The state of Missouri and its principal river were both named after a tribe of Native Americans, known by the French explorers as the 'Oumessourit' or Missouri Indians, that once lived in the area of Van Meter State Park. Today, the park provides outdoor recreational opportunities and interprets the ........more >

If you enjoy the easygoing serenity of a quiet village, then Arrow Rock is the place for you. Once a thriving riverport, the town is dotted with architectural treasures from the past. Limestone gutters of carefully carved blocks line the main street, marking the toil of earlier generations. Wooden sidewalks ........more >

Boating, fishing and abundant waterfowl have made Big Lake State Park one of northwest Missouri's most popular outdoor recreation areas. The park is located on Missouri's largest oxbow lake, which was formed by the Missouri River before its course was controlled by channelization. Located just off ........more >

The Conservation Department created this area in 1968 with the purchase of 1,024 acres from several landowners. Later acquisitions of 924 acres have increased the area's current size. This conservation area was acquired in part through the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act administered by ........more >

In 1804, Lewis and Clark reported the presence of many saltwater springs in the area that now comprises Howard, Cooper and Saline counties. The largest of these salt springs was the Boone's Lick. The area around this spring was ideal for settlement and for many years Boone's Lick Country was a primary ........more >

The rolling green hills and deep ravines of Crowder State Park provide 1,912 user-friendly acres where visitors can camp, picnic, hike - or just take it easy. The camping area includes modern restrooms and showers, a dumping station and a laundromat. Picnic sites are located throughout the park and ........more >

Lake Paho Conservation Area is in central Mercer County. The Conservation Department, assisted by a financial commitment from residents of Mercer and surrounding counties, built Lake Paho in the late 1940s. The lake was opened to public fishing in 1951. The area is rich in Native American history, ........more >

Lewis and Clark State Park is a 621-acre camping park situated in one of the last major stands of old-growth forest in the state. Coniferous trees, streams, wetlands and dense vegetation comprise the park environment. ........more >

The outstanding features of what is now Pershing State Park attracted Gen. John J. Pershing during his boyhood years and continue to attract visitors to the park today. A hike down the 1.5-mile boardwalk or 6.5-mile Riparian Trail allows visitors to glimpse a slice of presettlement Missouri. Visitors ........more >

Approximately 25 miles west of the Pony Express Conservation Area on the Missouri River is the original site of a settlement known as Blacksnake Hills, later to become the city of St. Joseph, where the Pony Express mail service began in 1860. In addition to providing public fishing and wildlife-based ........more >

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Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is located in northwestern Missouri within the historic Missouri River floodplain. The 7,350-acre refuge was established in 1935 as a resting, feeding, and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. Many of the original facilities were built by the Civilian ........more >

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge was established by Executive Order 7563 on February 27, 1937. Purchase of 10,670 acres began at that time. Following purchase of land, the Civilian Conservation Corps began work on the refuge creating wetlands, constructing roads and buildings, and initiating the refuge ........more >

Swan Lake Refuge is managed as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife. The purposes of the refuge are 1 to act as a refuge and breeding ground for migratory birds and other wildlife 2 for use as an inviolate sanctuary, or for any other management purpose, for migratory ........more >

The feature attraction at Wallace State Park is peace and quiet Located amid the rolling farmland of northwest Missouri, and less than an hour from Kansas City, this 501-acre, wooded park offers recreation and relaxation. For recreation, visitors can fish or swim in the park's six-acre lake or exercise ........more >

It took Waltus Watkins nearly half a century to build his home estate and small community. Included in the 3,600 acres was an elegant home, three-story woolen mill, fruit-drying shed, smokehouse, brick kiln, sawmill, gristmill and acres of well tended orchards and croplands. A brick schoolhouse and ........more >

Catch a glimpse of the Missouri River and enjoy natures sites and sounds just minutes from the hustle and bustle of the Kansas City metropolitan area at Weston Bend State Park. Located on the Missouri River, the once-thriving town of Weston can credit its early success to tobacco growing and trade. ........more >

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