State Parks and National Parks

Knob Noster, which means "our hill," protects an ecological transition zone where prairies and forests meet.

The park staff has been restoring portions of the park to its presettlement condition through controlled burning. Exhibits and displays help visitors understand the dynamic forces that have shaped this landscape over time.

The park also has a year-round park naturalist, an outdoor theater and a visitor center that all contribute to teaching about the area's unique ecology.

Clearfork Creek meanders through the park and nourishes a wide corridor of trees, including several species of oak and hickory, pawpaw, redbud and hackberry.

The Pin Oak Slough Natural Area, a unique wetland along the creek, is home to the elusive pale green orchid.

Several lakes in the park are home to bass, bluegill and channel catfish. Picnic sites are scattered throughout the park, and there are several trails.

A seven-mile trail has been developed for equestrian use and all-terrain bicyclists as well as hikers.

Patient observers may spot white-tailed deer, fox, raccoon, opossum, wild turkey, pileated woodpecker, the eastern bluebird and great blue heron. Whippoorwills and barred owls lull campers to sleep in the wooded campground.

Two group camps may be reserved by nonprofit organizations and include sleeping cabins, a dining lodge and kitchen, modern restrooms, showers, swimming pool and various other outdoor recreation facilities. There is also an equestrian camp.

Photo credits in order: Courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources.