Places to Go: Millstream Gardens CA

A tourist attraction reborn 

Once known for the roadside attraction whose name still graces the property, Millstream Gardens Conservation Area (CA) is still an attraction, but now it’s because of its natural traits and not the kitschy creations of its owner.

Located on nearly 916 acres in southeast Missouri’s Madison County, the original Millstream Gardens hosted a variety of features that sprung more from owner Elmer Tiemann’s imagination than from the natural surroundings, according to Forester Becky Fletcher.

“He planted all kinds of flowers out there along the trail, and he would take people on a little hayride,” Fletcher said. “The trail today is part of that area he used to go through. He also had all sorts of other touristy things. He had a western village, an Indian village, and a maple sugaring hut. That was all part of the attraction that he set up.”

Millstream Gardens CA’s allure now focuses primarily on the St. Francis River attribute that carries the previous owner’s name — Tiemann Shut-ins. A destination for whitewater kayakers, the granite shut-ins host paddling events, while local trails attract hikers and the pavilion draws families and groups looking for a picnic, reunion, or wedding venue.