Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world.

Picnic Areas

Enjoy a picnic lunch at one of the several picnic areas scattered throughout the park.

PICNIC SHELTERS

The Billy Gilbert Memorial Shelter, located in the upper picnic area, is an open shelter that can be reserved for large picnics and special outings. The shelter is wheelchair accessible and includes four grills, electricity, running water, restrooms nearby with flush toilets and sinks and picnic tables that can accommodate up to 80 guests. (Water and restrooms are available April 15 through Oct. 31 only.)  There is a dumpster nearby. This shelter can be reserved for $40 per day. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance.

The Rockbridge Mills Shelter, located along Sinkhole Trail--about 400 feet south of the Devil's Icebox parking lot, is used primarily for interpretive programs. It is an open shelter with picnic tables that can accommodate up to 60 guests. It has no electricity, running water or grills. Vault toilets and a dumpster are located in the parking lot. Portable grills and fires are not permitted. It is not wheelchair accessible.

PLAYGROUND

The playground, which is rated for five- to 12-year-olds, is located in the day-use area of the park at the intersection of the second loop and main park road. There are two swings, two toddler swings, two slides, platforms, a tunnel, arch climber and horizontal ladder.