Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than one percent remains, much of it preserved at Prairie State Park. Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and ever-changing wildflowers. They also may spot an elk or the park’s resident bison herd.
During any season, visitors can experience prairie life by hiking one of the park’s trails. Visitors can take a short hike or reserve the park’s backpacking camp and sleep under the vast prairie sky. With more than 150 bird species, some of which are rare and endangered, bird watching is a favorite activity. The trails also provide a great place for nature study, photography, and viewing wildflowers and wildlife. The park also has a picnic area and limited camping. Potable water is available on the south side of the shop building before you enter the camping and picnicking area.
The park’s Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center features exhibits that interpret the tallgrass prairie, such as a diorama depicting the prairie from spring to fall, a bison exhibit and interactive activities. Park naturalists conduct programs that interpret prairie life and stress the importance of preserving this rare and sweeping historic landscape.
Contact Information
128 NW 150th Lane
Mindenmines, MO 64769
Phone: 417-843-6711
Location Type
Interpretive Signs
Natural Area
Site Info
Hiking Trails
Restrooms
Wheel Chair Accessible
