A slice of Colorado in Missouri

Pop quiz: The following photo was taken in which state?

Colorado?

No.

Montana?

No.

West Virginia?

No.

Missouri?

Oh yes.

This is Millstream Gardens along the St. Francis River, between Fredericktown and Arcadia. Here the river cascades down Tiemann Shut-ins in the middle of a huge canyon. During the winter and spring, when the water is high, Millstream Gardens could easily stand-in for a mountain stream in Colorado. Later in the year, when the water level drops, the area turns into a serene garden.

Tiemann Shut-ins is a popular place for whitewater rafting and kayaking when the water level is high enough. It's not for the faint of heart:

Rock formations like the "Shark's Fin" lie in wait for inexperienced kayakers:

When I visited in early April, the river was filled with screaming kayakers. These fools -- er, I mean, thrill seekers -- could be heard from a long distance away as they barreled down the rapids. It almost sounded like a water ride at Six Flags. This ride, however, is 100% natural and collects no admission charge.

For those preferring solid ground, Millstream Gardens provides a scenic trail that overlooks the river. It starts at a parking area and picnic pavillion above the head of the shut-ins and follows the river downstream.

Don't miss the unusual tree that stands guard over the river below the pavillion:

It's also possible to hike down to the water's edge. The river stage was quite high when I visited, but that's not much of a surprise considering the extreme weather this year:

Millstream Gardens was once part of a private tourist attraction featuring horse-drawn wagons. It's now owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation. A trail connects the conservation area with National Forest land at Silver Mines Recreation Area, located downstream.

If you're looking for Colorado scenery without driving to Colorado, Millstream Gardens provides a cheap alternative.

Driving directions

From Cape Girardeau, take Highway 72 northwest through Jackson, Patton, Fredericktown. Beyond Fredericktown, continue on Highway 72 for roughly 7 miles and look for a gravel road on the left with the Millstream Gardens Conservation Area sign. Take this road into the conservation area and follow the signs for the River Access/Picnic Pavillion. From the parking area, look for the Trailhead sign and follow the trail as far as you want.

[Google map]

Quick facts

Name: Millstream Gardens

What: Whitewater shut-ins

Where: Madison County, Missouri

Owner: Missouri Department of Conservation (614 acres)

Designation: St. Francis River Shut-Ins Natural Area

Links: Conservation Atlas, Rural Missouri