Geologic Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri
In fall 2026, the Missouri Geological Survey released an updated 50th Anniversary Edition of the classic book Geological Wonders and Curiosities of Missouri, first published in 1978 and last updated in 1990.
We collaborated with MGS in the development of this book, serving as technical reviewers and editors while contributing background research along with original writing, photography, maps, and graphics.
About the book
The new Geologic Wonders & Curiosities is a nearly 600-page color book that highlights the fascinating diversity of Missouri geology. It’s organized around entries that emphasize individual sites or concepts, grouped into relevant chapters. It’s neither a textbook nor a hiking guide, but rather an attractive coffee-table book that can be browsed at leisure, read in detail, or hauled along on roadtrips around the state.
This new edition offers many exciting additions:
Upgraded content to reflect 30+ years of new geologic research & understanding
New chapters on previously unaddressed themes, including glades, caves, springs, meteorite impacts, and geologic resources
Full-color photography, maps, and graphics
Emphasis on sites accessible to the public
Intro/preview video
The video below offers an inside preview of the final book and discusses some of the backstory to its development. It also includes a special message from the Missouri State Geologist!
How to buy Geologic Wonders & Curiosities (2026)
This book is published by the Missouri Geologic Survey; state law requires that it be sold at cost, an initial list price of $50. Neither we, nor the agency, make any profit off book sales.
Pre-order online: write bethany.hawkins@dnr.mo.gov to pre-order in fall 2026
Copies will hopefully be stocked in gift shops and bookstores around the state; write bethany.hawkins@dnr.mo.gov if you’re a retailer interested in stocking the book
Online sales have yet to be determined; we’ll update this when more information is available.