Carthage Municipal Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Carthage Municipal Park is a popular tourist destination located in Jasper County, Missouri.
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Summary
The park covers an area of 56 acres and is home to a variety of recreational facilities and natural attractions. One of the main reasons to visit Carthage Municipal Park is its scenic beauty and peaceful surroundings. It is an ideal place for nature lovers, families, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for a place to relax and unwind.
Among the specific points of interest to see in Carthage Municipal Park are the historic Civil War-era cannon, a butterfly garden, a Japanese tea garden, and a water garden. The park also features a large playground area for children, picnic tables and shelters, walking trails and an amphitheater. Visitors can engage in a range of activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, and boating.
Interesting facts about Carthage Municipal Park include that it was established in the 1930s as part of the Works Progress Administration (WPA) program. The park's lakes were created as part of a flood control project undertaken by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. The park has also been used as a filming location for several movies and TV shows.
The best time of year to visit Carthage Municipal Park is during the spring and summer months when the weather is mild and the gardens are in full bloom. The park is also open during the fall and winter months, although some of the facilities may be closed due to inclement weather. Visitors are encouraged to check the park's website for up-to-date information on park hours and facilities.
Overall, Carthage Municipal Park is a must-see attraction in Missouri, offering visitors a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and recreational opportunities. Whether you are looking to enjoy a picnic with your family, go fishing or boating, explore the gardens or simply relax and soak up the beauty of nature, Carthage Municipal Park is the perfect destination for your next outdoor adventure.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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