Hot Springs & Geysers
Top Parks & Nature Attractions in Van Buren, MO
Nature & Parks in Van Buren
Category types
Types of Attractions
Nature & Parks
Traveller rating
Good for
10 places sorted by traveller favourites
- Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, number of page views, and user location.
Hiking Trails
Open now
State Parks • Mountains
What travellers are saying
- Beth PMartinsville, IN142 contributionsJust as beautiful now as it was 20 years ago. The walk is short and the view is spectacular. Definitely worth the trip to see this lovely spring.Written 25 June 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Catherine R16 contributionsGreat stop along route to or from Branson Missouri or while traveling through the state!
We had a bus of 26 seniors and loved visiting Missouri Down Under. Families and adults of all ages will enjoy this fun stop.
Plan to spend 2 - 3 hours!
Stretch your legs, meet and visit with a variety of snimals, including lemurs, exotic birds kangaroos! One highlight was petting and feeding the kangaroos. These rescued animals have been given a second chance at this small new zoo.
We also thoroughly enjoyed going on the cave tour - where we spent about 20 minutes on an excellent guided tour!
The staff is very knowledgeable and we were glad to stop in and support this great spot!Written 15 October 2023This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - William BLynchburg, VA1,293 contributionsWe spent two days seeing and kayaking the Current River. We started our trip at Aker’s Ferry and got out at Round Spring, a 20-mile trip. Beautiful scenery that was filled with the sound of birds. Along the way there were many rock cliffs, caves, and sprigs.Written 9 July 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Lea BFayetteville, Arkansas, United States66 contributionsBeautiful area. Float the rivers, take scenic drives, explore the springs, hike in the woods, enjoy some quirky tiny towns. If this stuff appeals to you then this is your place! If you are looking for a National Passport Stamp head to Alley Spring and look for the General Store. The stamp is located in the screened-in porch area.Written 25 May 2024This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- tumbleweed_travelsAmarillo, TX1,033 contributionsWe only drove on state hwy 60 between Paducah and Springfield through this forest, but what a gorgeous drive! It was definitely one of the prettiest roads from our road trip ( Texas to NC and back). We will go back to explore this area for sure! The road itself was really wide which was also a nice change!Written 30 December 2021This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- BHappy2Petersburg, IL45 contributionsThe Missouri Dept. of Conservation does a great job of recognizing the public desire to have reasonable, regular and conservation-conscious access to its many public waterways. This Van Buren Riverfront Park is an excellent example of how relatively small acreages can be used to serve the public for recreational access to the Show-Me State's great natural resources. A concrete boat ramp is available for boats, while (for safety reasons) canoes, kayaks, tubes, swimmers and fishermen may access the crystal clear Current River from the adjacent gravel bar. Being small in size, there is not a lot of scenic value here (beyond the truly inherent and sufficient beauty of the Current River, itself). The overhead bridge traffic also offers its share of noise to detract from any incorrectly anticipated expectations of "serenity". There are picnic tables and outdoor-type bathroom facilities. We floated by this park on a Current River canoe trip, and the atmosphere might remind one of a locally-managed small-city park. However, the state of Missouri should be recognized for providing this easy access point to this locally important waterway just off a main highway through Van Buren. Be aware that there is a moderate amount of larger-engine jet boats operating up and down this immediate portion of the river, and an adjacent campground can get a little rowdy.Written 17 August 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- jlcarter1975Metropolis, IL501 contributionsCurrently the campground and some of the river access is closed due to major flooding in the Spring. The boat ramp and some parking is open. There is also a boardwalk and a small sandy area near the river. One pit toilet is available as well. The park is not far from Van Buren and a 20 minute float to the bridge.Written 30 July 2017This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Nomad52117871448Elk Creek, MO2 contributionsthe tree colors are changing making this hike very colorful. The cooler temps makes it a pleasure to hike.Written 24 October 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TaylorPettitVan Buren, MO341 contributionsGreat place to take your kids or your grandpa fishing. We caught a bunch of bluegill and a couple small bass. There are catfish here too. There is a hiking trail around the lake that's nice too. No swimming and electric motors only on boats.Written 9 April 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- TaylorPettitVan Buren, MO341 contributionsThe big plus is its just woods. Great place to spent some time in the woods. Parking is limited and not paved. But it's your woods enjoy them.Written 1 April 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
