Mastodon State Historic Site

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Park Information

Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and paleontological site: the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Here, scientists discovered the first solid evidence of the coexistence of humans and the American mastodon in eastern North America.

Today, visitors can learn about this discovery and how the landscape of Missouri looked in prehistoric times. The site features a museum with an interpretive video, displays of ancient artifacts and fossils, and an impressive mastodon skeleton replica. Programs explain more about the significance of the site.

For anyone wanting to stretch their legs, the site offers three trails, including one that leads to the site where the bones and artifacts were found. The park also offers picnic sites, a picnic shelter, a playground, a special-use area for organized youth groups, and a wildflower garden that attracts birds and butterflies.

Park Hours

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, click here to visit our Park and Site Status Map.

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Presidents Day.  

Historic Site Grounds

  • 8 a.m. to half-hour after sunset, daily, year-round

Museum hours

March 16 through Nov. 15

Museum closed Monday and Tuesday

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday

Noon to 4:30 p.m. Sunday (closed Easter Sunday)

Nov. 16 through March 15

Museum closed Monday through Wednesday

11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday through Saturday

Noon to 4 p.m. Sunday

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents Day. 

Historic Site Office Hours

9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Monday through Saturday

Noon to 4:30 p.m., Sunday (closed Easter Sunday)

Please note there will be times when the office is temporarily closed while staff are working on the grounds. The office telephone is monitored for messages during office hours.

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and site buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, New Year’s Eve, New Year’s Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Lincoln’s Birthday and Presidents Day.