Part of the Attraction to Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
Swirls:
Part of the Attraction to Johnson's
Shut-Ins State Park
"What's a shut-in?" I've heard that question a million
times. Well, "shut-in" is thought to be an old Appalachian
term that means "a place where the river is confined (or
'shut in') to a narrow channel" in other words, a "gorge."
Rivers like to wander, you know. But here in this hard, volcanic
rhyolite rock, the river finds a crack and sort-of "gets
stuck" in it. The crack gets bigger over time (thousands
or millions of years!), but the river can't find its way out.
It travels through that crack, sandblasting and enlarging as
it goes. And "voila!" what is now Johnson's Shut-Ins
State Park is born.
The Missouri Department of Natural Resources now manages the land
called Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. But years ago, this land
was owned by the Johnston family (pronounced "Johnson,"
no "t"). Purchased by former geologist Joseph DesLoge,
this land was donated to the people of Missouri in 1955. It has
since become one of the most visited state parks in Missouri.
The shut-ins, along the East Fork of the Black River, is an irresistible
attraction. Waterborne sand has eroded away hard, volcanic rhyolite
rock, creating the whirlpools and miniature waterfalls we see
today.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a popular "swimming"
hole. Yet it is so much more! Most people only see a narrow .5-mile
stretch. But we can't discount the rest of the park. In its borders
lies one of the most diverse plant communities in the state.
Do you like wildflowers? Trees? Ferns? Then this is the place
for you! Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park's 8,670 acres boast having
over 900 types of plants. That's almost 1/3 of all the plant
species in Missouri! How can that be? Well, we have steep slopes
and flat ridges, shady woods and hot sunny openings, dry rocky
glades and wet gravel bars. You name it, we've probably got it!
All that diversity of "spots" means a whole lot of different
plants! And the different plants feed and shelter different animals.
Want variety? This is the place! Seventeen different natural
communities mean lots of different stuff!
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has several areas given special
designation, including two wild areas, three natural areas, and
an Outstanding State Resource Water (the East Fork of the Black
River). Many rare plants and animals call this place "home".
What a special place!
Next year (2005), Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park will celebrate
its 50th anniversary. Plan on being here for that special day.
But don't wait until then to visit. Come on out any time! Enjoy
the cool waters of the shut-ins on a hot summer day. Marvel at
the fall colors of the tree-covered hillsides. Discover the hidden
treasures of rock walls and glades, unmasked in the winter. Wonder
at the variety of wildflowers in the spring, without even leaving
the paved trail!
Enjoy Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park. But remember, this is a limited
access park. If you come on a hot summer day, you just might have
to wait in line to get in! Only 100 vehicles are let in at one
time. As one leaves, another is allowed in. A two-hour wait is
common in the summer. This not only reduces the impact on this
valuable resource, but also makes for a better recreational experience
for you! Also, pets are not allowed at the shut-ins or on the
2.5-mile Shut-Ins Trail. So, keep that in mind when you plan your
visit.
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is in Reynolds County on County
Road N off of State Highway 21. The park is open from 7 a.m. to
dusk. Fifty-one campsites are available by reservation only. Picnic
tables and a playground are available for day-use visitors. Hot
showers for campers clean you up after a day of fun.
For more information, check out our internet website at www.mostateparks.com.
You can also write for information to Johnson's Shut-Ins State
Park, HCR 1, Box 126, Middlebrook, MO 63656 or call 1-800-334-6946
(toll-free) or 573-546-2450 (direct).