Imperial: Mastodon State Historic Site

Imperial is associated with an extraordinary discovery site. At Mastodon State Historic Site, scientists found the first conclusive evidence of the coexistence of humans and the American mastodon in eastern North America at the Kimmswick Bone Bed. The site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial, Missouri 63052-3524. The discovery site makes Imperial a specific destination for travelers interested in prehistory.

Kimmswick Bone Bed and the prehistoric landscape

At the site, visitors can also learn what Missouri’s landscape looked like in prehistoric times. The discovery site and this perspective on the landscape emphasize different things: the Kimmswick Bone Bed focuses on a specific discovery, while the on-site interpretation draws attention to the landscape of the past. A visit thus moves from tangible evidence to a broader understanding of the surroundings. Those interested in prehistory can explore the site both through the scientific significance of the discovery site and through the landscape.

Events and group programs

Mastodon State Historic Site hosts numerous special events throughout the year. These include programs specifically for toddlers and homeschooling families; archaeology, paleontology, geology, or nature are often the focus. When choosing a date, you can consider which of these perspectives interests you most. Dates and availability for individual events vary. So check the specific dates before your trip if you want to plan around a particular program.

Field trips are available for school groups ranging from preschool through college, including homeschooling groups. The field trips are specifically intended for groups in an educational setting, while special events also include programs specifically for toddlers and homeschooling families. This distinction helps you choose the right format: you can select an event based on its topic or plan a field trip for a school or homeschooling group. If you are planning a group field trip, check the availability of the specific program.

Day visits and museum visits

Picnic facilities and hiking are available for day visits. Access to the grounds is free, while admission is charged for the museum. This distinction is useful for planning your day: you can decide whether to focus on hiking and picnicking or to also plan a museum visit. Check current operating details before your arrival, especially if you are planning a museum visit.

Choose a vacation rental based on your reason for traveling

When looking for a vacation rental in Imperial, Mastodon State Historic Site can be a specific reason to choose the area: it combines a significant archaeological discovery with interpretation of Missouri’s prehistoric landscape. Consider whether the visit itself, a special event, or a group field trip will be the focus of your trip. For an event, plan your travel dates around the specific date; for a field trip, confirm availability for your group.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Pevely, Festus, De Soto, Arnold

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