Summer is an adventurous and scenic time to hike at one of the Missouri Department of Conservation’s (MDC) remnant native prairies. Several wildflower types are in bloom and the warm season grasses such as big bluestem are sending up seed stalks. Grasses and wildflowers are tall in places. Whether an easy walk on a…
Summertime brings a complimentary mix of heat, humidity and the splash of cool, flowing river waters as folks get off the beaten path near Cassville, Missouri, in the heart of Barry County: one of southwest Missouri’s crowning jewels. While some might enjoy the instant retreat offered by the rippling river and the shade of the…
By Matt Ankney Big Thompson Canyon, located between Loveland and Estes Park, Colo., is a premier summertime destination attracting visitors from all over the world. Thousands of eager anglers seeking a unique Rocky Mountain outdoor experience descend into the rugged canyon each week in chest-high insulated waders to fly-fish the invigorating crystal clear mountain stream. …
I was exploring the backroads south of St. Clair a few years ago and stumbled upon Little Indian Creek Conservation Area in Sullivan, Mo. This gem is far from little. Coming in at 4,204 acres, this area packs quite a punch! There are shooting ranges and trails, along with camping options and the creek itself….
By Matt Ankney The Continental United States is visited by millions of international tourists each year seeking recreation in wilderness settings exemplifying a unique American outdoor experience, hungry for something like Sam A. Baker State Park in peak season during perfect weather on Memorial Day Weekend. By mid-morning Sunday, the nearly 6,000 acre park located…
The Castor River runs throughout southeast Missouri. It starts about 10 miles northeast of Fredericktown in the southern corner of Ste. Genevieve County. The Upper Castor River flows south into the Headwater Diversion Channel and then into the Mississippi River. The Lower Castor River flows south of the Diversion Channel and into the Little River. The…
Backpack camping is a great way to disconnect from the day-to-day and reconnect with nature. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) allows walk-in camping on over 100 conservation areas around the state. Here are six places to go backpacking in central and northeast Missouri. The following conservation area sites offer hiking trails and beautiful scenery…
Black bears have made a comeback in Missouri. While black bears primarily inhabit the Ozark region of southern Missouri, there have also been sightings in the northern part of the state. Report all bear sightings to Missouri Department of Conservation staff • Black bear attacks are extremely rare. If you follow these precautions, you probably…
