A slice of Colorado in Missouri

Pop quiz: The above 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 paddlers.

A group of kayakers braved the rapids of the St. Francis River at Millstream Gardens.

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 percent 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 pavilion above the head of the shut-ins and follows the river downstream. Don't miss the unusual twisted tree that stands guard over the river below the pavilion.

It's also possible to hike down to the water's edge. The river stage was high when I visited, but that's not much of a surprise considering the extreme weather this year. The scene will look quite different when the rains finally stop and the water level drops.

Millstream Gardens was once 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 the popular Silver Mines Recreation Area, located downstream.

JAMES BAUGHN ~ jbaughn@semissourian.com The parking area and picnic pavilion at Millstream Gardens features a spectacular view of the St. Francis River.

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

This story originally appeared on James Baughn's "Pavement Ends" blog. Read more of James' blogs, including what 10 Southeast Missouri locations he thinks should be made state parks, at semissourian.com.

Driving directions

From Cape Girardeau, take Highway 72 northwest through Jackson, Patton, and 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.

JAMES BAUGHN ~ jbaughn@semissourian.com This twisted tree defies gravity at the Millstream Gardens parking area above the St. Francis River.

Take this road into the conservation area and follow the signs for the River Access/Picnic Area. From the parking area, look for the "Trailhead" sign and follow the trail as far as you want along the river. According to Google Maps, the driving distance from Cape Girardeau is about 60 miles.