Gile Memorial Park
Rate this placeNearby: Hixton Park Snyder County Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Gile Memorial Park is a scenic and historic park located in the state of Missouri.
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Summary
The park is a popular destination for visitors due to its beautiful landscapes and interesting landmarks. Some of the main reasons to visit the park are its stunning views of the Missouri River, its numerous hiking trails, and its historic monuments and buildings.
One of the main points of interest to see at Gile Memorial Park is the historic Johnson's Shut-Ins, which are a series of natural rock formations and waterfalls that have been eroded by the nearby Black River. The park also features several historic buildings and landmarks, including the Gile House, which was once the home of the park's namesake, George Washington Gile.
Other interesting facts about the park include its role as a site for Civil War battles and its designation as a National Historic Landmark. In addition, the park is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, including several rare and endangered species.
The best time of year to visit Gile Memorial Park is during the spring or fall, when the weather is mild and the park's landscapes are at their most beautiful. However, the park is open year-round and offers a variety of activities and events throughout the year, including camping, hiking, and guided tours.
Overall, Gile Memorial Park is a must-see destination for anyone interested in exploring Missouri's natural beauty and rich history.
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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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
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Gile Memorial Village
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Russell Memorial Park
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Russell Memorial Campground
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Wildcat Mound County Park
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West Arbutus County Park
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East Arbutus Camp
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