Adventure awaits at Missouri state parks

Plan your next adventure at a Missouri state park or historic site.

• Saturday, Aug. 15, at 2 p.m. – A Tree’s Life at Bennett Spring State Park.

A tree’s entire life story is hidden within its bark. In this free program, we will look beyond the bark, analyzing a tree cross section, or “tree cookie.” 

Participants will learn how to count tree rings and get a better understanding of a tree’s life. Meet at the nature center at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.

• Saturday, Aug. 22, at 9 a.m. – Learn to Geocache at Stockton State Park.

Maybe you have heard of geocaching, but you don’t really know what it is or how to get started. 

Well, if you enjoy scavenger hunts, walks in the woods or the excitement of finding something cool, this event is for you.

A geocaching expert will introduce you to this activity and will help you locate your first geocache. 

Then, you will have time to find additional geocaches on your own. You will be traversing natural-surface trails and even going off-trail at times. Sturdy shoes and insect repellent are recommended. 

You will also need to bring a smartphone and download the Geocaching app at geocaching.com. Meet at the East Campground showerhouse at Stockton State Park, 19100 S. Highway 215 in Dadeville.

• Friday, Aug. 28, at 6 p.m. – Public Meeting at Bennett Spring State Park.

The public is invited to a town hall-style meeting for Bennett Spring State Park. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the park and answer questions. 

The public is encouraged to share comments and ask questions about the park and its operations. The meeting will take place inside the park’s nature center at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.

The primary source of funding for the state park system, is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division’s budget for operation and development of state parks. 

All additional funding for Missouri’s Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.