JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 6, 2025 – Now is a great time to get out and enjoy the spring happenings at Missouri state parks.

  • Friday, May 9, 10 a.m. – Wildflower Walk at Prairie State Park.
    May is a great time to be on the prairie. Green grass is everywhere, and it is dotted with an abundance of wildflowers. Are you curious as to what wildflowers are currently in bloom? Come walk with the park team and find out! Participants will depart from the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. Participants should wear sturdy footwear and bring water, snacks, a hat, insect repellent and sunscreen. May weather can be windy and unpredictable, so be sure to dress for it. This 2-mile walk is open to the public, but registration is required due to limited space. Call 417-843-6711 to sign up. 
     
  • Friday, May 16, at 3 p.m. – Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony and Public Meeting at Bennett Spring State Park.
    The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony for Bennett Spring State Park’s new splash pad and playground at 3 p.m. These new features are located in the grassy area directly south of Campground 1. At 5:30 p.m., the park will host a town hall-style public meeting at the nature center. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the park. The public is encouraged to ask questions and share comments about the park and its operations. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A near Lebanon. 
     
  • Saturday, May 17, at 2 p.m. – “Baptizings” and Tent Meetings: The Religious History of Bennett Spring at Bennett Spring State Park.
    Learn about the spiritual life of Brice, Missouri, a town that was once located in the area that is now occupied by Bennett Spring State Park. Join the park team in the nature center for a presentation about this fascinating piece of Missouri history. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A near Lebanon. 
     
  • Saturday, May 24, at 2 p.m. – Turtles of Missouri at Bennett State Park.
    What turtle species do we have in Missouri? Join the team at the Bennett Spring nature center at 26250 Highway 64A near Lebanon to find out. This free program is open to the public. 
     
  • Saturday, May 24, at 6 p.m. – Concert in the Park: Sucia Rosa Band at Stockton State Park.
    Kick off summer at Stockton State Park with a live concert featuring the Sucia Rosa Band. Bring a lawn chair or blanket and sit back, relax and listen to some great music in the East Campground near the shower house at 19100 S. Highway 215 in Dadeville. The event is free and open to the public. Food will be available for purchase, and donations for the band will be collected.
     
  • Sunday, May 25, and Monday, May 26, at 9 a.m. – Spring Wildflower Hikes at Bennett Spring State Park.
    • Sunday, May 25 – Savanna Ridge Trail
      Meet the park team at the Natural Tunnel/Savanna Ridge trailhead in the park at 26250 Highway 64A in Lebanon to look for spring wildflowers while hiking this 2.5-mile loop. This trail features natural, rocky surfaces and has some steep terrain. Participants should wear sturdy shoes, dress for the weather and bring water.
    • Monday, May 26 – Bridge Trail
      Meet at the nature center to look for spring wildflowers while hiking this 0.7-mile loop. Wear sturdy shoes and dress for the weather. 
       
  • Saturday, May 31, at 2 p.m. – Nature Bingo 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 gives a fact about an animal plant or fungus. Participants will have the opportunity to guess what is being described. When someone fills in 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.

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.

Bennett Spring State Park Splash Pad with fish and animal themed attractions.

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