Highlights of the Algonquin Trail are PETROGLYPHS (carvings on rocks) from the early Native Americans. These bird shaped carvings, along with local history, are what gives Camp 'Thunderbird' it's name.

The birds, carved in great detail, are species from south of our area, which has caused Missouri Conservation Department ornithologist Jim Wilson to question whether the birds here at one time or did the painters move here from the south.

The 'cave' is officially the Mitchell Petroglyph Site and was placed on the National Register of Historic Sites in 1969. It is not a true cave but a limestone overhang with the carvings.

Several years ago an archeologist came out to study the glyphs as part of the work toward her doctoral dissertation. She found some that were not included in the original studies. There is at least one that is unique to other petroglpyh sites in Missouri. Some of the 'birds' have holes in them where, at one time, a crystal was probably embedded, which indicates a very important spirit or sacred place or both.

Other points of interest are an old log cabin and a giant sycamore tree. Full information on the hike, the trail, and the patch order from can be found at this link.