Events
Events
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Where the Wildflowers Are Hike
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157, Kirksville, MO, United StatesExperience the beauty of wildflowers in bloom during this 1-mile guided hike on Red Bud Trail. We won't see all 1,500 of Missouri's wildflower species, but participants will leave this […]
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Guided Hike of Red Bud Trail
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157, Kirksville, MO, United StatesThe forest of Thousand Hills is a never-ending story where every plant, animal and person has a part to play. Join park staff for a guided hike along Red Bud Trail to uncover more of this story. This event is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Participants should […]
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History Hike
Thousand Hills State Park 20431 State Highway 157, Kirksville, MO, United StatesJoin us for a leisurely guided hike on a portion of Carolyn Bagley Harding Trail. We will meet by the bulletin board at the parking lot between the restaurant and the cabins and then hike to the petroglyph shelter and back. We will stop at various points along the way to discuss the history of […]
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Guided Bison Saunter
Prairie State Park 128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines, MO, United States3/7/2026 | Prairie State Park | Mindenmines, MO Prairie State Park will host a guided bison saunter starting at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 1 p.m. “What is a saunter?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at […]
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Full Moon Hike
8/9/2025 | Stockton State Park | Dadeville, MO Join representatives from Stockton State Park and the Stockton Trails Initiative Coalition for a night hike under the full moon. This guided […]
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Photo Contest Exhibit Opening Reception
Missouri State Museum/Jefferson Landing State Historic Site First Floor, State Capitol, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO, United States3/9/2026 | Missouri State Museum | Jefferson City, Mo. Celebrate the winners of the 2025 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Photo Contest at an opening reception for an exhibit featuring contest photographs. The exhibit includes the the top four photographs in three categories: Natural Resources, Unique Places, and People Enjoying Missouri Outdoors. MoDNR hosts a […]
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Toddler Thursday: Maple Trees
Mastodon State Historic Site 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial, MO, United StatesCome learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Our Toddler Thursday programs are designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. Each session focuses on a different topic and includes story time and a craft. These free programs are offered every other Thursday, excluding holidays. There is no need to register; just show up at […]
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Toddler Thursday: Bats
Mastodon State Historic Site 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, Imperial, MO, United States3/12/2026 | Mastodon State Historic Site | Imperial, MO. Come learn, create and play at Mastodon State Historic Site! Our Toddler Thursday programs are designed for toddlers and their grown-ups. Each session focuses on a different topic and includes story time and a craft. These free programs are offered every other Thursday. There is no […]
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Frog Call Survey
Knob Noster State Park 873 SE 10, Knob Noster, MO, United States3/12/2026 | Knob Noster State Park | Knob Noster, MO. Visit Knob Noster State Park to learn how to identify different types of frog calls at this citizen science program. After an overview of frog calls at the visitor center, we will go out to our lakes to count the number of different types of […]
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Basket Weaving Classes: Shaker Tape Tote
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site 200 S. Main St., St. Charles,, MO, United States3/13/2026 to 3/15/2026| First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site | St. Charles, MO. Join staff members at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site to make a beautiful handcrafted basket. This event is part of an ongoing series of basket weaving classes held at the site. Each class takes place in the interpretive center […]
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Toddler Tuesday
Crowder State Park 76 NW Highway 128, Trenton, MO, United States3/17/2026 | Crowder State Park | Trenton, MO Looking for a fun activity for your children? Bring your toddlers and other preschool-aged children to the park for one or more of our Toddler Tuesday programs. The spring 2026 programs will be offered each Tuesday from March 17 through the end of April. There will be […]
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Stream Monitoring Blitz
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park 5901 S. Highway 163, Columbia,, MO, United States3/21/2026 | Rock Bridge Memorial State Park | Columbia, Mo. Rock Bridge will host its spring 2026 Stream Monitoring Blitz on Saturday, March 21. Everyone age 6 or older is invited to participate in this ongoing citizen science project for the Bonne Femme watershed. Participants will catch aquatic animals, conduct chemical tests to evaluate water quality, and […]
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Recurring Special Events Throughout Missouri State Parks
First Day Hikes
Celebrate the beginning of 2026 by taking a guided hike in a Missouri state park or historic site on Jan. 1. Start a new tradition with your friends and family as you get some healthy exercise and enjoy the great outdoors.
Public Meetings
As part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to allow citizen input regarding the facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites, public meetings will be held throughout 2026. Park representatives will provide information on future plans for the facility and answer questions. Visitors are invited to share feedback and suggestions about park services and operations.
Conceptual Development Plan (CDP) Meetings
Conceptual development plans, or CDPs, guide the future use and development at each state park and historic site. CDPs support the mission, purpose and direction of each facility. These long-range plans outline area use, site goals, development objectives, research needs and project phasing while taking into consideration the significant natural, cultural and recreational resources of the park or site.
Managed Deer Hunts
To safely and effectively manage the deer population in some state parks, managed hunts are held in a coordinated effort between the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks and the Missouri Department of Conservation.
National Trails Day
Celebrate National Trails Day by taking a hike on one of the great trails that Missouri State Parks has to offer! Hiking events are happening at state parks and historic sites all over Missouri. Find one near you!
Kids to Parks Day
Organized by the National Parks Trust, Kids to Parks Day is a national day of outdoor play celebrated annually on the third Saturday of May. This initiative connects kids and families with their local, state and national parks and public lands through hundreds of park events that promote discovery and exploration.







