MISSOURI STATE PARKS


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ANNIE AND ABEL VAN METER STATE PARK

About Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park

Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park features remnants of the Missouria Indian village that sat at the Great Bend of the Missouri River, marked on a map by Jacques Marquette and Louis Jolliet in 1673. A hand-dug earthwork -- Old Fort -- and several burial mounds lie within the park’s boundaries. The state’s Indian history is interpreted in displays and exhibits at the park’s Missouri’s American Indian Cultural Center. For outdoor enthusiasts, the park features hiking trails and an 18-acre fishing lake. Trails lead visitors through the Oumessourit Natural Area with views of the freshwater marsh and through bottomland and upland forests. The park’s lofty trees shade picnic sites, picnic shelters and a campground.

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Past Years Van Meter Campground Hosts & Volunteers

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ARROW ROCK STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Arrow Rock State Historic Site

Stroll through the history of a once-bustling river town that’s now the serene village of Arrow Rock. You’ll walk streets lined with the architecture of the historic “Boone’s Lick Country.” At Arrow Rock State Historic Site, you may wander into the historic J. Huston Tavern, which dates back to 1834 and provides a dining experience in the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. View displays of historic furnishings in the old kitchen and upstairs bedrooms. You can visit other historic buildings, such as the Old Courthouse and George Caleb Bingham's house. You can learn about the history of Arrow Rock and the "Boone's Lick Country" through exhibits and audio-visual presentations in the visitor center. The historic site is part of the larger Village of Arrow Rock, which features quaint stores and several antique shops.

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BATTLE OF ATHENS STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Battle of Athens State Historic Site

Battle of Athens State Historic Site is a place of peace and serenity. Its historic buildings, tree-studded landscape, and mile of Des Moines River frontage make the site a perfect place to hike, picnic or camp. But today’s peace belies the site’s history as the place where the northernmost battle fought west of the Mississippi occurred, when about 500 Union soldiers repelled nearly four times their number of pro-Southern State Guardsmen. The site includes interpretation and tours of the battlefield as well as a number of historic buildings, including one that was pierced by a cannonball during the battle.

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BATTLE OF LEXINGTON STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Battle of Lexington State Historic Site

People called Oliver Anderson’s house “the best arranged dwelling house west of St. Louis.” But it became more famous as the center of a bloody three-day Civil War battle in 1861. Walk through the Anderson House at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and marvel at the bullet holes still in the walls and evidence of the cannon shots. The battlefield is peaceful now, dotted with orchards and gardens, but battle scars remain. A visitor center provides a comprehensive view of the battle that raised Southern spirits that the war was winnable and made Unionists in Missouri think twice about whether they could hold the state. The site is located in the town of Lexington and is one of the closest Civil War sites to Interstate 70.

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BATTLE OF PILOT KNOB STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site

Today, the Arcadia Valley in Iron County is a peaceful setting in one of Missouri’s most scenic areas. But in September 1864, the valley was the scene of one of the largest and most hard-fought battles waged on the state’s soil—the Battle of Pilot Knob. During the battle, Confederate Maj. Gen. Sterling Price led an army of 8,000 men against the Union post of Fort Davidson at Pilot Knob.

Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site preserves Fort Davidson and the battlefield where so many Confederate and Union soldiers lost their lives. A visitor center and museum interprets the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations and a fiber optics diorama of the battle. The site’s playground, picnic area and hiking trail provide relaxing ways to spend the afternoon.

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BENNETT SPRING STATE PARK

Now searching for a September handy host! This host works Mon-Thurs and cleans out the campground fire rings.

Call the park office at 417-532-4338 and talk to Hayley for more information on volunteering at the park.

 

About Bennett Spring State Park

The valley that cradles Bennett Spring has created a place of peace and recreation that has welcomed generations of enthusiastic anglers. Bennett Spring State Park is one of Missouri’s earliest state parks and continues today to attract fishermen and nature lovers seeking to make new memories.

More than 100 million gallons of clear, cool water gush from Bennett Spring each day and form a spring branch stocked daily with rainbow trout waiting for lucky fishermen. Fishing may be the main draw but the park also offers many other amenities such as a dining lodge, campgrounds, cabins and hiking trails. Whether you are a traditional fishing enthusiast or someone seeking a place to relax and refresh, Bennett Spring State Park has what you need to make every trip one to remember.

