Mike and I enjoyed our visit to this little-known national monument in 2020. You can read about our visit here. We returned this past September to enjoy more of this park. First, we enjoyed a beautiful picnic at Barksdale Picnic Area. I think they were letting the area grow a little wild because of the wildflowers. A chipmunk visited our site, and I wrote about it here.
You can also park here to start the trail to the Hornbek Homestead or the visitor center.
Hornbek Homestead
Last year, this site wasn’t open. We enjoyed learning more about Adeline Hornbek, who formed this ranch through the Homestead Act of 1862. She was a tenacious woman, establishing this farm with her 4 children.
Sawmill Trail
We enjoyed this 2.6 mile hike. You go through a variety of terrain. You walk through forests, meadows and a ridge. If you take this early in the morning or in the evening, you probably have a decent chance of seeing wildlife.
You can find out about this hike and other in Florissant here. Again, this little-known park provides many ways to spend an enjoyable week!