Millstream Gardens Conservation Area

Driving Directions

Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is 8 miles west of Fredericktown on Highway 72.



Highlights

This is a predominantly forest area that includes 20 acres of shut-ins on the St. Francis River. Facilities/features: boat ramp, picnic area, pavilion, archery range, and St. Francis River Natural Area.

About This Area

Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is a 614-acre tract of land in Madison County, about halfway between Fredericktown and Arcadia, off of State Highway 72.

The spectacular Tiemann Shut-ins are within the area's boundaries. The St. Francis River forms one of the area's western boundaries, then meanders eastward for 1.2 miles through the area's mid-southern section, before rushing through the shut-ins and passing into the Silver Mines area.

The area's woodlands are composed primarily of oak, hickory, and pine in the uplands, and ash, elm, and maple along the river border and its drainages.

The St. Francis River at Millstream Gardens and its wooded corridor is a part of Missouri's Natural Area System. This large stream contains an adjoining slough and large igneous shut-ins. A wide variety of animals live here.

Wildlife species such as whitetail deer, turkey, and squirrel inhabit the uplands.

General Information

Southeast

Madison

573-290-5730

Owned by MDC

Property south of the St. Francis River is no longer accessible by road. Must ford the river to access this area.

Activities
Activity
(Activity Explanations)		 Comments
(Population Definition)
Bird Watching   
Canoeing  Only for experts. River is class 3-4 rapids during seasons of highest precipitation. Not floatable at low water level. 
Fishing - Bass Good population.  
Fishing - Crappie Fair population.  
Fishing - Other Good population. Walleye and goggle eye 
Fishing - Sunfish Good population.  
Hiking  One disabled accessible trail, two trails along river, no loop trails. 
Hunting-Deer Fair population.  
Hunting-Dove Fair population. Dove field management in some years. 
Hunting-Quail Fair population.  
Hunting-Rabbit Fair population.  
Hunting-Squirrel Fair population.  
Hunting-Turkey Fair population.  
Nature Viewing   

Go to Top of Page

Conservation Department Facilities
Facility Item Name Count Comments
Boat Ramp - Stream - Other  1  Canoe/Kayak access only. Vehicles cannot back down to water level. Gravel boat ramp. 
Other Archery Range 1  There are 12 shooting targets, including one platform stand, at various points along the trail. 
Parking Lotaccessible 5  Two Gravel Parking Lots with concrete pads for disabled accessibility. Two gravel parking lots adjacent to archery range. One gravel parking lot as bus and overflow parking. 
Pavilionaccessible 1  Pavilion overlooks the river. Grill and picnic tables at pavilion. Also has disabled accessible picnic table.  
Picnic Tableaccessible 1  Located at Trailhead parking area. 
Privy/Restroomaccessible 3  Located near each main parking lot. 

Go to Top of Page

Features
Feature Item Name Count Size Comments
Designated Natural Area St. Francis River Shut -Ins 1 40.00 acres Site of Missouri Whitewater races in March. Igneous rock formations create a series of rapids when the water level is high. For more information, visit http://www.mdc.mo.gov/areas/natareas/p75-1.htm. 
Stream - Permanent St. Francis River 1 1.25 miles Along this portion of the river, igneous rock formations create a series of rapids when the water level is high. Navigating this stretch of river should only be done by experienced canoe/kayak persons. 

Go to Top of Page

Land Cover Types
Land Type Acres Comments
Forest and Woodland 500.00  
Old Field 112.00  
Total Area Acres:696.03 

Go to Top of Page

Designated Trails
Trail Name Trail Type Length
Tiemann Shut-ins TrailaccessibleDisabled-Accessible Trail 1.00 
Turkey Creek Trail Hiking (Non-Interpretive) 1.00 

Go to Top of Page

Shooting Range General Information

90*28'13.2"

37*34'28.7"

Privy

UnManned

Varies

8-5pm

Click Shooting Ranges for more information.

Go to Top of Page