Showing posts with label Travel and Tourism. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Travel and Tourism. Show all posts

Thursday, June 12, 2014

Wildflower Hike at Prairie State Park June 14

As summer gets started, the prairie is ablaze with color. Join a park naturalist on Saturday, June 14 at 10
a.m. at the Prairie State Park Nature Center in Mindenmines for a walk among green grasses and colorful flowers to learn more about the amazing prairie ecosystem.

It is suggested that visitors dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended as well as insect repellant. The hike will last about two hours covering one and a half to two miles.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane, Mindenmines. For more information about the event, contact Prairie State Park at 417-843-6711. 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.
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Saturday, October 1, 2011

Family Fall Festival planned Oct. 8 at Weston Bend State Park

Pumpkins All in a RowImage by Pen Waggener via Flickr

JEFFERSON CITYMo., SEPT. 27, 2011 -- Bring the entire family to enjoy the wonders of fall in the outdoors at the Family Fall Festival Saturday, Oct. 8 at Weston Bend State Park near Weston. The festival, from 1 to 5 p.m., will be held on the grounds near the park's open shelter. The event is free and open to the public.
            Activities will include old-time blacksmithing, Dutch oven cooking, cider pressing, fall games, pumpkin decorating, nature crafts and activities. At 2 p.m., the World Bird Sanctuary will present a program with live raptors such as hawks and eagles.
            Weston Bend State Park is located at 16600 Hwy. 45 North near Weston in Platte County. For more information, call the park office at 816- 640-5443 or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostate parks.com.

Tuesday, September 20, 2011

Fall Outdoor Discovery Day planned Sept. 24 at Crowder State Park


JEFFERSON CITYMo., SEPT. 15, 2011 – Discover the joys of nature at a Fall Outdoor Discovery Day from noon until 4 p.m. Sept. 24 at Crowder State Park near Trenton. The beach parking lot will be the site for this free special event, which coincides with National Take A Child Outside Week.
During the event, participants of all ages can enjoy nature displays, face painting, nature crafts and outdoor recreation demonstrations such as Dutch oven cooking, archery and fishing. The event is also a great place to watch the annual mountain bike endurance race.
A special treat will be the concert by the musical group Wildheart at noon and 2 p.m. Jan and George Syrigos, both Emmy award-winning educators and entertainers, will capture young audiences with a strong science message exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history. This concert is made possible by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and from local donations. 
The day of outdoor fun and discovery will be a great time to explore Crowder State Park and take your own Children in Nature Challenge. 


Emmy® Award Winning educators and entertainers, Jan & George Syrigos make up the musical group WildHeart.  This duo captures young audiences with a strong science message exploring wildlife, habitats and natural history. 
This concert is made possible by a grant from the Missouri Arts Council and from local donations. 
For more information about Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites, visit the Web at www.mostateparks.com.

Monday, September 5, 2011

Informational meeting planned for Stockton State Park Sept. 10

Stockton Lake and Dam, near Stockton, Missouri...Image via Wikipedia
 JEFFERSON CITYMO., SEPT. 2, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting Saturday, Sept. 10 at Stockton State Park near Dadeville. The meeting will be held at 5 p.m. at the Nyblad Amphitheater, which is located in the east loop of the park’s campground. 
             Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during this informational meeting.  Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operation.
             This public meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.
            Stockton State Park is located south of Stockton on Highway 215 in Cedar County.  Parking for the amphitheater is located at the campground's showerhouse. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 417-276-4259 or by calling the department toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Sunday, September 4, 2011

Beach at Watkins Mill State Park closed due to bacteria levels

Locator Map of Missouri, United StatesImage via Wikipedia
JEFFERSON CITY, MO., Aug. 31, 2011 – The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site was closed today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the Department of Natural Resources’ standard for state park beaches.
            The beach at Watkins Woolen Mill is scheduled to close Sept. 6, which is the end of the recreational season. Therefore, no additional water samples will be collected from the beach and it will remain closed for the season. All other facilities at the park, with the exception of Fox Hunt Picnic Area, are open and available to visitors.
            The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming.
            The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria.
            Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause.
            Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well.
            Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water related to flooding on the Missouri River. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories atmostateparks.com.
            Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless.
            For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com.

