Sam A. Baker State Park is a Missouri Ozark recreation area in the Saint Francois Mountains, established after Governor Sam Aaron Baker encouraged park development in his home county and the land was acquired in 1926. Much of its character comes from 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps construction, including the park office, visitor center, dining lodge, cabins, and trail shelters, with a 1934 stable now serving as the visitor and nature center. The St. Francis River, Big Creek, and an extensive trail system support fishing, canoeing, swimming, hiking, horseback riding, and camping. Its historic core, preserved as a National Register district since 1985, also makes it significant.