State Parks and National Parks

Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park

Babler State Park is located in a transition area between the rugged Ozarks to the south and glacial plains to the north. The parklands are distinguished by deep pockets of loess, a remarkably fertile soil created by ancient windblown dust deposits.

What this means for visitors to the 2,439-acre park is the chance to experience hardwood forests that are unusually large, vigorous and long-lived (some trees are more than a century old).

Two areas within the park, Cochran Woods and the Babler Southwoods Hollow Natural Area, present striking and undisturbed stands of massive oaks, sugar maples, affiliated wildflowers and bird life, notably woodpeckers.

More than 13 miles of hiking and equestrian trails wind through the park, with more under construction. A paved bike trail is nearly two miles long. Guided trail rides on horseback can be arranged at the stable at the park's north end.

About a third of Babler's 77 campsites have electricity.

For more casual users, the park offers a multipurpose sports court, swimming pool and 250 picnic tables.

A special resource at Babler is the Jacob L. Babler Outdoor Education Center. Accommodating up to 150 campers with special needs, the center features cabins, a dining hall, recreation center and swimming, all designed to be as barrier-free as possible.

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