Thousand Hills State Park
Encyclopedia
Thousand Hills State Park is located in Adair County, Missouri
, two miles (3 km) west of Kirksville, Missouri
. The 3215 acres (13 km²) park was established in 1952. Primary features are the 703 acres (2.8 km²) Forrest Lake and Native American petroglyphs.
could continue to provide. So following passing of a special bond issue vote that spring, land was acquired to construct a dam across Big Creek, a tributary of the Chariton. Upon completion in summer 1952, the new body of water was named Forrest Lake in honor of Missouri Governor Forrest Smith
. Meanwhile, the family of local physician George Laughlin donated 1100 acres (4.5 km²) surrounding the lake for the establishment of a recreation area. The city of Kirksville matched this by purchasing an additional 1150 acres (4.7 km²). All of this was presented free-of-charge to the state of Missouri in return for the promise of establishing a state park. Upon its official dedication in July 1953, it was named Thousand Hills State Park, in honor of Doctor Laughlin's Thousand Hills Farm that had formerly occupied the land.
Adair County, Missouri
Adair County is a county located in northeast Missouri. As of 2010, the population was 25,607. Its county seat is Kirksville. The county was organized in 1841 and is named in honor of Kentucky Governor John Adair....
, two miles (3 km) west of Kirksville, Missouri
Kirksville, Missouri
Kirksville is the county seat of Adair County, Missouri, United States. It is located in Benton Township. The population was 17,505 at the 2010 census. Kirksville also anchors a micropolitan area that comprises Adair and Schuyler counties. The city is perhaps best known as the location of Truman...
. The 3215 acres (13 km²) park was established in 1952. Primary features are the 703 acres (2.8 km²) Forrest Lake and Native American petroglyphs.
History
In 1950 the nearby city of Kirksville was in need of a larger and more reliable water supply than the Chariton RiverChariton River
The Chariton River is a tributary to the Missouri River in southeast Iowa and northeast Missouri.It has been called Missouri's "Grand Divide" because streams west of the Chariton flow into the Missouri and streams east of it flow into the Mississippi River....
could continue to provide. So following passing of a special bond issue vote that spring, land was acquired to construct a dam across Big Creek, a tributary of the Chariton. Upon completion in summer 1952, the new body of water was named Forrest Lake in honor of Missouri Governor Forrest Smith
Forrest Smith
Forrest Smith was the 42nd Governor of Missouri. He was a Democrat.-Personal:Forrest Smith was born February 14, 1886 near Hardin in Ray County, Missouri. After receiving his secondary education at Woodson Institute in Richmond, Missouri, Smith attended Westminster College...
. Meanwhile, the family of local physician George Laughlin donated 1100 acres (4.5 km²) surrounding the lake for the establishment of a recreation area. The city of Kirksville matched this by purchasing an additional 1150 acres (4.7 km²). All of this was presented free-of-charge to the state of Missouri in return for the promise of establishing a state park. Upon its official dedication in July 1953, it was named Thousand Hills State Park, in honor of Doctor Laughlin's Thousand Hills Farm that had formerly occupied the land.
Features
- Petroglyphs: A series of Native American rock carvings, listed on the National Register of Historic PlacesNational Register of Historic PlacesThe National Register of Historic Places is the United States government's official list of districts, sites, buildings, structures, and objects deemed worthy of preservation...
, can be found in an enclosed observation & interpretation center. These carvings date back at least 1,500 years by some estimates.
- Camping: Two campgrounds, 57 campsites total, are available. Campground One is open April through October each year offering both basic and electric campsites along with modern restrooms, RV dump station, showers, water, and playground. Campground Two is open year-round and offers the same amenities as Campground One with the exception that all campsites are electric.
- Cabins: In addition to campsites, Thousand Hills State Park features seven duplex cabins available for rental. All cabins overlook Forrest Lake and are within easy walking distance of both the marina / dining lodge area and the swimming beach. Each unit is fully heated and air-conditioned with full bath, picnic table, patio, kitchen, barbecue grill, TV, towels & linen.
- Boating: Boats with outboard motors up to 90 horsepower are allowed, along with canoes and small sailboats. All private boats must have a city permit, which can be purchased for a nominal daily or seasonal fee at the marina. A fully equipped marina offering boat and equipment rentals along with convenience store grocery items is available.
- Fishing: The most common fish species found in Forrest Lake are large-mouth bass, walleye, crappie, and channel catfish.
- Swimming: A large swimming beach with lifeguard, snack bar, changing areas and showers are open daily May 28 to September 6 from 1pm to 6pm, weather permitting.
- Picknicking: Over sixty picnic sites, four open shelters, and one enclosed shelter are available. Two large playground areas are located near picnicking areas as well.
- Hiking/biking The park features several hiking trails suited for a variety of experience levels. A six-mile mountain biking/hiking trail can also be found.
Annual events
- Each spring Forrest Lake hosts the Baker/McConnell Kids Fishing Tournament, an event for children of all ages and skills.
- Thousand Hills State Park is the site of the NEMO Triathlon the second weekend of each September.