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Interpreter/Stewardship - Nature Center

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BIG OAK TREE STATE PARK

About Big Oak Tree State Park

A visit to Big Oak Tree State Park is a visit to Missouri as the first explorers saw it. Towering hickory trees and oaks form a canopy that averages more than 120 feet in height and the soaring trees and marshy terrain transports visitors back to when southeast Missouri was dubbed “Swampeast Missouri.” The trees and wetlands make the park a prime place for wildlife. Visitors can enjoy the picnic sites and shelters that are shaded by trees that have seen centuries of history. A self-guided boardwalk trail tells the story of this rich landscape.

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BOLLINGER MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Bollinger Mill State Historic Site

Travel back to simpler days when business in Missouri was about the rushing of a stream over a dam and bridges were covered. Visitors to Bollinger Mill State Historic Site can learn how wheat and corn were ground into flour and meal in the massive four-story mill that dates to the Civil War era. Or they can stroll through the Burfordville Covered Bridge, one of just four covered bridges that remain in Missouri. The site’s rustic setting offers ample picnicking and exploration opportunities along the Whitewater River. Both structures are in the National Register of Historic Places.

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BOTHWELL LODGE STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site

With a commanding view from atop a bluff, Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site is one of the best representations of early 20th Century sensibilities in the Midwest. Walk through the 31-room, 12,000-square-foot lodge built atop two natural caves by Sedalia lawyer John Homer Bothwell. You will marvel at the owner’s eclectic tastes and how a country gentlemen furnished a recreational lodge for himself and his friends. Most of the furnishings in the house are original. The property also has a 3-mile hiking and mountain biking trail.

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BRYANT CREEK STATE PARK

About Grand Gulf State Park

Some people call Grand Gulf State Park the “Little Grand Canyon.” Some just call it “breathtaking.” The park is one of the natural wonders of the Ozarks, presenting the most spectacular collapsed cave system in the Ozarks. The "Grand Gulf" stretches for about three-quarters of a mile between 130 foot high walls. Visitors can view the gulf from trails on top or from the floor where they can walk under the natural bridge, which spans 250 feet with a 75-foot high opening. There is no official trail leading to the bottom, so visitors should use extreme caution when attempting to access the bottom. Interpretive signs detail the formation of the gulf.

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CENTRAL OFFICE

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CONFEDERATE MEMORIAL STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site

Nathan Boone, the youngest son of famed frontiersman Daniel Boone, was a genuine Missouri icon – a hunter, soldier, surveyor and businessman. His last home, preserved at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site, is now a place to travel back to the 1830s. Come explore his home and the cemeteries associated with it and learn more about one of the families that defined early Missouri.

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CROWDER STATE PARK

About Crowder State Park

Crowder State Park provides 1,912 acres in the rolling green hills of northern Missouri. Visitors can enjoy more than 17 miles of hiking, bicycling, backpacking and equestrian trails in a forested, rugged terrain. The park also offers fishing and boating opportunities on 18-acre Crowder Lake. The family-oriented campground includes modern restrooms and shady picnic sites are scattered throughout the park.  

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CUIVRE RIVER STATE PARK

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering for Cuivre River State Park. We have a wide range of volunteer opportunities that all help maintain the beauty of the park. These can range from a few hours of picking up trash, helping remove overgrown brush on a trail, removing invasive species, group volunteer days, multiple-month long stays as a campground host, and more! Volunteers are an essential part of Cuivre River State Park's team, and we look forward to learning about all your talents! Feel free to call the Visitor Center at 636-528-7247 to learn more about upcoming volunteer opportunities and ask about our volunteer meetings. 

About Cuivre River State Park

Looking for the Ozarks in northern Missouri? Cuivre River State Park is one of the state’s largest and most rugged parks!

Cuivre River State Park lends a wilder, Ozarkian flavor to the otherwise predominately agricultural landscape of northern Missouri. Although not far from St. Louis, the park is a nature lover’s paradise. It is an outdoor delight to stroll through the park in the spring when flowering dogwood is in bloom or in the fall when the trees are ablaze with autumn colors.

The park is perfect whether you want to enjoy an afternoon visit or spend a few days. Both basic and modern campsites are available, and Lake Lincoln offers swimming, boating and fishing. The park’s wild and natural areas provide hiking, backpacking, photography and wildlife observation activities. There is also an equestrian trail with a campground for overnight stays.

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CURRENT RIVER STATE PARK

About Current River State Park

With views of the scenic Current River and a history as a corporate retreat, Current River State Park offers a peaceful haven for today’s visitor. 

Current River State Park is built around the former retreat of the Alton Box Board Co. of Alton, Ill. Constructed during the late 1930s and early 1940s, the Alton Club buildings themselves reflect the rustic architectural style used by the National Park Service in the early part of the 20th century. In addition to overnight lodging, activities offered at the Alton Club included floating, fishing, swimming, tennis, horseback riding and golf.

