Johnson's Shut-Ins – Lesterville, Missouri - Atlas Obscura

Johnson's Shut-Ins

Lesterville, Missouri

Erosion and time have created a naturally-formed water park. 

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Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park features a geological formation made of softer sedimentary rock eroding away around igneous rock pockets.

Wearing from wind and water carved the harder igneous rock and created pools and slides along the east fork of the Black River. This area is known to many as nature’s waterpark. You start from a shallow river and slide between boulders into the pools below.

Underground springs even provide cool water on hot days. High river levels can provide an added level of danger as the likelihood of being pulled under increases dramatically. In addition, some of the pools can be very deep and may be concealing underwater ledges and caves.

Know Before You Go

Proceed with caution. 

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