an interpretive video, displays of ancient artifacts and fossils, and an impressive mastodon skeleton replica. Interpretive programs explain more about the significance of the site, archaeological and paleontological sciences, and local ecology.

For anyone wanting to stretch their legs, the site offers three trails, including one that leads to the site where the bones and artifacts were found. The park also offers picnic sites, a picnic shelter, a playground, a special-use area for organized youth organizations, and a wildflower garden that attracts birds and butterflies.