Self-Guided Sinkhole Trail History Hike

12/18/2020 to 1/3/2021 | Rock Bridge Memorial State Park | Columbia, MO

Take a self-guided walk along the 1.5-mile moderate-terrain Sinkhole Trail and stop at signs posted along the way to learn about the rich and varied history of the area. Topics will range from how the park was founded out of tragedy, to a true story of teenage boys getting trapped in Polly’s Pot Cave – and see the cave entrance – to the mills and whiskey distillery that operated here in the 1800s, to dances at the “big house,” to what life was like on the farm in the early 1900s. See the foundation of an 1800s house, and see ruts made by iron-rimmed wagons in the limestone bedrock of what used to be a road and is now the Sinkhole Trail. 

The self-guided hike signs will be available Dec. 18 to Jan. 3 to give everyone a chance to take the hike and social distance. To register, call 573-449-7402 Tuesday through Thursday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. or email RockBridgeMemorialStatePark@dnr.mo.gov. The directions and self-guiding brochure will be emailed to you.

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5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia, MO | 573-449-7402

Associated activities

  • Hiking
  • Interpretive Programs