Mastodon State Historic Site
🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 Missouri History — Site where the Kimmswick Bone Bed proved that humans and mastodons coexisted in North America — Clovis points found alongside mastodon bones in 1979 confirmed human presence 14,000+ years ago!
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Missouri |
| Entry Fee | Free admission! |
About Mastodon
Mastodon State Historic Site in Jefferson County preserves the Kimmswick Bone Bed — one of the most significant Pleistocene fossil sites in North America. In 1979, archaeologists discovered Clovis spear points in direct association with mastodon bones — providing the first definitive proof that Ice Age humans hunted these giant beasts in eastern North America. The 431-acre site features a full-size mastodon skeleton replica and interpretive trails through the dig area.
Things to Do
Viewing the full-size mastodon skeleton replica, touring the museum with actual bones and Clovis points, hiking the Limestone Hill Trail, visiting the active paleontological site, and connecting with 14,000 years of human history.
Visiting Today
The museum displays actual mastodon bones and the Clovis spear points that proved human-mastodon interaction. A full-size mastodon skeleton replica dominates the main hall. The Limestone Hill Trail winds through the 431-acre park to the original bone bed excavation sites. Wildflower displays are excellent in spring. Just 20 miles south of St. Louis.
Getting There
Located on Seckman Road in Imperial, Jefferson County — 20 miles south of St. Louis via I-55. Open year-round except major holidays. The Limestone Hill Trail provides moderate hiking through diverse habitats. The site proves that humans and mastodons coexisted in Missouri over 10,000 years ago.
Insider Tips
Ice Age Missouri: Mastodon State Historic Site preserves a Pleistocene bone bed — mastodons, ground sloths, and other Ice Age megafauna were found here. Pro tip: The Kimmswick Bone Bed provided the first conclusive evidence that humans and mastodons coexisted in eastern North America — a Clovis spear point was found with mastodon bones. Mega-fauna: Missouri’s Ice Age landscape included mastodons, giant ground sloths, saber-toothed cats, and short-faced bears.
Best Time to Visit
Year-round: Museum with Ice Age exhibits. Summer: Outdoor trails and grounds. Fall: Comfortable visiting weather. Spring: Wildflowers on the grounds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did humans hunt mastodons?
Yes — the Kimmswick site proved it conclusively. A Clovis spear point (13,000 years old) was found embedded among mastodon bones — the first definitive evidence of human-mastodon interaction in eastern North America. Clovis people likely hunted mastodons using ambush tactics at watering holes. Whether human hunting caused mastodon extinction (10,000 years ago) is debated — climate change likely also played a role.
