Release Date
JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MARCH 26, 2025 – Spring at Missouri’s state parks and historic sites provides something for everyone. From salve-making to cave tours, there’s bound to be something that fits your interest.
- Thursday, April 10 at 6 p.m. – Women Outdoors: Salve-Making at Echo Bluff State Park.
Women Outdoors classes are once again on the agenda this spring at Echo Bluff State Park. This hands-on class is taught by women for women ages 16 and older. Women will learn how to make salves using tallow and herbs for skin care. There is a limit of 15 participants. Registration is required and can be completed by calling 573-751-1224 or emailing connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. This free event is open to the public and takes place at the Shannodale Fire Tower Classroom at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.
- Saturday, April 12 at 8:30 a.m. – Keep Baker Beautiful Day at Sam A. Baker State Park.
Sam A. Baker State Park invites you to help get the park ready for the upcoming visitation season. The 32nd annual Keep Baker Beautiful Day will take place Saturday, April 12, from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. This special event not only commemorates Earth Day but also allows the public to enjoy the outdoors and help beautify the park. There will be assignments for all ages. Mulching, gardening and litter patrol are just a few of the projects planned for the day. All are welcome and service projects will be matched to the age and ability of the volunteers. A crew leader from the park will lead each group through its assigned service. Registration is required and must be completed by April 8 by calling 573-856-4514. A free picnic lunch will be provided. Participants are encouraged to bring drinking water and a pair of work gloves, wear closed-toed shoes, and dress for the weather. Volunteers should meet at Shelter #1. Sam A. Baker State Park is located on Highway 143, about 4 miles north of Patterson.
- Sunday, April 13 at 10:30 a.m. and again at 1:30 p.m. – Onondaga Cave Photo Tours at Onondaga Cave State Park.
Amateur photographers are invited to join the park team on a photo tour of Onondaga Cave. Sponsored by the Onondaga Friends Association, these extended tours include extra time for photographs to be taken at specific locations along the tour route. Each tour begins at the visitor center and will last two to 2 ½ hours. Cave tour fees will apply. Conditions in the cave include limited lighting, concrete walkways, metal handrails, a cool 57-degree temperature year-round and high humidity nearing 100%. Participants should dress warmly, wear closed-toe shoes and bring their own photography equipment. There is a maximum of 30 participants per tour. Advance registration is preferred and can be completed by calling 573-522-1860. Onondaga Cave State Park is located at 7556 Highway H in Leasburg.
- Friday, April 18 at 10 a.m. – Nature Journaling Workshop: This and That at Echo Bluff State Park.
Echo Bluff State Park is kicking off its series of nature journaling workshops that will revisit some tried-and-true methods of nature journaling as well as introduce new ideas to keep journals fresh and interesting. Register today at 573-751-1224 or by emailing connie.weber@dnr.mo.gov. Participants will do several things that will keep them journaling every day of the year, including making a calendar and phenology wheel. They will also play with print fonts and engage in other activities. Meet at the Terrapin Station Shelter for this free class at 35244 Echo Bluff Drive in Eminence.
- Saturday, April 19 at 10 a.m. – Wildflower Walk at Sam A. Baker State Park.
The St. Francois Mountains are coming alive with vibrant color and beauty. Join a park naturalist for a leisurely stroll along the popular Shut-Ins Trail while learning about the many types of wildflowers and how to identify them. Participants should meet at the Mudlick Trail trailhead across the road from the park store. This event is free and open to the public, but is not recommended for small children. Sam A. Baker State Park is located at 5580 State Highway 143 outside of Patterson.
- Saturday, April 19 at 11 a.m. – Easter Egg Hunt at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site.
Children up to age 10 are invited to hunt for more than 1,500 candy-filled eggs at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site Saturday, April 19. Children will be divided into four age groups during the hunt, and prizes will be awarded following it. The event is free, open to the public and registration is not required. Participants should bring their own egg basket or bag. The hunt will take place at 312 Dawson Road in New Madrid.
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.
