Awesome Plans in Annapolis, Missouri
Rich with outdoor fun, Annapolis is an idyllic place to go to get away from it all.
If the outdoors are calling, you can answer the call by making a visit to Annapolis, Missouri. This tiny town in the Mark Twain National Forest offers up so much outdoor fun, from tubing to fishing to geocaching, the hardest part of your trip will be deciding which exciting activity to do first. So pack your sneakers and your swimsuit and get ready to enjoy the outdoors in Annapolis.
The town of Annapolis, named after the city of the same name in Maryland, was originally laid out in 1871. The town was 90% destroyed in the Great Tri-State Tornado of 1925, where two people died. Today Annapolis may be quite small but it is a fun place to escape when you are looking to spend some time with Mother Nature. Get ready for great fun- and don’t forget your sunscreen!
Seven ways for big fun in Annapolis, Missouri 2025
- Rent a canoe from Annapolis’ own Jeff’s Canoe Rentals and enjoy a day floating on the Black River. This spot is also perfect for fishing so don’t forget your poles!
- Go splash in the shut-ins at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park. The most visited state park in Missouri, Johnson’s Shut-Ins is fun for all ages and provides endless entertainment for those who want to traverse the shut-ins, enjoying these rock formations.
- Take a hike at Elephant Rocks State Park. Bring your camera (or phone) and snap a few stunning photos by the elephant-sized rocks for which the park was named.
- Have an off-roading adventure at St. Joe State Park. The third-largest state park in Missouri, St. Joe State Park has 2,000 acres allocated for off-road vehicles, making this a great spot for adventure seekers. Be sure and follow all laws regarding ORVs to ensure safety for all participants.
- Go boating on Clearwater Lake. Water skiing, tubing, knee boarding and more are all popular activities on this beautiful lake, which is usually slightly less busy on weekdays.
- Learn about the history of mining in the area at the Missouri Mines State Historic Site. Lead mining in the area dates all the way back to about 1720, and visitors can tour the old powerhouses, which are now a fascinating museum dedicated to mining history in the area.
- Go geocaching. Using your smartphone, you can find several geocaches in the greater Annapolis area. Fun for all ages!
Annapolis area lodging
Big Creek RV Park is the place to be when staying in the Mark Twain National Forest area of Missouri. This spot has all the amenities you need for a comfortable and enjoyable stay in the Show Me State. Relax in the swimming pool, take a walk on the trails, enjoy the seasonal events and so much more. Happy trails in Missouri!
