JEFFERSON CITY, MO, FEB. 14, 2024 – If the winter weather has kept you inside, plan now to check out some of these fun outdoor activities planned for Missouri state parks and historic sites in the St. Louis area.

  • Sunday, Feb. 18 at 2 p.m.: Snowflakes and S’mores Hike at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Put your winter knowledge to the test as you complete a snowflake scavenger hunt. An interpreter will guide you along the Spring Branch Trail and give your fist clue. You’ll work as a group to decipher the hints and follow a trail of hidden snowflakes. At the end of the hike, everyone can warm up by the fire and enjoy a tasty s’more. Spring Branch Trail is an 0.8-mile loop with a packed gravel surface. Participants should meet at the trailhead, located near the front of the picnic area at 1800 Seckman Road in Imperial. This free, interpretive program is for all ages, but space is limited, so registration is required and can be submitted by visiting usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Default.aspx and choosing the date. For more information, call the office at 636-464-2976. 
     
  • Monday, Feb. 19 at 2 p.m.: Outside with Technology at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Although we usually don’t associate technology with the outdoors, it’s untrue that they are opposites and don’t belong together. In fact, they can go together very well! In this program for middle schoolers and high schoolers, participants will explore different apps that can complement their outdoor experience. The program will begin inside the historic state museum; if weather permits, it will end with a short hike allowing guests to try some of the technology showcased in the program. Participants should bring their phones and have the following apps installed: iNaturalist, Merlin Bird ID, Stellarium and AllTrails. Those who choose to go on the hike should also wear weather-appropriate clothing. Participation is free and registration is not required, but the program is limited to individuals in middle school or high school and their accompanying adults. Adults must remain on site during the program. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial. 
     
  • Friday, Feb. 23, Saturday, Feb. 24 or Sunday, Feb. 25, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.: Basket Weaving Class: Utensil Caddy Basket at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
    Join team members at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site to make a beautiful handcrafted basket! This event is part of a series of monthly basket weaving classes held at the site. Class size is limited and registration is required, and can be completed by calling 636-940-3322. Cost for this class is $45. Three sessions will be held. All materials are included, but students may wish to bring snacks and a drink. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is located at 200 S. Main St. in St. Charles.
     
  • Saturday, Feb. 24, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.: Celebrate CCC Company 1743 at Washington State Park
    In celebration of Black History Month, Washington State Park will host a free open house in the historic Thunderbird Lodge to honor the contributions of Civilian Conservation Corps Company 1743, the only Black CCC company to work in a Missouri state park. Thunderbird Lodge will be open for public tours and an interpretive display showcasing the park’s CCC history will be set up with staff on hand to discuss the display and learn more about this chapter in the park’s history. For more information, call 636-586-5768. Washington State Park is located at 13041 State Highway 104 in De Soto. 
     
  • Wednesday, Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m.: Interpreter Chats at Mastodon State Historic Site
    Meet the historic site team in the museum auditorium for a lecture titled, “Ornithology: Local Bird Populations.” The lecture begins at 6:30 p.m. and will last approximately 30 to 45 minutes. The program is free and registration is not required. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.
     
  • Thursday, Feb. 29, 10 a.m. – Toddler Thursday at Mastodon State Historic Site 
    Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site. The program, designed for toddlers and their grown-ups, will focus on a craft and activity. This free event takes place in the historic site’s museum auditorium. Registration is appreciated and can be done by visiting icampmo1.usedirect.com/MSPWeb/Activities/Search.aspx or by calling 636-464-2976. Mastodon State Historic Site is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive in Imperial.

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.

Three toddlers sitting on the floor in a spider web taped to the carpet, playing with fake spiders.

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