Did You Know Missouri Sort of Has Its Own Mini-Grand Canyon?

Yes, I've been to the real Grand Canyon in Arizona (twice as a matter of fact) so I know the difference. But, Missouri does have its own miniature version of the Grand Canyon - sort of.

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I had a friend share with me an article by Only In Your State from late last year regarding what they described as "the most beautiful canyon in America". Really? Let's not get carried away with our big, bad selves. What they're referring to is Grand Gulf State Park near Thayer, Missouri. It really is a gorgeous place though and it really does have a canyon that's "grand".

The Missouri State Park website provides some amazing details about this place. It was created out of a collapsed cave system and features 130 foot high walls from the bottom of the canyon to the top. Grand Gulf State Park also features a 250 foot wide natural bridge that has a 75 foot high opening. Impressive nature.

Make no mistake. This is a very special part of Missouri and one that needs to be experienced at some point in your life if you're able.

Grand Gulf State Park is almost right in the middle of the southernmost part of Missouri about 5 hours from Hannibal according to Google Maps. It's another one of those southern Missouri adventures that would be epic to include in a trip to Branson or Springfield. Then you can tell your family and friends that you went to the Grand Canyon...of Missouri or at least as close as most of us will get.