Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 11, 2025 – Ready to get out and enjoy some fun? Be sure to check out the activities offered throughout the area.
- Saturday, April 26 at 3 p.m. – “How Does Light Pollution Affect Wildlife?” program at Bennett Spring State Park.
Nocturnal animals and plants rely on the night sky for survival. Join the park team in the nature center at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon to learn how these organisms are being affected by humans lighting up the night. The event is free and open to the public and registration is not required.
- Saturday, April 26, 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! Nature Bingo will take place inside the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. This event is free, open to the public and registration is not required.
- Friday, May 2 at 9 p.m. – Stargazing for the Beehive at Bennett Spring State Park.
Meet the park team at the nature center after hours to see Mars cross through the Beehive Cluster, a group of more than 1,000 stars! Participants are welcome to bring binoculars or telescopes, but the cluster should be visible without them. The event is free, open to the public and registration is not required. The program is subject to cancellation due to poor viewing conditions. Call 417-532-3925 or check the Bennett Spring State Park Facebook page for updates. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A near Lebanon.
- Saturday, May 3, 10 a.m. – Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park.
Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines on Saturday, May 3. Spring has arrived, and with it comes new sights, sounds and smells on the prairie. Birds are active, with some migrating north and some here for the summer to raise their brood. The bison are here to stay with their calves. Participants will journey out to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Participants are encouraged to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, sunscreen and a hat, as well as wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. The event is free, but registration is required and limited to 30 people. Register by calling 417-843-6711.
- Saturday, May 3 at 1 p.m. – Learn to Fly a Kite at Stockton State Park.
You might know that Stockton’s steady southwest breeze makes the park an ideal place for sailing. But did you realize this supply of wind also means Stockton is a good place for flying kites? Come see for yourself. Meet at the North Shelter at 1 p.m. to personalize kites using permanent markers and paint pens. Then, take to the skies to show off your creations. The kite you make will be yours to take home and enjoy. The event is free and open to the public. Children under the age of 10 must be accompanied by an adult. Space is limited and preregistration is highly recommended. Registration can be completed by visiting icampmo.com. Only those planning to participate need to register. Adults who are accompanying children and do not want a kite of their own do not need to register. Stockton State Park is located at 19100 S. Highway 215 in Dadeville.
- Saturday, May 3 at 10 a.m. – Season Kickoff Cornhole Tournament at Pomme de Terre State Park.
Kick off the on-season with a cornhole tournament at the State Park Marina. Participants will compete for first place in this single-elimination tournament. This free event will take place at the marina parking lot. Food and beverages will be available for purchase at the marina store. Participation is limited to 15 teams consisting of two players each. On-site registration is required and begins at 10 a.m., followed by the tournament at 11 a.m. Participants must be 18 years of age. Pomme de Terre State Park is located at 23451 Park Entrance Road in Pittsburg.
- Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. – Truman Day at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site.
Join in celebrating the 141st birthday of our nation’s 33rd president and the only president born in the Show-Me State: Harry S Truman. Activities include craft and food vendors, wagon rides, reenactments, live music, and kids’ games and crafts. There will also be birthday cake to enjoy. This event is free and open to the public. Truman Day is sponsored by the Barton County Chamber of Commerce. Harry S Truman Birthplace is located at 1009 Truman in Lamar.
- Saturday, May 10 at 2 p.m. – Bennett’s Butterflies at Bennett Spring State Park.
Stop by the nature center at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon, to learn about a few butterfly species found at Bennett Spring State Park.
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.
