Prairie State Park

Bison, preserved prairieland, wildflowers, and elk sightings. There’s a lot to love about Prairie State Park, one of Missouri’s last preserved areas of those gorgeous fields of tall grass! These 65,000 acres are something you must see at least once in your life, especially at sunset when the breeze turns the whole prairieland bright gold. To get up close and personal with this incredible landscape, hike one of the many old paths that settlers used to get through the prairie, like the Sandstone Trail. You’re bound to see buffalo, prairie birds, white-tailed deer, endangered butterflies, and badgers. Try to spot one of each! There’s even more to love about this piece of nature. There are quaint spots over a footbridge at which to have a streamside picnic, there are uncrowded, shady campsites for backpackers, and tons of local programs are offered throughout the year. Make a checklist of birds and wildflowers and start markin’ them off as you roam these beautiful prairies!