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State Historic Site · Missouri

Mastodon State Historic Site

Mastodon State Historic Site
Photo: Kevin Saff from Minneapolis, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Location
Jefferson County, Missouri
Nearest town
1.1 miles northwest of Imperial
Type
State Historic Site
DirectionsOfficial park site ↗

About Mastodon State Historic Site

Bones of mastodons and other extinct Pleistocene animals were first uncovered here in the early 19th century, drawing scientific attention from around the world. The 431-acre grounds preserve the Kimmswick Bone Bed, considered one of the most extensive ice age deposits in the country. Alongside the fossil-bearing ground, the property includes recreational features and is managed by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Hours, fees, camping, reservations and closures are set by the park and change often. Check the official park site before you go.

Getting there

Mastodon State Historic Site is in Jefferson County, Missouri, 1.1 miles northwest of Imperial. The Directions button takes you to the park's mapped location; the entrance may be elsewhere, so check the official site for the address to use.

State parks near Mastodon State Historic Site

Within 60 miles, closest first, straight-line. All 73 in Missouri →

Towns near Mastodon State Historic Site

State parks near Arnold, State parks near St. Louis, State parks near Wildwood, State parks near Bridgeton, State parks near O'Fallon, State parks near O'Fallon

Facts from Wikidata, checked September 25, 2026. Distances are straight-line.