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Thursday, September 1, 2011

Informational meeting planned Sept. 3 at Trail of Tears State Park


JEFFERSON CITYMO., AUG. 29, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Sept. 3 at Trail of Tears State park near Jackson The informational meeting will be begin at 3 p.m. at the visitor center and is open to the public.
Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. Recent improvements at the park include repairs to the road leading into the Mississippi River campground and renovations to Lake Boutin’s beach that made it possible to reopen.
 This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.
Trail of Tears State is located is located 10 miles east of Fruitland, off Highway 61 North on Highway 177.  People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling Trail of Tears State Park directly at 573-290-5268 or by calling the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Wednesday, August 31, 2011

Experience late summer wildflower display Sept. 3 at Prairie State Park

Prairie grassesImage via Wikipedia
 JEFFERSON CITYMO., AUG. 29, 2011 - As the tallgrass prairie transitions from summer to fall, it is ablaze with color.  On Sept. 3, experience this color explosion on a wildflower walk at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. The 1.6-mile walk begins at 10 a.m. at the park's nature center and will last approximately two hours.   
            The park naturalist will lead the hike as you walk among the tall grasses and colorful fall flowers to learn more about the prairie ecosystem.  Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants, sturdy shoes and insect repellent are recommended.
             Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. For more details, call PrairieState Park at 417-843-6711 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks, visitmostateparks.com.

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Friday, August 26, 2011

Informational meeting planned Aug. 27 at Pershing State Park

Map of Missouri highlighting Linn CountyImage via Wikipedia
JEFFERSON CITYMo., Aug. 25, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Saturday, Aug. 27, at Pershing State Park near Laclede.  The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the amphitheater at the campground 
Accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations. 
This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.
Pershing State Park is located 18 miles east of Chillicothe or seven miles west ofBrookfield on Highway 36 in Linn County. The park’s campground is located approximately one mile south of Highway 36 on Missouri Route 130.
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park office at 660-963-2299 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Wednesday, August 24, 2011

Beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site reopens


 JEFFERSON CITYMo., Aug. 24, 2011 – The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Parkand State Historic Site reopened today after water samples taken Monday were found to be well within the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ water quality standards for state park beaches.
            With the exception of the beach at Lewis and Clark State Park, which is closed due to flooding, all ofMissouri’s state parks beaches are open to visitors.
            The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming.
            Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the website atmostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well.
            Other facilities at state parks may be unavailable to visitors. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com.
            Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless.
            For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visitmostateparks.com.

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Friday, August 19, 2011

Beach at Watkins Mill State Park closed due to bacteria levels


JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 17, 2011
The swimming beach at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and Historic Site was closed today after water samples taken Monday showed bacteria levels in excess of the Department of Natural Resources’ standard for state park beaches.

The beach will remain closed until sample results indicate the bacteria levels are within the department’s standard for swimming beaches. All other facilities at the park, with the exception of Fox Hunt Picnic Area, are open and available to visitors.

The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks.

The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria.

Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause.

Information about current status of beaches at other parks is available on the Missouri State Parks website at mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well.

Beaches and other facilities at state parks may be unavailable for reasons unrelated to bacteria. Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water related to flooding on the Missouri River. Missouri State Parks maintains a list of alerts and advisories at mostateparks.com.

Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless.

For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visit mostateparks.com.

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Sunday, August 7, 2011

Informational meeting planned Aug. 18 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 5, 2011 -

The public is invited to bring their ideas to a meeting Thursday, Aug. 18 at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park south of Columbia. The meeting will begin at 6 p.m. at the Gilbert picnic shelter, located in the third loop of the day use area of the park.

The informational meeting will address issues related to the state park as well as Jewell Cemetery and Clark’s Hill/Norton state historic sites.  Recent accomplishments and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.

This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

People requiring special services or accommodations to attend can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-449-7402 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf ).  For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Saturday, August 6, 2011

Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park Aug. 19

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 5, 2011 --
The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Friday, Aug. 19, at Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park near Lesterville.  The informational meeting will begin at 5 p.m. at the Black River Center.

Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting.  Visitors are invited to share comments on the park’s services and operations.

This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is located 13 miles south of Pilot Knob on Hwy N.  People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park directly at 573-546-2450 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Saturday, July 16, 2011

Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Arrow Rock State Historic Site July 24

Missouri state parks and historical districts ...Image via Wikipedia
JEFFERSON CITYMO., JULY 14, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Sunday, July 24, at Arrow Rock State Historic Site in Arrow Rock.  The informational meeting will begin at 2 p.m. in the picnic area shelter house.
Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. Discussion items will include the site's conceptual development plan, a long-term planning process that is under way. Other items include the status of the budget and a discussion of the Sappington Negro Cemetery. Visitors are invited to share comments on the Arrow Rock, Sappington Cemetery and Boone’s Lick state historic sites’ services and operations.
This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.
Arrow Rock State Historic Site is located on Highway 41, one half mile south of the town. The picnic shelter is at 39700 Overlook Drive. People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the Arrow Rock State Historic Site at 660-837-3330 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Friday, July 8, 2011

