Celebrate opening of new accessible fishing dock at Cuivre River State Park Oct. 29

(Photo credit: Wikipedia)

The public is invited to celebrate the opening of a new accessible fishing dock at Cuivre River State Park onWednesday, Oct. 29. Sponsored by Missouri State Parks, participants will have the opportunity to try their luck fishing in the 55-acre Lake Lincoln using the new, recently completed fishing dock. The project was made possible thanks to a generous donation by Toyota Bodine located in Troy, Mo.

At 2 p.m., visitors can attend a dedication ceremony that will be held at the park boat ramp, near the new fishing dock. At 2:30 p.m., visitors are encouraged to try their luck at fishing using the new dock. Park staff will be on hand to provide assistance. If you plan to fish, please make sure that you have a current fishing permit and your own equipment. This program is free of charge and open to the public.

Cuivre River State Park is located on Highway 147, just 3 miles east of the Troy/Highway 61 exit. For information about the event, call the park at 636‑528‑7247. For information about 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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Outdoor adventures await in Missouri State Parks

Limestone Cliff Overlooking Valley of Missouri River (Photo credit: ConanTheLibrarian)

With summer around the corner, there are plenty of opportunities to get outside and enjoy nature in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.  Spending a night under the stars, hitting the trails and enjoying a day on the water are all options for guests enjoying Missouri State Parks.  

“Whether your family has a tradition of enjoying the outdoors, or you have yet to explore the natural wonders on display in our state parks, I’d like to invite all our guests to try a fun new activity in Missouri State Parks,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks. “It’s a great time to try kayaking, enjoy s’mores around the campfire or simply visit a park you’ve never experienced before.”

While planning a trip to a state park or historic site, guests can view parks by region and by activities available at mostateparks.com/find-a-park. Trail options, lodging opportunities and fishing types are among the topics users can select to find the perfect location for their next state park visit. 

Many state parks are located on lakes and offer easy access to water activities at Lake of the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake, Stockton Lake, Pomme de Terre Lake, Truman Lake, Long Branch Lake, Mark Twain Lake and Lake Wappapello.  Guests interested in kayaking can take advantage of two new water trails at Stockton State Park near Stockton and Finger Lakes State Park north of Columbia. 

State park campgrounds offer a variety of amenities ranging from basic campsites for tent campers to campsites with sewer/electric/water hookups for recreational vehicles. Campgrounds offer hot showers, laundry facilities, dump stations and other amenities. Campsites are available on a first-come, first-served basis or can be reserved in advance.  Starting at noon on May 23, campers can enjoy the re-opened campgrounds at Big Lake State Park in northwest Missouri and Viney Creek Recreation Area in southwest Missouri. 

In 2013, Missouri was named the best trails state in the nation by American Trails, a national, nonprofit organization working on behalf of the nation’s hiking, biking and riding trails.  Missouri State Parks includes nearly 1,000 miles of trails for guests to discover and is proclaiming 2014 the “Year of the Trail”.  The celebration includes trail-related special events and programs as well as a new GeoChallenge on the Missouri State Parks mobile app that challenges guests to navigate to trailheads in state parks and historic sites. 

In March, Gov. Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon launched the second year of the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge. The challenge encourages Missourians to complete “100 Missouri Miles” of physical activity by walking, running, biking, rolling, paddling or hiking throughout Missouri, including Missouri’s state parks. To sign up for the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge and begin logging miles, or to continue an existing account, visit 100MissouriMiles.com.

From nature programs to guided hikes, guests can also enjoy upcoming special events taking place day-to-day in Missouri State Parks.  On June 7, family-friendly activities throughout parks and historic sites will mark the country’s largest celebration of trails, National Trails Day.  On June 28, guests will join thousands of people across the nation for the Great American Backyard Campout.   

For more information on Missouri state parks and historic sites, to find a special event near you, or to make a camping reservation, go to mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Families chosen for Learn2Camp Program in Missouri State Parks

Aerial view of Thousand Hills State Park (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Forty-one lucky families are getting ready to begin a new adventure – discovering the great outdoors by camping in a Missouri state park.

The families were chosen to participate in the Learn2 Camp Program, a joint partnership between Missouri State Parks and The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program. The winning families were chosen from essays they submitted explaining why they wanted to learn to camp.

