Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 24, 2025 – Visit a Missouri state park or historic site while there’s a break in the winter weather. There’s plenty to do and see:
- Saturday, March 1, 1-3 p.m. – Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park.
Winter is waning, and the bison are ready for warmer weather. We will saunter our way to see the bison in their natural habitat. Visitors should be prepared for a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Because we won’t know the location of the bison until the morning of the event, bringing water, snacks, a hat and sunscreen, and wear sturdy footwear. The weather can be unpredictable, and the wind can be brutal, so please dress accordingly. Binoculars can be useful in watching the bison and other wildlife. Registration is required, and the event is limited to 30 participants. To register, call 417-843-6711.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, except for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.
- Saturday, March 1, noon to 3 p.m. – Fish Identification Game at Bennett Spring State Park.
Take a break from the opening day of catch-and-keep trout season with a fish identification game at the nature center. Test your skills and see what kind of fish you are assigned. This game is free and open to the public. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.
- Thursday, March 13, 5:30 p.m. – Thursday Night Hike: Fawns Ridge Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Join the team at Lake of the Ozarks State Park for a series of guided night hikes each Thursday from March 13 to April 3. Participants will explore a different trail each week and are encouraged to bring water and snacks. This hike will begin at the trailhead by Public Beach #1 and is 1.4 miles long. 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.
- Thursday, March 20, 5:30 p.m. – Thursday Night Hike: Lake View Bend Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
Join the team at Lake of the Ozarks State Park for the second hike in a series of guided night hikes each Thursday from March 13 to April 3. Participants will explore a different trail each week and are encouraged to bring water and snacks. This week’s hike will begin at the trailhead and is 1.5 miles long. 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, March 22, 3 p.m. – Backyard Birds at Bennett Spring State Park.
Join the team at the nature center to learn about the basic backyard birds that are found in Missouri year round. Afterward, test your identification skills by watching our feeders for these common birds. Bring binoculars if you wish to watch the birds at the feeders. This free program is open to the public, and no registration is needed. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.
- Thursday, March 27, 5:30 p.m. – Thursday Night Hike: Rocky Top Trail at Lake of the Ozarks State Park.
The third hike in a series of guided night hikes each Thursday, March 27, at 5:30 p.m. Participants will explore a different trail each week and are encouraged to bring water and snacks. This week’s hike will begin at the trailhead and is 2 miles long. 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, 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.
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.
