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 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…
The Gasconade River begins its 280-mile journey in the Missouri Ozarks near Hartville to where it unites with the Missouri River near the appropriately-named town of Gasconade. Floaters, fishermen, stargazers, and outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and walks of life enjoy it year-round. While there are many ways to access this river, I have always…
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…
The Ozark National Scenic Riverways visitor information center previously located in the lobby of the park headquarters building in Van Buren has moved to the newly reopened historic entrance station at Big Spring. Last year, renovations were completed on the Big Spring entrance station. The original Missouri State Parks once used this historic building, continuing…
Camping is a great way to unplug, recharge, and connect with nature. More than 300 of Missouri’s conservation areas offer camping for those looking for a more adventurous, primitive experience. All camping on conservation areas is free, and most camping is first come, first served. Be sure to have a backup plan in case the…
Tree-killing insects and diseases can hitchhike in firewood, moving much farther with you in a single weekend than they could in years on their own. Once in a new location, these invasive pests can start new infestations that destroy forests, decrease property values, and become costly to manage. Missouri has a statewide firewood quarantine that…
