12096 Park Drive
Sainte Genevieve County, Missouri
573-883-3603

Located west of Sainte Genevieve off of Route 32, Hawn State Park is a pristine example of Missouri's eastern Ozark sandstone country. Located at the eastern edge of the St. Francois mountain range, this primitive park has some of the Missouri's most beautiful and significant landscapes. The 4,953 acre park is located in the LaMotte sandstone basin, an area of the state where exposures of sandstone create unusual landscapes. The acidic soil of the area supports lush upland forests of shortleaf pine, Missouri’s only native pine tree, and hardwood stands of white oak, shagbark hickory, and red maple. In the spring the flowering azalea and dogwood trees provide a spectacular show. A diverse selection of flora and fauna can be found in the park’s sandstone canyons and clear sand-bottom streams, many of which are unique to the area. The initial acreage of the park was donated in 1952 by Helen Coffer Hawn, a retired school teacher from nearby Sainte Genevieve.

Within the park is the 2,880 acre Whispering Pine Wild Area. On windy days a whispering sound can be heard as the breeze rustles through the shortleaf pines. Two trails have been constructed in this area. The Whispering Pine Trail was constructed in 1976-77 with the help of the Ozark Chapter of the Sierra Club and is considered one of the best hiking and backpacking trails in the state. Consisting of two loops, the north loop is 6 miles long and the south loop is 4 miles long, the trail allows day hikes of varying lengths. Because of its size the area provides excellent opportunities to observe nature. While on the trail, watch for many species of birds, especially tanagers and warblers. Wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, raccoons, gray squirrels and owls can also be seen along the trails.

Pickle Creek Trail is a 1 mile long trail that follows Pickle Creek, which is a shut-ins stream. The creek is one of the state’s most unique Ozark headwater streams having carved its course through the sandstone bedrock. In areas where the sandstone overhangs the stream, a cool climate exists and plants more common to climates farther north such as rattlesnake orchid, hay-scented fern, partridge berry, and ground pine can be found. There are over 20 different species of fish that can be found in the stream including the rare silverjaw minnow. Hikers are asked to stay on the trails to minimize the damage that can be done to the rare species of plants that can be found in the park.

Bird Watching
Hawn State Park is listed on the National Audubon Society's Great River Birding Trail. They report that there are at least 84 species of birds, 31 which are confirmed breeders. Historically, the area supports Brown-headed Nuthatches, Red-cockaded Woodpeckers, and Bachman's Sparrows. Henslow's Sparrows and Pine Warblers are common in the summer months. Ebird maintains a checklist for this site.

Camping
Hawn State Park offers basic and electric campsites. Services available include reserveable sites, a dump station, showers, water and laundry. Campsites 1-9 are open year-round. Campsites 10-50 are open April through October; from November through March, campsites 10-50 are used only for overflow camping. For reservations, there is a required two-night minimum stay on weekends from April through October and major holidays from May 15 through Sept. 15. For camping fees or more additional information visit the Missouri State Parks website.

Visiting Hawn State Park
Visiting Hours
Summer Hours (On-Season)
From March 15 through November 14: 7:30 am to 9 pm
Off-Season Hours
From November 15 through March 14: 7:30 am to sunset
From April through October, the Park office is open Wednesday - Sunday: 12 pm - 4 pm.
There is no charge to visit Hawn State Park.