JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 19, 2024 – Beat the late-summer heat and check out some of these activities at state parks and historic sites in the St. Louis region.

  • Wednesdays – Sundays through Sept. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.: The History of Slavery in St. Louis at Felix Vallé Historic Site 
    The History of Slavery in St. Louis exhibit was developed by Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site park staff in consultation with an advisory panel of area historians and educators, and is on loan to the Felix Vallé House State Historic Site from Aug. 1 through Sept. 1. The institution of slavery existed in St. Louis for more than 100 years and when the Civil War broke out, nearly 4,500 Black Americans were enslaved within the city’s limits. Using primary sources, historical artifacts and individual stories of enslavement, this exhibit aims to connect the growth of slavery with the political, economic and social history of the Gateway to the West during the 18th and 19th centuries. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site is located at 200 Merchant St. in Ste. Genevieve.
     
  • Saturday, Aug. 24 at 10 a.m.: Junior Explorers at Mastodon State Historic Site 
    Calling all junior explorers! Join us for outdoor learning and fun! In this free, interpreter-led program, participants will engage in hands-on activities to explore the great outdoors. This program is designed for families with young children and the event will take place entirely outdoors. Participants are encouraged to wear weather-appropriate clothing that they are comfortable getting dirty or wet. Explorers should meet at the playground in the picnic area located at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial.
     
  • Saturday, Aug. 24, 2 – 8 p.m.: MO Streams at Washington State Park 
    Join the team at Washington State Park, located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto, for a fun-filled day learning about Missouri streams.
    • 2 p.m.: Petroglyph Tour at petroglyph site 
      Learn about the Mississippian-era carvings, the culture and community that created them, as well as the possible interpretations. Enjoy a short stroll on a covered walkway with interpretive panels highlighting the cultural features.
    • 4 p.m.: Macroinvertebrate Exploration in the Big River Day-Use Area 
      Explore a little slice of the Big River’s ecosystem as guests look at macroinvertebrates and discuss stream health. Bring sturdy water shoes for wading along the stream bank.
    • 7 p.m.: Stream Bubble at the amphitheater 
      Explore a model of the inside of a Missouri Stream. Complete with imitation algae and cutouts of native fish and crustaceans, this inflatable bubble is an entertaining display for all ages to crawl through!
       
  • Aug. 28 - 31, 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Missouri Becomes a State at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site 
    In August 1821, Missouri officially became a state. That same year, the state seal was designed. All the elements in the design have meaning to the state’s history, as well as the hopes for its future development. Join the team in the Shaw House throughout August to learn the history of the state seal and make your own while supplies last. Dates that the supplies are available are Aug. 21-25 and 28-31. Felix Vallé House State Historic Site is located at 200 Merchant St. in Ste. Genevieve.
     
  • Thursday, Aug. 29 at 10 a.m.: Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site 
    Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Toddler Thursday programs are designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. Each Toddler Thursday focuses on a different topic and includes hands-on activities. Toddler Thursdays take place outside in the field near the museum. Participants should dress for the weather. In the event of inclement weather, including extreme heat, the program will be moved indoors to the museum auditorium. To register, call 636-646-2976. The fun begins at 10 a.m. at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.
     
  • Saturday, Aug. 31, 2 – 8 p.m.: Sweets, Sunsets and Bigfoot Bait at Washington State Park 
    Join park team members for a fun-filled day learning about Washington State Park. Washington State Park is located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto.
    • 2 p.m.: Petroglyph Tours at the petroglyph site 
      Learn about the Mississippian-era carvings, the culture and community that created them, as well as the possible interpretations. Enjoy a short stroll on a covered walkway with interpretive panels highlighting the cultural features.
    • 4 p.m.: Bigfoot Food in the Big River Day-Use Area 
      Have you ever wondered what Bigfoot eats? Join us to make and taste some of his favorite snack!
    • 7 p.m.: Bigfoot Hike at the amphitheater 
      Join the local park ranger as he reveals Bigfoot legends and possible sightings! Search for Bigfoot yourself after the presentation at the group Bigfoot hike.

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.

Group of Jr. Explorers running through tall grass.

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