Today’s visitors to Current River State Park can enjoy hiking trails, two lakes and picnic sites. Park staff provides tours of the historic Alton Club buildings and explains the park’s history.

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DEUTSCHHEIM STATE HISTORIC SITE

We are very excited to get the 2020 season started here at the park, and look forward to working with all of our volunteers!

About Deutschheim State Historic Site

Visitors can discover a part of German-American heritage and experience an early Missouri settlement, all in one place—Deutschheim State Historic Site. This site is located in Hermann, a town known throughout the Midwest for its German heritage. Deutschheim State Historic Site preserves two structures that reflect the 1840s and 1850s when Germans first settled the Missouri River valley that reminded them of home.

The site includes the Pommer-Gentner house, which was built in 1840 and is one of the oldest surviving buildings in Hermann. It also preserves the Carl Strehly house, which was built in 1842. Through guided tours of both historic houses, visitors can experience the daily life and traditions of German immigrants to Missouri in the mid-19th century.

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DILLARD MILL STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Dillard Mill State Historic Site

A red mill set on the blue waters of Huzzah Creek is as pretty a picture as there is in Missouri, and that’s the setting for Dillard Mill State Historic Site. The site interprets one of the state’s best-preserved gristmills, completed in 1908. Most of the machinery in the mill is still intact and original to the building. If you like the outdoors, the site’s location on Huzzah Creek in the Ozarks provides plenty of opportunities to fish, hike, picnic or just dream about the past.

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FELIX VALLE HOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Felix Valle House State Historic Site

Travel back to Missouri’s early French roots at Felix Vallé House State Historic Site. The American-Federal style Vallé house was built in 1818 and today is furnished in the style of the 1830s with a host of artifacts that show the American influence on the French community of Ste. Genevieve after the Louisiana Purchase. The Green Tree Tavern, the oldest verified vertical log building in Ste. Genevieve, is also managed by the historic site and can be toured.

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FIRST MISSOURI STATE CAPITOL STATE HISTORIC SITE

About First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site

Located within a stone’s throw of the Missouri River and Katy Trail State Park, and in the heart of historic St. Charles, First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site is the first seat of the state’s government. Its rough hewn timbers and dark wood floors whisper the tales of the state’s first legislature. Interpretive programs help visitors understand how the state’s government was formed and what life was like in the early 1800s.

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Paid Volunteer

St Charles County Dept of Workforce Development WIOA-OSY program

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GENERAL JOHN J. PERSHING BOYHOOD HOME STATE HISTORIC SITE

About General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site

Explore a piece of America’s military history at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site and learn about the experiences that molded a Laclede country boy into one of the nation’s legendary generals. Pershing and his family moved into the nine-room Gothic-style house in Laclede when he was six. Prairie Mound School, where Pershing taught prior to his admission to the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, is also on the site and includes a unique exhibit that allows visitors to pass through many of the same doorways Pershing passed through on his journeys from Missouri to Mexico and France.

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HA HA TONKA STATE PARK

About Ha Ha Tonka State Park

WHERE NATURE AND HISTORY COME TOGETHER

With its intriguing history and outstanding geologic features, Ha Ha Tonka State Park is one state park that should not be missed. The park is a geologic wonderland featuring sinkholes, caves, a huge natural bridge, sheer bluffs and Missouri’s 12th largest spring. The ruins of a turn-of-the-century stone castle overlook these wonders and offer impressive views of the Lake of the Ozarks and Ha Ha Tonka Spring.

A series of trails and boardwalks makes it easy for visitors to experience all the park has to offer, from its historic castle and geologic wonders to its wooded areas and open rocky glades. Picnic sites beckon visitors for a relaxing lunch in a scenic setting unparalleled in the lake area. All these fascinating elements combine to create a park that can be explored and enjoyed time after time.

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HARRY S TRUMAN BIRTHPLACE STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Hary S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site

See where the only U.S. president born in Missouri started at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. Visitors can view the small frame house where the future president was born, and see furnishings that reflect what a house in western Missouri would have looked like during the time Truman lived in the house.

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HUNTER-DAWSON STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site

Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site preserves a now-vanished part of Missouri: the stately Bootheel mansion. Filled with original pieces purchased by the house's first owner and furnished in the style it was in during its heydays of the 1860s-1880s, the ornate mansion provides a history lesson in every corner. In fact, most of the original furnishing purchased by Amanda Hunter, the house's first owner (with her husband William), are still in the house.

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JOHNSON'S SHUT-INS STATE PARK

About Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park

Looking for a unique destination? Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park offers ancient beauty!