“The winning essays are awesome! It’s exciting to see how eager these families are to learn about camping. It makes us even more eager to share our expertise so that every family can have a great camping experience in a state park,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

The 41 families, including 78 adults and 116 children, will attend one of five Learn2 Camp workshops throughout June in a Missouri state park. Workshops will be held June 2 at Watkins Woolen Mill State Park near Lawson, June 9 at Sam A. Baker State Park near Patterson, June 16 at Stockton State Park near Stockton; June 23 at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park at Wildwood; and June 30 at Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville.

For the Learn2 Camp Program, Missouri State Parks supplies the camping equipment, provided in part by The North Face; the instructors to teach basic camping skills; a campsite in a state park campground; recipes for meals; and a list of things to bring. Each family is asked to bring food for meals; bedding; personal items; and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

The Learn2 Camp Program is the first in a series of Learn2 programs being sponsored by Missouri State Parks this summer. In July, free kayaking instruction is being offered in the Learn2 Paddle Program. For more information on this program, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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Celebrate National Trail Day with two new Missouri State Park Trails

The Meramec River flowing through Castlewood State Park near St. Louis (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Celebrate National Trail Day by walking two new trails and experiencing both history and nature in Missouri state parks and historic sites.
On Friday, June 1, Missouri State Parks officials will dedicate the new Brogans’ Trail at Fort Davidson State Historic Site in Pilot Knob. The 1 p.m. ceremony will officially open the historic site’s first hiking trail and kick off National Trail Day activities.
Brogans’ Trail is a relatively flat one-half mile loop that leads visitors from a new parking lot on the east branch of Knob Creek along the east side of the Battle of Pilot Knob battlefield. The ribbon-cutting ceremony will be at the parking lot on Industrial Drive in Pilot Knob and the public is invited to attend.
The trail is named for the shoes worn by most Civil War soldiers on both sides of the conflict. A brogan was a heavy laced, usually ankle-high shoe that had the sole attached to the upper part by wooden pegs. The wooden pegs would swell when wet and shrink when dried, causing Brogans to be repaired quite frequently.

On Saturday, June 2, the Vilander Bluff Trail along the Meramec River in Onondaga Cave State Park will officially open at 9 a.m. The 1.5-mile natural surface loop trail traverses through the Vilander Bluff Natural Area, providing the first trail access to the 206-acre natural area. The natural area’s namesake is the highest bluff along the Meramec River and is known for ancient eastern red cedars – some 300-500 years old -- that grow out of the rocks along the bluff. The trail was built and is maintained by the Miramiguoa Chapter of Missouri Master Naturalists from Franklin County.
"Missouri state parks and historic sites have more than 230 trails and these two trails illustrate how diverse our trail system is. There’s truly a trail for everyone, whether you’re looking for great recreation, windows into nature or stories about our history,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
 The new trails are only two options for celebrating National Trail Day. Another option is a guided hike on the Umber Ridge Trail at Stockton State Park near Stockton. The 1.75-mile hike will begin at 9 a.m. and travel through the wooded landscape along the shores of Stockton Lake.
“All trails provide endless opportunities to celebrate National Trail Day on June 2 and kick off the entire month of June as Great Outdoors Month,” Bryan said.
 Fort Davidson State Historic Site, the site of the Battle of Pilot Knob in 1864, is located on Highway 221 in Pilot Knob. To reach the Brogans’ Trail lot, turn from Hwy. 221 (South McCune) onto Industrial Drive. Drive about one-half mile and the parking lot is on the left prior to reaching railroad tracks. The trail will be open during normal site hours, sunrise to sunset daily. For more information about the event or the trail, contact Fort Davidson State Historic Site at 573-546-3454.

Onondaga Cave State Park is located four miles east of Leasburg on Highway H in Crawford County (exit 214 off Interstate 44). A new parking lot for the natural area is 1.4 miles down Thickety Ford Road, east of Highway N and south of Meramec River’s Campbell Bridge Crossing. The river bridge on Highway N is approximately five miles south of Bourbon. For more information about the event, contact the park at 573-245-6576.
 Stockton State Park is located south of Stockton on Highway 215. The Umber Ridge Trailhead is located on the beach road .5 miles north of the state park office. For more information about the hike, contact the park directly at 417-276-4259.

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MO State Parks Offers Camping Tips for State Parks

 (Photo credit: Wikipedia)

Do you want to learn the joys of camping in the great outdoors but don’t know where to begin? Missouri State Parks has the perfect program for you.

