Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 18, 2025 – Spring sun brings fun and great fun to Missouri state parks and historic sites. Be sure to check out the activities offered throughout the area.
- Saturday, March 29, 8 a.m. – noon: Coffee for the Birds at Roaring River State Park.
If going on a morning birding hike and then kicking back with a relaxing cup of coffee sounds like a great way to spend a Saturday morning, then check out Coffee for the Birds at Roaring River State Park. Space is limited and registration is required, and can be submitted by visiting icampmo.com. Anyone under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Participants will meet in the lower level of the CCC Lodge for an approximate 1-mile bird-watching hike on part of Devil’s Kitchen Trail. Binoculars will be provided, but guests are welcome to bring their own. Be sure to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. The hike will be followed by an indoor activity at 10 a.m. in the lodge. During this portion, enjoy a cup of coffee while learning about the connections between that coffee and some of the birds that migrate from Missouri to Central and South America each winter. Roaring River State Park is located at 12716 Farm Road 2239 near Cassville.
- Saturday, March 29, 2 p.m.: Nature Bingo at Prairie State Park.
Come play Nature Bingo on the last Saturday of each month from February through December at Prairie State Park. Instead of “BINGO,” this game uses the word “NATURE,” and instead of calling out numbers and letters, a park team member will give a fact about an animal, plant or fungus. Participants guess what is being described and when someone fills a column or row with correct guesses, that person wins a prize! This event is free, open to the public, and registration is not required. Nature Bingo will take place inside the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.
- Saturday, March 29, 1 p.m.: History Hike at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site.
Combine history and the outdoors for a history hike! Guests are invited to learn about women whose lives touched the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead and the surrounding community while hiking with the park team. This 2-mile hike will take visitors throughout the site and make frequent stops, allowing for sharing stories of family, survival and intrigue. This event is free, but registration is required and can be submitted by visiting icampmo.com or calling the park office at 417-751-3266. Participants should wear sturdy hiking shoes, dress for the weather, bring water and use insect repellent. They will meet at the covered picnic shelter near the site office at 7850 N. State Highway V, outside of Ash Grove.
- Saturday, March 29, 3 p.m.: Early Spring Blooms at Bennett Spring State Park.
Visit the nature center to learn about the early spring wildflowers that bloom at Bennett Spring State Park. This free event will be held at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.
- Thursday, April 3, 5:30 p.m.: Thursday Night Hike: Hidden Springs Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
This is the final hike in a series of guided night hikes. Participants are encouraged to bring water and snacks. This week’s hike will begin at the trailhead and is 2.5 miles in length. Registration is required and can be submitted by visiting icampmo.com or by calling Brian Fredrick at 573-690-0450. Lake of the Ozarks State Park is located at 403 Highway 134 in Brumley.
- Saturday, April 5, 10 a.m.: Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park.
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter Saturday, April 5, starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. Spring is here and the bison are ready for fresh grass. Participants will journey out to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat, as well as wearing sturdy shoes and dressing for the weather is recommended. The event is free, but registration is required and limited to 30 people. Register by calling 417-843-6711.
For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
