In the middle of the day- use area sits a monument to all the mothers who gave their sons to war. Dedicated by the American War Mothers of Missouri in 1940, the marble statue is a fitting tribute to the memory of those who gave sons to World War I and all wars. John Schlitz, an inmate in Leavenworth, Kan., carved the statue, which was dedicated the same year the park opened. Gen. Pershing spent many boyhood days playing and hiking in the area that now makes up the park, and today visitors can enjoy similar experiences. Four small lakes provide fishing opportunities for bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
Anglers can also try their hand at catching bullhead, carp and drum in Locust Creek.
Canoeing on Locust Creek is possible during various times of the year. Several picnic sites, an enclosed picnic shelter with kitchen facilities and an open shelter with water and electricity are available in the park. For those visitors wanting to savor more of this wetland masterpiece, the park provides a shady campground with both electric and basic campsites, modern restrooms, hot showers, laundry facilities and a sanitary dump station. A park naturalist offers nature activities during the summer months. Visit Locust Creek Covered Bridge and Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home state historic sites nearby.