Three state park swimming beaches reopen following low bacteria levels

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 7, 2011 – Swimming beaches at Cuivre River, Finger Lakes and Mark Twain state parks have been reopened after results of water samples taken Tuesday showed bacteria levels had dropped significantly below the department’s acceptable levels for state park beaches.
Even though the bacteria levels at Grand Glaize Beach at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, also known asPublic Beach #2, were minimal, the beach remains closed because the overall geometric mean exceeds the department’s standard for state park beaches. Visitors to the park can still enjoy the park’s Public Beach #1, which is located in Kaiser. All other facilities at Lake of the Ozarks State Park are open and available to visitors.
The water at all designated beaches in the state park system is sampled weekly during the recreational season by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources to determine suitability for swimming. Water quality can be determined to be unsuitable for swimming based on either the single sample taken earlier in the week, or by the geometric mean, which is a mathematical value that takes into consideration results from the current week plus the results taken during the previous weeks.
The sample test results indicate a snap shot of the water quality taken at the beaches at a specific time; however, a single sample does not provide an overall sense of the water quality in the lake where the beach is located. Water samples are taken to check for E. coli, a common indicator species for bacteria.
Higher bacteria levels are often associated with heavy rains that result in runoff from adjacent lands. However, there are a number of possibilities that can contribute to higher bacteria, and chances are no single source is the cause.
Once tests indicate the bacteria levels are within the standard suitable for swimming, the beaches will reopen. Information about current status of beaches is available on the website at bit.ly/MoStateParksBeachStatusas well as mostateparks.com. Signs indicating the status of the beaches are posted at the beaches as well.
The beach at Wakonda State Park is temporarily closed due to earlier storm debris. The public will be notified when the beach is reopened Lewis and Clark State Park, including its beach, is closed because of high water. Most of the other facilities at these parks remain open and available to the public. A list of facility advisories is available at mostateparks.com.
Missouri's state parks and historic sites offer something to suit everyone's taste - outdoor adventure, great scenery and a bit of history. With Missouri’s 85 state parks and historic sites, the possibilities are boundless.
For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites and swimming beaches, visitmostateparks.com.


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Friday, July 1, 2011

Bison hike planned July 9 at Prairie State Park

This is a photo of the Tallgrass Prairie Natur...Image via Wikipedia
JEFFERSON CITYMO., JUNE 29, 2011 – If you are interested in seeing one of the greatest symbols of the vanishing tallgrass prairie, take a guided bison hike July 9 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Join the park naturalist at 10 a.m. for a trip back in time to see bison, one of our most magnificent mammals on its native prairie habitat. The event is free and open to the public. 
During the one hour hike, you will learn about bison biology, Native American uses of the bison, herd dynamics, prairies and much more. Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. Call the park at 417-843-6711 for more details and to register for the hike. For more information on Missouri state parks, call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf), or visitmostateparks.com.

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Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Bring your ideas to an informational meeting at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 28, 2011 -- The public is invited to bring their ideas to an informational meeting on Wednesday, July 6 at the Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson.  The informational meeting will begin at 7 p.m. in the visitor center and museum and the public is invited to attend.
Recent accomplishments at the park and future plans will be highlighted during the informational meeting. These include proposed additional improvements to the bicycle and walking trail. Visitors are invited to share comments on the park's services and operations.
This informational meeting is part of an ongoing effort to ensure citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site is located off Interstate 35, seven miles east of Kearney, off Highway 92 on Highway RA.  
People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 816-580-3387 or by calling the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

Friday, June 24, 2011

Flooding temporarily closes Lewis and Clark State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JUNE 24, 2011 – Lewis and Clark State Park near Rushville in Buchanan County has been closed temporarily because of flooding from rising water levels from the Missouri RiverMissouri State Park officials closed the park today and will continue to evaluate the situation to determine when the park can reopen.
             “We have been watching the water levels and monitoring forecasts to determine if and when water will affect Lewis and Clark State Park,” said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director, a division of the Department of Natural Resources.  "Because of rising water levels in Lewis and Clark Lake, we decided to close the park immediately."   
Although the park had been open for use, staff has been preparing for possible flooding such as removing equipment and other items. Campers have been relocated toWeston Bend State Park and campers with reservations had already been notified that flooding was likely. Because of its location on an oxbow lake near the Missouri River, Lewis and Clark State Park has experienced flooding in the past and has plans in place for how to deal with flooding situations. Staff will continue to monitor the situation and reopen the park when it is safe for visitors to return.
Although Lewis and Clark State Park is temporarily closed, there are other state parks in northwest Missouri that are open for campers and other visitors. These includeWallace State Park near Cameron, Weston Bend State Park near Weston and WatkinsMill State Park and State Historic Site near Lawson. For information about these state parks, visit mostateparks.com.
To check the status of Lewis and Clark State Park or for more information aboutMissouri state parks, go to mostateparks.com or call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (TDD).   