Missouri State Parks is teaming up with The North Face’s Explore Your Parks Program this summer to teach families how to have an enjoyable and safe camping experience in its Learn2 Camp program.  Some families may want to go camping but are uncertain how and what equipment is needed. The new Learn2 Camp Program answers all those questions with camping experts who will lend a hand with every aspect of the adventure.

This summer, 40 families will have the opportunity to participate in the program, which will be held at five different Missouri state parks during June. Workshops will be held at the following locations:

• June 2 – Watkins Woolen Mill State Park, Lawson.
• June 9 – Sam A. Baker State Park, Patterson.
• June 16 – Stockton State Park, Stockton.
• June 23 – Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park, Wildwood.
• June 30 – Thousand Hills State Park, Kirksville.

“It’s hard to imagine an activity that brings families together better than camping,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Our goal is to help everyone become more familiar with camping so they too can enjoy this great experience,” he said.
 In the Learn2 Camp program, Missouri State Parks will supply the camping equipment, instructors to teach basic camping skills, a campsite in a state park campground, recipes and a list of things you should bring. Each lucky camping family should bring food for meals, bedding, personal items such as soap, etc., and a willingness to learn and discover the outdoors.

To become one of the lucky families, tell us why your family wants to learn to camp in 500 words or less. Also, select your first and second choices for the Learn2 Camp program locations and dates. Application deadline is 5 p.m. May 11 and the winners will be notified by Tuesday, May 15.
A family group is considered up to six people, with at least one person 18 years of age or older. Please include adequate adult supervision for children to ensure the program can be educational and enjoyable for everyone.

To apply to be a lucky Learn2 Camp program family or for more information on the program, go to mostateparks/learn2camp. To learn more about the parks where the programs will be held or all state park campgrounds, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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American Sailing Association recognizes Stockton State Park Marina Sailing School

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Feb. 28, 2012 – The American Sailing Association recognized the Stockton State Park Marina Sailing School as one of the top 20 schools for sailing instruction in 2011. This marks the third year in a row that the sailing school has received this designation.

“For the third year running, the American Sailing Association recognized the top-notch Stockton State Park Marina Sailing School,” said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources. “Missouri State Parks is proud to offer this activity as another way to experience the Missouri outdoors.”

The sailing school was started in 2005 and has taught 241 students, awarding 383 certifications. Students are eligible to receive multiple certifications at the time of their lesson. Stockton State Park Marina Sailing School offers classes May to October, during the week and on weekends. Classes are offered to groups of up to six people, as well as individual instruction. Classes offered include the American Sailing Association 101, 103, 104 and 105.

Special promotion offers free breakfast at 11 Missouri state parks

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 JEFFERSON CITY, Mo., Sept. 21, 2011 -- Eating breakfast in the great outdoors always makes food taste better and Missouri State Parks is giving campers a great breakfast on Sept. 24. With Bed and Breakfast in Missouri State Parks, those who camp Friday evening Sept. 23 in 11 selected state parks will receive a free breakfast on Saturday morning, Sept. 24.

            State parks participating in the free breakfast promotion include Crowder State Park near Trenton; Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster; Lake Wappapello State Park north of Poplar Bluff; Pomme de Terre State Park near Pittsburg; Robertsville State Park near Robertsville; Stockton State Park near Stockton; Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville; Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson; Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw; Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville; and Wakonda State Park near La Grange.

            Breakfasts will vary from park to park but will include such favorites as biscuits and gravy, pancakes and sausages, French toast, Dutch oven egg casseroles, doughnuts, fruit, coffee and juice. Times will vary between 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. and locations will range from the campground amphitheater to the dining lodge. The breakfasts will be offered free of charge to registered campers. Lodging guests at Stockton, Thousand Hills and Mark Twain state parks also are invited to participate in the breakfasts.

            More details will be posted in the individual parks and campgrounds or may be found at mostateparks.com. For more information, call the individual parks or call the Missouri Department of Natural Resources toll free at 800-334-6946 (voice) or 800-379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf).

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“Wednesdays @ 1” programs featured at the Missouri State Museum

JEFFERSON CITY, MO., SEPT. 8, 2011- Join staff of the Missouri State Museum in the state Capitol each Wednesday at 1 p.m. for a continuing series of interactive programs exploring various aspects of Missouri’s cultural and natural history. The “Wednesdays @ 1” programs continue through September and October. Although the main audience is children age 6-12 years, the programs will appeal to all ages.

