CanExplores

While at Johnson’s shut-ins, you will find waterfalls, rocks, and rapids to enjoy. This State Park is unique in its rock formation- Shut-Ins. Johnson shut-ins state park has walking trails where you can enjoy the sights and sounds of the water and Wildlife. They have a service building where you can rent life jackets if needed. Do not bring lawn chairs because there is not a place to use them. Also, I would not bring young children or strollers until you are just walking on the boardwalk, which allows you to see the entire shut-ins. Johnson Shut-ins was a two thumbs up. It was exciting and so much fun. Christian was able to use sticks and rocks to determine if the water was acceptable to swim. He also enjoyed the sounds, feel, and colors. We played in the park for a little O.T exercise after we found our way to this excellent work of God and nature at its finest.

As Christian says:” We found the jackpot of coolness!!” There is no food in the water area, but you can have picnics at the campgrounds or playgrounds. Parking is free and abundant. We say quite a bit of Wildlife- and as Christian reports: A snack!! The walk was easy and picture-worthy. I suggest bringing life jackets and good walking shoes.

You can rent or borrow a life jacket from the welcome center next to the beautiful mosaic.

https://mostateparks.com/park/johnson

The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Its rugged character provides the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, picnicking, splashing in the shut-ins, exploring nature, or relaxing.

We found it relaxing and enjoyable for a day of adventure and roadside stop. I did find the shut-ins to be terrifying with the rapidly moving water and the sharp rocks which create the beauty Christin called the ‘army watching the area”

I do not swim so finding him a place he could enjoy the water and still be safe was challenging, however not impossible. We did not research the area well enough to know what we were in for, however it was fun. It was a new experience and the play area (picnic) was a perfect place to get his O.T. exercises taken care of for the day.

The visitors center was being worked on but when it is up and running you can rent lifejackets and receive a clear understanding of what you are up for. It also has a map Ir you want to hike the length of the river flow. We did hike until the wooden walkway ended. We tried to continue but carrying our equipment and the chair (we never used) was too much for us.

Oh, the chair, Christian wanted me to be comfortable but you do not really have a place to set it up. so, I would suggest don’t bring one. hahaha

I hope you enjoy the video I have put a link below: