Montauk State Park
Fisherman travel from other states to Opening Day (March 1) at Montauk State Park. This Mid-west premier trout park has brought visitors since the 1800’s. “The springs in the northern end of Montauk State Park combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to form the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park attracts anglers for the outstanding trout fishing, and vacationers flock to Montauk during the summer months to enjoy the variety of outdoor activities available in the park and the surrounding region.” Ozark people go out of their way to show people around and to talk about the region. Their friendly nature is what keeps visitors coming back each year.
“Early residents came to the area from New York and named their first post office after Montauk in Suffolk County, Long Island. Because of its proximity to the springs and its abundant supply of water power, the village of Montauk proved to be an excellent spot for milling. A total of four mills served the community at various times. Take a tour of the historic mill, which is more than 100 years old. This historic site was a vital part of the Montauk Community into the 1920s. Built in 1896, the “Old Mill” had elaborate milling machinery. Much of it is still located there. Free guided tours of the mill are given on weekends. Hours vary, depending on demand and scheduled group tours. New schedules are posted each week showing times and dates for available public tours. For information regarding tours or to schedule a special group tour, contact the park naturalist at 573-548-2207.”
Stay in the cabins located on the park from $78 a night to $131. “The cabins, motel, dining lodge, store and snack bar are operated by Montauk Resorts, LLC, a Forever Resorts property. John Johnston, general manager, and his friendly team are ready to make your visit to Montauk State Park an enjoyable experience. For more information about the concession facilities, please visit their website or call 573-548-2434.Rise early to hike the trails or to sink a line in the river.” Summer months would be the ideal time to float down the current river, hike the trails and to fish to your hearts delight. Many do not want to deal with bugs in the summer though and arrive early in the spring to avoid mosquito and tick season. Or just bring a good hat and plenty of bug spray for the cool summer months. Weather during the summer stays around mid- 80’s to 90’s. Take a dip in the cold river to cool off too. Trout tags at the park is $3 daily for adults. You can buy this at the park store. A fishing permit for residents is $12. You can purchase these at a local hunting and fishing store.
“You don’t have to be an angler, however, to enjoy all that Montauk State Park and the surrounding region have to offer. The Current River is known as one of the finest canoeing rivers in the Midwest. Although canoes are not allowed within the state park boundaries, the northernmost canoe access to the Current River, Tan Vat, is located just below the park’s southeast border. Both the Current River and the nearby Jack’s Fork River have been designated as National Scenic Riverways by the National Park Service, which helps preserve them in their natural, free-flowing state. Additional information about area canoe rental agencies can be obtained from the park office or lodge.” Canoe rentals from Jadwin on the Current River costs $50 per kayak on a 8 mile float or $87 for a canoe for the same length of river. Call Jadwin at 1-800-937-4837 to reserve or find pricing on boat rentals.
Your budget should be at least $1500 to cover food, lodging, traveling expenses, fishing tags, boat rentals and souvenirs from the store. There is handicap access to the river, lodging campgrounds, picnic area and store. Visitors of all ages will find activities to do at the park. 
The covered picnic areas are a great place to have some scalloped turnips with ham and sweet potato pie.
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“Hiking one of the park’s trails is an excellent way to view the area’s natural environment. Several species of native Missouri wildflowers can be viewed around the springs and along the Current River. Pine Ridge Trail takes hikers out of the valley, through a portion of the park’s natural area, and along the scenic hilltops. For a more leisurely walk, visitors can see Bluff Spring along the level Montauk Lake Trail.” Bring your camera to capture all the beauty in the Ozark hills. Park map is below:
The trip will take at least 2 hours. Traveling from Springfield, MO you will see the Ozark hills and wildlife. Hunters will be temped with the abundance of deer and turkeys in the area.
Find the map below:
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