·        Sept. 14- Birds of prey

            Totally different from songbirds, hawks and owls have the tools to be natural hunters.

·        Sept. 21- Meet a Frontiersman

            Discover how a “real” frontiersman lived using the resources he found around him.

·        Sept. 28 - Drums of the Civil War

            There are many stories about the young drummer boys of the Civil War but the real story             is the drum itself.

·        Oct.  5 - Bear Aware

            Black bears are a historic part of Missouri’s landscape with healthy populations of bears in some of the state’s wild areas. Should we really fear them?

·        Oct. 12 - Songs of the Civil War

            Songs and music were very important to Civil War soldiers. Learn some new songs and    how to play some musical instruments of the time.

·        Oct. 19 - Bats of Missouri

            Myths and stories surround bats but the truth about these tiny mammals can be even       stranger!

·        Oct. 26- Fossils

            Find out about fossils and how they can be identified.

The Missouri State Museum is open from 8  a.m. to 5 p.m. and is located inside the Missouri State Capitol at 201 W. Capitol Avenue. Programs will take place in the Education Room of the History Hall on the first floor. 

For more information, contact the museum at 573-751-2854 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.

Weekend promotes camping in Missouri state parks

Image via Wikipedia
 JEFFERSON CITY, MO., AUG. 16, 2011 -- Summer is not over yet and a family camping trip to a Missouri state park is a great way to celebrate the season.

            On Aug. 26-28, anyone who camps two nights in any of 10 selected state park campgrounds will receive a coupon for a free night of camping on their next visit to any Missouri state park campground. The coupon can be redeemed for a campsite of the same type (basic, electric, electric-water or full-hookup) or may be upgraded for an additional fee. The promotional coupon is good for one year from the date of purchase.
 
             State parks participating in the promotion include Stockton State Park near Stockton; Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage; Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw; Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville; Wakonda State Park near La Grange; Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville; Trail of Tears State Park near Jackson; Lake Wappapello State Park near Williamsville; Robertsville State Park near Robertsville; and Knob Noster State Park near Knob Noster.

            "There's plenty of time to make more camping memories with your family and friends. Camping in a Missouri state park campground is a great value and this special promotion offers an awesome opportunity to relax and enjoy the outdoors in state parks," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources.

            Campgrounds at all 10 state parks offer both basic and electric campsites and a few also offer electric-water or full-hookup sites. Sites may be reserved in advance or obtained on a first-come, first-served basis.  The campgrounds offer modern showers and other conveniences and all parks offer other activities, such as water recreation, picnic sites and trails.

            For more information on Missouri state parks, 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.

Special opportunities add adventure to camping weekends in Missouri state parks

Image via Wikipedia JEFFERSON CITY, MO., JULY 18, 2011 -- Are you looking for something new and special to add to your next camping adventure? Show-Me WOW Weekends will definitely add a WOW factor to your camping trip to Missouri state parks.

            Registered campers in seven state parks will have an added bonus during special weekends with programs to learn a new activity or enjoy a familiar one with friends and family. Activities include archery, bank fishing, kayaking, hiking, Dutch oven cooking, geocaching and more. These programs will provide even more ways to enjoy and appreciate the great outdoors.

            Show-Me WOW Weekends will be held Saturday, July 23 at Harry S Truman State Park near Warsaw, Stockton State Park near Dadeville and Wakonda State Park near La Grange; Saturday, July 30 at Mark Twain State Park near Stoutsville and Robertsville State Park near Robertsvillle; and Saturday, Aug. 6 at Pomme de Terre State Park near Hermitage and Pittsburg, and Thousand Hills State Park near Kirksville.

            "These programs will add a bonus to your camping experience, whether your idea of a weekend camping trip is a relaxing getaway or an exciting new adventure,"  said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.        The programs will be offered free of charge to registered campers. Lodging guests at Stockton, Thousand Hills and Mark Twain state parks also are invited to participate in these events.

            Campers who are interested in participating should sign up at the park from 5 to 9 p.m. on Friday or 8 to 10 a.m. on Saturday. All participating parks offer both basic campsites and those with electrical hookups. All regular camping fees apply to campers during the special weekends.

            For details on specific programs and times at participating state parks, contact 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.