Santa Claus is coming to Dillard Mill State Historic Site Dec. 15

Missouri State Parks invites you and your family to meet Mr. and Mrs. Claus at Dillard Mill State Historic Site near Davisville on Dec. 15. This event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. and is free and open to the public.
Santa Claus is gearing up for his Christmas deliveries and has contacted Dillard Mill to grind up his special oats for the reindeer. During this time, Santa Claus will be handing out ornaments and candy canes to each child. Staff will be serving hot cocoa and home-baked cookies. Photo opportunities will be available so remember to bring your camera. Also remember to dress in warm clothing.
During this special event, formal tours will not be held. However, visitors will be able to walk through the mill with staff available to answer questions.
Dillard Mill State Historic Site is located five miles west of Viburnum and one mile south of Dillard off of Highway 49 in Crawford County. It is one of Missouri’s best-preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill. The mill, which has been restored to operational order, was built around 1900 and continued to grind grain until the 1960s.
For more information, contact Dillard Mill State Historic Site at 573-244-3120. For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

Get Out and Play! May 14 at Washington State Park

Image via WikipediaJEFFERSON CITY, MO., APRIL 21, 2011 -- Take the opportunity May 14 to "Get Out and Play!" at Washington State Park near De Soto. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, this free event is open to visitors of all ages, and will include family-friendly games, activities and crafts.

During this second annual event, special booths will be set up around the Thunderbird Lodge and in the Big River day-use area from 10 a.m. through 2 p.m. Each booth will feature an activity or subject for visitors to explore and learn more about, including nature crafts, guided petroglyph tours, kite flying, native plants, bird watching, games and much more. Visitors are also encouraged to hike the park's trails, explore the history of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the park, and even wade in the Big River.

Washington State Park is located on State Highway 104 off Highway 21 between De Soto and Potosi. The park offers many amenities, including a campground with basic and electric sites; a showerhouse with laundry facilities; campground programs; a modern pool; cabins with full kitchens; canoe and raft rentals; a camp store and gift shop; 10 miles of hiking trails; and several picnic sites throughout the park.

Missouri state parks and historic sites provide many ways to reconnect with nature and explore the outdoors. For more information, contact Washington State Park at 636-586-2995 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device or the Deaf). For information on state parks and historic sites, go to mostateparks.com.