Elephant Rocks State Park, Granite rock formation state park in Iron County, Missouri
The park displays enormous billion-year-old granite boulders arranged in a formation that resembles a line of circus elephants standing end to end.
The land became a state park in 1967 following a donation from geologist Dr. John Stafford Brown, preserving the geological formations for public access.
The red granite from this location has contributed to numerous buildings across the United States, particularly in St. Louis, since mining began in 1869.
The park features a one-mile circular Braille Trail with tactile signage, making it accessible for visitors with visual and physical disabilities.
The granite formations resulted from magma cooling 1.4 billion years ago, creating vertical fractures that erosion transformed into prominent boulders.
Location: Iron County
Inception: 1967
Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park
Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/elephant-rocks-state-park
GPS coordinates: 37.65420,-90.68810
Latest update: May 27, 2025 11:29
Missouri features granite rocks, caves, and historic mills. The state presents natural springs, underground formations, and historic sites. The parks contain hiking trails along Missouri River, waterfalls, and geological structures. Historic buildings such as castle ruins and woolen mills complement the natural landscape.
Taum Sauk Mountain
10 km
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
18.4 km
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
10 km
Bell Mountain Wilderness
16.8 km
St. Joe State Park
23.1 km
Missouri Mines State Historic Site
25.8 km
Fort Davidson
5.1 km
Arcadia College
9.5 km
Jay Nixon State Park
10.6 km
Buford Mountain Conservation Area
6.8 km
Presbyterian Orphanage of Missouri
27.1 km
Bootleg Access
19.3 km
Bonne Terre Depot
31.9 km
Immanuel Evangelical Lutheran Church
5.2 km
St. Paul's Episcopal Church
8.1 km
Pickle Springs
37.8 km
Fredericktown Courthouse Square Historic District
36.5 km
Madison County Courthouse
36.3 km
Washington County Courthouse
32.7 km
Iron County Courthouse
8.2 km
St. Francois County Jail and Sheriff's Residence
27.3 km
Courthouse Square Historic District
27.5 km
East Columbia Historic District
27.5 km
James Robinson McCormick House
27 km
Caledonia Historic District
14.2 km
Harrison Queen House
17.1 km
United States Post Office
36.4 km
Ironton Lodge Hall
7.9 kmReviews
Visited this place? Tap the stars to rate it and share your experience / photos with the community! Try now! You can cancel it anytime.
Discover hidden gems everywhere you go!
From secret cafés to breathtaking viewpoints, skip the crowded tourist spots and find places that match your style. Our app makes it easy with voice search, smart filtering, route optimization, and insider tips from travelers worldwide. Download now for the complete mobile experience.
A unique approach to discovering new places❞
— Le Figaro
All the places worth exploring❞
— France Info
A tailor-made excursion in just a few clicks❞
— 20 Minutes