State Parks and National Parks

Prairie State Park

This 4,000-acre park is Missouri's largest remaining contiguous patch of native tallgrass prairie. Once covering more than 13 million acres of the Show Me State, tallgrass prairie now totals only 65,000 acres, mostly in small fragments.

The prairie is an amazingly rich and complex ecosystem, supporting more than 500 species of grass, wildflowers and other plants and a corresponding wealth of animal life. Nearly 30 species are threatened or endangered. Certain animals here are found nowhere else in the state.

More than 150 bird species have been recorded at Prairie, and birdwatching is a major attraction.

Park staffers strive to replicate the natural life cycle of the prairie, including controlled burns and the maintenance of bison and elk herds whose grazing is necessary to its life cycle. Interpretive programs are offered year-round.

More than 12 miles of hiking trails course through much of the park, providing excellent vistas for wildlife viewing. The Gayfeather Trail through the Regal Prairie Natural Area is, under normal circumstances, wheelchair-accessible.

Prairie is primarily a day-use park, but a group camping area and backpacking sites are available by reservation.

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