Back to Camp #3: Montauk Web PageThe combined beauty of the Ozark Highlands and the steady flow of clear water from the valley springs first attracted settlers to this secluded area in the early 1800s. Homesick for its native New York, one group of pioneers had the first post office named after its former home, Montauk, in Suffolk County, Long Island.
An Indian work, Montauk is believed to mean "hilly" or "fort country", and was used by Algonquin Indians to refer to the tribe inhabiting he western part of Long Island.
The Missouri village of Montauk was the second town established in Dent County. Because of the water power provided by the springs, the village proved to be an excellent spot for milling and a total of four mills served the community at various times. The fourth, a grist mill, built in 1896, stands in Montauk State Park today. It is open to the public during the summer and plans are underway for restoration of its interior. The mill has most of its original machinery intact; however, the steel rollers were removed in 1942 and delivered to the U.S. government which had requisitioned all available steel for World War II.
Since its acquisition as a state park in 1926, Montauk has been one of the most popular vacation spots in Missouri. The fast flowing, spring-fed waters make an ideal home for rainbow trout, and the scenic valley creates a pleasing atmosphere for fishing enthusiasts and other vacationers.
In addition, the Current River, one of the best canoeing rivers in the Midwest, has its headwaters in Montauk State Park. The northernmost canoe access to the river, Inman Hollow, is located just below the park's southeast border.
The well-known Current River has its origins from the seven Montauk springs found at the northern end of the park. An estimated 43 million gallons of water flow daily into the Current River from Montauk Springs and other springs located with the park boundaries.
The Missouri Department of Conservation sponsors tours of the hatcheries. Check with the hatchery personnel for information on a schedule of tours.
A grist mill, built before the turn of the century, still stands at Montauk and is open to the public. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources plans to renovate the mill, which still has most of its original machinery.
Montauk State Park is situated in the southwestern Missouri Ozarks. Most of the park is a pine, oak and hickory forest, with oak and hickory being dominant species on ridge tops. Sycamore, cottonwood, and birch trees are common in low-lying areas. Most of the rock outcrops are dolomite.
Montauk is one of three Missouri state parks noted for its fine trout fishing. March 1 - October 31 marks the official trout fishing season with the catch-and-release season during the winter. Areas are designated for either artificial lure and natural bait or fly fishing. A fishing license and daily trout tags are required. Current information concerning regulations and limits may be obtained from local conservation agents, hatchery personnel, or the park superintendent. The park's trout hatchery is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
Several species of native Missouri wildflowers can be viewed around the springs and along the Current River in the spring and summer.
The park has 156 campsites, with 69 featuring electrical hookups. While most campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, some campsites may be reserved year round. A coin-operated laundry, modern restrooms, hot showers, and dumping station are found in the camping area. A daily camping fee is charged and will be collected by a park employee.
Montauk offers cabins for daily rental during fishing season (March 1 - October 31), and during the winter catch-and-release season. The house keeping cabins include modern kitchenettes and bathroom facilities. Advance reservations are required. A motel with 16 rooms also is located in the park. Motel rooms and cabins may be reserved by calling the concessionaire at 573-548-2434. For convenience, a general store selling camping supplies and fishing equipment is located at the lodge. A meeting room is also available for groups and seminars.
The Rose Holland Trout Derby is held at Montauk State Park each year during the first full weekend in October. Various smaller trout derbies are held during the remainder of the trout season.
The Current River and the nearby Jack's Fork River, favorites among canoeists and fishermen, have been designated National Scenic Riverways by the National Park Service. The designation will preserve these Ozark rivers in their natural, free-flowing state for canoeists and fishermen to enjoy. Detailed information on the Ozark National Scenic Riverways and area canoe rental agencies may be obtained at the park office or from the National Park Service, P.O. Box 490, Van Buren, MO 63965.
Beginning just east of the park, this natural forest covers much of southeast Missouri. Contact the District Ranger, Mark Twain National Forest, Salem, MO 65560, for more information.
For more information visit the Montauk State Park Web Site
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