Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 1, 2026 – Get ready for an action-packed month of activities in northeast Missouri.
- Friday, May 8, at 7 p.m. and Sunday, May 24, at 10 a.m. – Petroglyph Tour at Thousand Hills State Park.
Thousand Hills State Park is home to a collection of rock carvings, or petroglyphs, made by ancestors of today’s Native Americans. Explore the petroglyphs with park staff to learn more about this unique piece of history. The tour will take place at the petroglyph shelter, located next to the beach at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville. - Spring Hikes at Crowder State Park.
Join our team for a guided hike – or more – this spring. The park will offer a hike on each park trail to showcase the beauty and diversity of the park. As participants hike, guides will discuss the spring wildflowers and other plants. There is no need to register, but participants should bring water and wear clothing and footwear that are comfortable and appropriate for the weather. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton.- May 9, at 9 a.m. – South Loop of Thompson River Trail – Join us for this 7-mile hike. Participants should meet in the Equestrian Parking Lot.
- May 16, at 9 a.m. – Connector Trails – This 4.25-mile hike will start at the Campground Amphitheater.
- May 23, at 9 a.m. – River Forks Trail – Meet at the Lake Parking Lot for this 2-mile hike.
- May 30, at 9 a.m. – Tall Oaks Trail – Participants should meet at the Lake Parking Lot for this 3.2-mile hike.
- Friday, May 15, from 1-3 p.m. – Nature Painting Class: Spring Nature at Thousand Hills State Park.
Thousand Hills State Park is hosting a series of nature painting classes led by park staff and volunteers. These classes help participants connect with nature and express their creativity. In each class, participants will learn how to paint a specific nature scene, helping them connect with nature and express their creativity. These programs are free and open to the public. Supplies will be provided, but participants are welcome to bring their own. Space is limited, and you are encouraged to reserve a spot by calling the park office at 660-665-6995. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville. - Friday, May 22, from 9-11 p.m. – Dark Sky Program at Thousand Hills State Park.
Join the park team and representatives from Truman State University at the Point Shelter to explore the stars and sky above you. Telescopes will be set up at the Point Shelter, but guests are welcome to bring telescopes of their own, along with chairs, blankets and binoculars. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville. - Sunday, May 31, at 9 a.m. – Fungal Foray at Thousand Hills State Park.
Come discover the diversity of fungi that exists within Thousand Hills State Park. During this free event, participants will collect fungi specimens and then discuss their findings. The program will be led by Truman State University professor and mycology researcher Bob Johnson. All are welcome to attend. Please bring a basket and dress appropriately for a walk through the woods. Meet at the parking lot just south of the day-use area playground, across from Red Bud Trail. (GPS coordinates: 40.18288, -92.64874). Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
The primary source of funding for the state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding for Missouri's Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds. For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit Upcoming Events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri’s Division of State Parks is part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
