JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 6, 2025 – Check out these exciting activities planned at Missouri state parks.

  • Friday, May 9, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 25, at 10 a.m. – Petroglyph Tour at Thousand Hills State Park.
    Thousand Hills State Park, located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville, is home to a collection of rock carvings. These carvings, or petroglyphs were made by ancestors of today’s Native Americans. Explore the petroglyphs with the park team to learn more about this unique piece of history. Tours take place at the petroglyph shelter, located next to the beach.
     
  • Saturdays, May 17 and 24, at 9 a.m. – Spring Hikes at Crowder State Park.
    Join the team in Crowder State Park for a guided hike. We will offer a hike on each of our trails to showcase the park’s beauty and diversity. As we hike, we will discuss the spring wildflowers and other plant species. Hikes will be offered at 9 a.m. every Saturday through May 24.
    • May 17 – Connector Trails, 4.25 miles. Meet at the Campground Amphitheater.
    • May 24 – River Forks Trail, 2 miles. Meet at the lake parking lot.

These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Participants should bring water and wear clothing and footwear that is comfortable and appropriate for the weather.

  • Friday, May 23, at 7 p.m. – Reptile Program: World Turtle Day at Thousand Hills State Park.
    Come shell-ebrate and learn about turtles with us. We’ll cover topics such as why turtles are important and some of the adaptations they have. This free program is scheduled to take place in the amphitheater in Campground 1, but you do not need to be a camper to attend. It may be canceled or moved inside if there is inclement weather. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
     
  • Saturday, May 24, at 10 a.m. – Guided Hike of Red Bud Trail at Thousand Hills State Park.
    The forest of Thousand Hills is a never-ending story where every plant, animal and person play a part. Join the park team for a guided hike along Red Bud Trail to uncover more of its story. Participants should wear closed-toe shoes and bring water. The hike will begin at the trailhead on Big Loop Trail Road across from the playground. The park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
     
  • Saturday, May 31, at 10 a.m. – “Where the Wildflowers Are” Hike at Thousand Hills State Park.
    Experience the beauty of wildflowers in bloom during this 1-mile guided hike on Red Bud Trail. We won’t see all 1,500 of Missouri’s wildflower species, but participants will leave this hike with the skills to identify some common wildflowers. Meet at the trailhead on Big Loop Trail Road, across from the playground at the park, located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.

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.

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