Outdoors

More than 1,100 Civil War battles were fought in Missouri. Our state parks system focuses on six sites. The Battle of Carthage State Historic Site is one not to be missed. There are interpretive displays and a Civil War museum near the square in Carthage, as well as the fields where the battles took place.

Osage Village State Historic Site has a unique part to play in helping Missourians understand their state and the Native people that lived at this site. Visit the Brown Site where a wealth of recovered artifacts now documents the village.

The richly diverse Current River State Park has almost two miles of Current River frontage and a superb trail network. The fishing is abundant and a lazy float down the Current River is a perfect way to spend any day of the week.

After one of the more cataclysmic dam failures in American history, Johnson Shut-Ins State Park has been reborn. The pools and rock slides are perfect for the whole family. There is an abundance of flora and fauna as well as hiking trails and the Black River Center.

Greg and Danita Wood, owners of Missouri Life magazine, take a once in a lifetime horseback riding adventure out West. They headed to the mountains of Wyoming and a horse-riding adventure on the Bitterroot—a working cattle ranch that is nested at 7,200 feet in the Absaroka Mountains.

How do you navigate using stars? What constellations are visible in February? An event this Saturday, February 10, 2024, in Diamond reveals the answers. Explore the night sky with astronomy experts at George Washington Carver National Monument.

At Cuivre River State Park you can take in the sweeping views, set up camp, go swimming and fishing, and visit American Indian campsites and burail grounds. Spend some time at Lincoln Hills Natural Area–the park’s crown jewel.

Pomme de Terre State Park has a lake that offers swimming, skiing, boating, and fishing. Northern muskies have been stocked in the lake and some real lunkers have been caught. The camping is perfect, there are 240 sites to choose from, and there are lots of trails to hike.

Boating, swimming, fishing, hiking, biking, horseback riding trails, and kayaking are one of the many enjoyable things you can do at Crowder State Park. The natural beauty and recreational options will appeal to everyone. Come for the day or stay for a week.

Going outside in any weather is good for mental health. Bundle up and get outdoors at one of these 5 great state parks selected for their extra-rewarding winter experiences.