Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, APRIL 11, 2025 – Spring at Missouri state parks and historic sites provides something for everyone from wild edibles to starry nights to special events. There’s bound to be something to fit your interest.
- Saturday, April 26 at 10 a.m. – Wild Edibles Walk at Sam A. Baker State Park.
Edible plants surround us in nature and many can serve as a tasty snack or side dish. Join a park naturalist to learn about some of these “wild edibles” during a leisurely stroll on Shut-Ins Trail. The naturalist will discuss some of the dietary and medicinal uses of plants, as well as how to identify them and some folklore. However, no plants will be picked or collected and participants are expected to stay on the trail. Participants should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead across from the park store at 5580 State Highway 143 near Patterson.
- Saturdays, April 26 and May 24 at 8:30 p.m. – Starry Sky Nights at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Join the park team in front of the visitor center at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg, to view the unobstructed night sky and learn about some of the celestial objects that can be seen. Astronomy experts will demonstrate the use of telescopes and identify stars and planets. These programs are subject to rescheduling due to poor viewing conditions. Interested parties are encouraged to register online at icampmo.com to receive updates about the programs.
- Saturday, May 3 at 11 a.m. – Children’s Day at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site.
Children of all ages are invited to Children’s Day where they will have the opportunity to learn what life was like in the 1860s by participating in common chores and games of the time period, including washing clothes with a washboard, dipping candles, making rag dolls, walking on stilts and more. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. In the case of inclement weather, the event will be canceled. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is located at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid.
- Thursday, May 8 at 6 p.m. – Women Outdoors: Birding 101 at Echo Bluff State Park.
Birding is a year-round activity that is enjoyed by thousands and you're invited to join in the fun. Binoculars and field guides will be available, but you are welcome to bring your own. This hands-on class is taught by women for women. Participation is restricted to women ages 16 and older. There is a limit of 15 participants per class, and registration is required. To register, contact Connie at 573-751-1224 or connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. Participants should meet at Bluff Top Pavilion located at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive near Eminence.
- Saturday, May 10 at 9 a.m. – Old Mill Day at Montauk State Park.
Come out to Montauk State Park Saturday, May 10, for our annual Old Mill Day event to celebrate Montauk Mill and traditional Ozark life. Due to flood damage and ongoing repairs, the mill will likely not be open for tours during the event. However, there will be a variety of other activities throughout the day. These will include living history performances, historical skill demonstrations, an arts and crafts fair with items available for purchase, walking tours, and hands-on crafts and games for all ages. All activities will take place around the mill. Admission to the event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Montauk State Park is located at 345 County Road 6670 near Salem.
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.