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Tuesday, June 21, 2011

Experience summer's wildflower display July 2 at Prairie State Park

JEFFERSON CITYMO., JUNE 20, 2011 - As summer comes into it glory on the prairie, it is ablaze with color.  On July 2, celebrate the nation's birthday by experiencing summer on the tallgrass prairie at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. The walk begins at 10 a.m. at the park's nature center and will be approximately one hour.
            The park naturalist will lead the hike as you walk among green grasses and colorful flowers to learn more about the amazing prairie ecosystem.  Dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie; long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.
             Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Barton County. For more details, call Prairie State Park at 417-843-6711 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information on Missouri state parks, visit mostateparks.com.

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Sunday, June 19, 2011

Bring your ideas to an open house June 25 at Ha Ha Tonka State Park

JEFFERSON CITYMO., JUNE 15, 2011 – The public is invited to bring their ideas to an open house on Saturday, June 25, at Ha Ha Tonka State Park near Camdenton.  The event, which will also include demonstrations and activities, will start at 1 p.m. at the park visitor center and is open to the public.

 The open house will include demonstration and other family fun activities that are part of our state park’s statewide effort to participate in the National Wildlife Federation’s Great American Backyard Campout and Children in Nature Challenge initiative. Demonstrations include grass weaving, Dutch oven cooking and campfire building. Activities include an orientation program, a chance to look at animal pelts and use animal tracks. Everyone will get to enjoy s’mores around the campfire. 

            During the open house, park staff will highlight recent accomplishments, the success and projects of the State Parks Youth Corps at the park, and future projects.

            The public is invited to share comments and ask questions about the park and its services.  The open house is part of an ongoing effort to ensure the public has input on services provided in state parks and historic sites. 

            Ha Ha Tonka State Park is located five miles southwest of Camdenton off U.S. Highway 54 on Highway D.  People requiring special services or accommodations to attend the meeting can make arrangements by calling the park at 573-346-2986 or the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).  For more information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.

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Saturday, June 18, 2011

Join the fun at the Great American Backyard Campout in Missouri state parks

JEFFERSON CITYMO., JUNE 15, 2011 -- Enjoy a night of old-fashioned fun under the stars with your friends and family June 25 during the Great American Backyard Campout in Missouri state parks.

            The Great American Backyard Campout is a nationwide initiative by the National Wildlife Federation to encourage families and communities to reconnect and experience the outdoors. To help you celebrate, almost 20 Missouri state parks are offering special programs and activities to make this night one to remember.

            "The Great American Backyard Campout is one way we can encourage kids and entire families to get outdoors and experience all the fun you can have in nature. Once you experience a night around the campfire enjoying s'mores, we know you will come back again and again and make it a family tradition," said Bill Bryan, Missouri State Parks director.
            Activities will vary from park to park and programs range from camping and Dutch oven cooking demonstrations to music and storytelling. Programs will appeal to all ages, including kids who may be experiencing nature for the first time. All parks will offer a camping tradition -- sitting around a campfire and making and enjoying s'mores. Some programs are offered for the day and other parks offer overnight camping. Registration is required for some programs so call the individual parks or visit mostateparks.com for more details. 

            Following are the parks and historic sites participating in this year's Great American Backyard Campout.
·        Arrow Rock State Historic Site, Arrow Rock.
·        Sam A. Baker State ParkPiedmont.
·        Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood.
·        Crowder State ParkTrenton.
·        First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, St. Charles.
·        Ha Ha Tonka State Park, Camdenton.
·        Hawn State Park, Ste. Genevieve.
·        Jefferson Landing State Historic Site, Jefferson City.
·        Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park, Middlebrook.
·        Scott Joplin House State Historic Site.
·        Knob Noster State Park, Knob Noster.
·        Meramec State Park, Sullivan.
·        Montauk State ParkSalem.
·        Pomme de Terre State Park, Hermitage.
·        Roaring River State Park, Cassville.
·        Table Rock State Park, Branson.
·        Harry S Truman State ParkWarsaw.

If you are not planning to go to a state park with a special program on June 25, visit any Missouri state park this summer and begin your own campout tradition with family and friends.

            For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, call the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419(Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or visit mostateparks.com.

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