Day Tripper

By Donna Denson

This week's trip: Sam A. Baker State Park

I know, I know! I'm not David Jennings, the Day Tripper you have come to love and expect. He's taken a hiatus. Rather than scrap the column, I will fill in temporarily and share some of my favorite places to enjoy the great outdoors...

Set in the scenic St. Francois Mountain terrain, Sam A. Baker State Park features an expansive, unspoiled wilderness spanning over 5,000 acres. Big Creek and the St. Francois River border the park and provide great fishing and canoeing opportunities.

Sam A. Baker is about an hour and 15 minutes from Cape and only 15 minutes from Clearwater Lake.

The park has a nature center with interpretive programs available. They have 200 campsites and even a shower house for those who prefer not to "rough it" too much. If tents and sleeping bags just aren't your thing, rental cabins are also available. The cabins fill-up fast, so call in advance. The park has a rustic dining lodge featuring affordable home-cooked food. They even have a country store where you can purchase ice and various sundries.

For the hiking enthusiast, Mudlick Mountain and its corresponding hiking trails are a park attraction. You can camp along the trail and there is even a nice shelter where you can build a fire or just hide out from a downpour. If you prefer a shorter jaunt, one trail winds along the river and delivers you to a beautiful, deep pool of water alongside a huge bluff. Here you can unwind on the gravel bar or try snorkeling -the water is crystal clear.

Sam A. Baker State Park was founded in 1926 to honor the Governor of Missouri, Samuel Aaron Baker. It is in the top 10 parks of Missouri and has been listed in the book of "One Hundred Favorite Parks in the United States." Whether for a day trip or an overnight excursion (don't forget the s'mores), add this park to your must visit list.

From Jackson take Hwy 34 to Patterson, MO.

The Park is located 4 miles north of Patterson on Hwy 143.

(573)856-4411

(573)856-4223 cabin reservations