JEFFERSON CITY, MO, NOV. 17, 2022 – While you may not see Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer at Prairie State Park, you may get a glimpse of the park’s resident bison herd. If seeing bison in their natural habitat is on your Christmas wish list, then you can make that one come true by joining the park team at 1 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 3, for a guided saunter.
Participants will brave the conditions and take a 2-mile hike over uneven terrain to see them. Since the location of the bison is unknown until that day, the park team recommends bringing water and snacks, dressing for the weather and wearing sturdy shoes. Binoculars are also useful for viewing the bison and other wildlife.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, except for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People trails. Bison graze freely in the park and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park’s campground and picnic area, but must follow Missouri State Parks’ pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
Registration is required, and there is a limit of 25 participants. To register, call 417-843-6711. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. Participants should meet at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center.
For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.