Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is a Missouri state park on the Black River in Reynolds County. The term "shut in" refers to a narrow channel because of hard rock and is unnavigable. The section of river here causes numerous "riverlets" around rocks scattered in this particular part of the river. It can often be used as a natural water slide, but if the water is high, it is dangerous.

In late 2005 the area hit by a catastrophic flood and was evacuated due to the failure of a dam in the Taum Sauk pumped storage plant nearby. The park re-opened May 27th at 7:00 am for limited day use, only. Due to dangerous conditions, swimming in the river and exploring the rock formations is prohibited, though the board walk is open to the Shut-Ins. An extension to the park provides an auto tour that passes by the ongoing recovery effort, as well as the recovered endangered fens area; terminating at a shaded overlook of the flood path accessible from the park entrance. From this, one can walk along a path through the boulder field left in the flood's passing. This area is staffed by park employees, who will answer questions about the flood and ongoing cleanup. The boulder field contains many examples of the minerals and rocks that make up the Ozarks mountain range.

The rocks of the shut-ins were mostly unscathed by the flood, but after eight months the water still was not running clear. Some trees and several hard-edged, differently colored rocks that were washed into the shut-ins are visible in this panoramic view from August, 2006. The lower pool on the far right has been almost completely filled with gravel.

[edit] Description

The beauty and natural wonders of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park (currently much diminished) give it a unique character, appealing to a variety of tastes. Water cascading between large, smooth rocks, creating natural waterslides, has made the park a popular recreation destination, and its landscape has piqued the curiosity of all who visit.

One and a half billion years ago, hot volcanic ash and gases spewed into the air, then cooled, forming igneous rock. Later, shallow seas covered the rock, depositing sedimentary rock. The land rose. The sea fell. The weather began tearing down the land, exposing the volcanic rock beneath it. Waters of the Black River became confined, or "shut-in," to a narrow channel. Water-borne sand and gravel cut deeply even into this erosion-resistant rock, swirling, churning…carving potholes, chutes and spectacular canyonlike gorges.

The Johnson family cemetery is on the grounds of the park. (Pre-flood photo)

Most of the park, including the shut-ins and two miles of river frontage, was assembled over the course of 17 years and donated to the state in 1955 by Joseph Desloge (1889-1971), a St. Louis civic leader and conservationist from a prominent lead-mining family. The family has continued over the years to donate funds for park improvements.

A one-fourth mile walkway takes visitors to an observation deck overlooking the shut-ins. Camping, hiking and swimming are popular pastimes, with rock climbing allowed by permit from Sept. 2 through the Thursday before Memorial Day weekend. Picnic tables and a playground make the park ideal for family outings. Basic and electric campsites are available, along with a park store. All campsites are reservable. Total capacity in the day-use area is 100 vehicles so plan to arrive early. Pets are not allowed in the shut-ins.