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Acreage: 8,549.51 | Year
Acquired: 1955 | Activities: (for the 2006 season)
picnicking, hiking - equestrian - backpacking trails
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park has been a favorite of state park users for
many years. On Dec. 14, 2005, the nearby Taum Sauk Reservoir breached, sending
1.3 billion gallons of water through the major day-use area of the park. Most of
the facilities in the area along the East Fork of the Black River were either
destroyed or damaged. Cleanup began immediately. As plans for long-term
redevelopment at the park continue, visitors can see the recovery in progress
during the 2006 season.
The beauty and natural wonders of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park give it a
unique character, appealing to a variety of tastes. Water cascading between
large, smooth rocks, creating natural waterslides, has made the park a popular
recreation destination, and its landscape has piqued the curiosity of all who
visit.
One and a half billion years ago, hot volcanic ash and gases spewed into the
air, then cooled, forming igneous rock. Later, shallow seas covered the rock,
depositing sedimentary rock. The land rose. The sea fell. The weather began
tearing down the land, exposing the volcanic rock beneath it. Waters of the
Black River became confined, or "shut-in," to a narrow channel. Water-borne sand
and gravel cut deeply even into this erosion-resistant rock, swirling,
churning…carving potholes, chutes and spectacular canyonlike gorges.
Most of the park, including the shut-ins and two miles of river frontage, was
assembled over the course of 17 years and donated to the state in 1955 by Joseph
Desloge (1889-1971), a St. Louis civic leader and conservationist from a
prominent lead-mining family. The family has continued over the years to donate
funds for park improvements.
A one-fourth mile walkway takes visitors to an observation deck overlooking
the shut-ins. Interpretation, picnic tables, a playground and a park store are
available during the 2006 season. There is no camping available in 2006.
Swimming is not allowed in the shut-ins area or any portion of the East Fork of
the Black River within the park boundaries for safety reasons.
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