The wilderness qualities and geology of Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park and the surrounding St. Francois Mountains make this park a special place to visit. Its rugged character provides the perfect backdrop for camping, hiking, picnicking, splashing in the shut-ins, exploring nature or just relaxing.

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KATY TRAIL STATE PARK

About Katy Trail State Park

Welcome to Katy Trail State Park, the longest developed rail-trail in the country. Katy Trail State Park attracts people of all ages and interests. Whether you are a bicyclist, walker, equestrian, nature lover or history buff, the trail offers opportunities for recreation, a place to enjoy nature and an avenue to discover the past.

The park, built on the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad (MKT or Katy), is 240 miles long and runs between Clinton and Machens with 26 trailheads and four fully restored railroad depots along the way. The section of trail between Cooper County and St. Charles County has been designated as an official segment of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail. Katy Trail is also part of the American Discovery Trail, has been designated as a Millennium Legacy Trail and was added to the Rails-to-Trails Conservancy Hall of Fame in 2008.

Trail users have the opportunity to wind through some of the most scenic areas of the state with the majority of the trail closely following the Missouri River. The park also takes users through a slice of rural history as it meanders through the small towns that once thrived along the railroad corridor and reflect the rich heritage of Missouri. Information at the trailheads makes a ride or walk on the Katy not only a healthy adventure, but also an educational one.

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KC AND STL OUTREACH OFFICE

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LAKE OF THE OZARKS STATE PARK

About Lake of the Ozarks State Park

Enjoy the solitude of an undeveloped cove hidden along the shorelines of one of Missouri’s largest lakes. Swim, fish, boat or simply take in the view from a shady campsite or picnic area overlooking the Lake of the Ozarks. The park offers the opportunity to enjoy a variety of recreational activities on the lake or on shore.

On shore, hikers, backpackers, equestrians and bicyclists can wind through open woodlands, sunny glades, small springs and streams to bluff-top views of the Lake of the Ozarks. Water enthusiasts can make use of the park’s two swimming beaches, boat rentals and paved boat ramps. Park stores sell all of the necessary supplies for a day on the water. Year-round overnight accommodations include campsites, Outpost Cabins and yurts.

Lake of the Ozarks State Park’s natural beauty and solitude remain untouched, yet visitors are just minutes away from extensive shopping, restaurants and a variety of entertainment opportunities.

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MARK TWAIN STATE PARK AND STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Mark Twain State Park and State Historic Site

Nestled in the Salt River Hills of north-central Missouri, Mark Twain State Park gives visitors access to sprawling Mark Twain Lake, as well as unparalleled outdoors activities. The terrain is covered by bluffs overlooking the lake and stands of oak, hickory and maple that are filled with white-tailed deer, turkey and other wildlife. Numerous picnic areas, two four-lane boat ramps and more than 6 miles of hiking trails with lake views offer something for everyone.

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MASTODON STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Mastodon State Historic Site

Mastodon State Historic Site contains an important archaeological and paleontological site – the Kimmswick Bone Bed. Here, scientists discovered the some of the first solid evidence of the coexistence of humans and the American mastodon in eastern North America.

Today, visitors can learn about this discovery at the site museum. The museum contains an interpretive video, displays of ancient artifacts and fossils, and an impressive mastodon skeleton replica. Interpretive programs explain more about the significance of the site, archaeological and paleontological sciences, and local ecology.

For anyone wanting to stretch their legs, the site offers three trails, including one that leads to the site where the bones and artifacts were found. The park also offers picnic sites, a picnic shelter, a playground, a special-use area for organized youth organizations, and a wildflower garden that attracts birds and butterflies.

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MISSOURI MINES STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Missouri Mines State Historic Site

Lead has been big business in the eastern Ozarks since about 1720. Come explore its history – and see the processing plant of the former St. Joe Lead Company – in the heart of the Old Lead Belt at Missouri Mines State Historic Site. The mine’s former powerhouse has been turned into a museum that interprets the area’s lead mining history, displays actual machinery from the mines and houses one of the Midwest's finest mineral collections.

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MISSOURI STATE MUSEUM

About Missouri State Musum

The Missouri State Museum is where visitors go to immerse themselves in the history of the Show-Me State. The museum, located in the State Capitol, houses an impressive collection of exhibits portraying the state's natural and cultural history. Museum staff provide tours of the Capitol. Jefferson Landing  was a busy center of commerce along the Missouri River during the mid-1800s. Steamboats traveling between St. Louis and Kansas City docked in front of the Lohman Building. The nearby Union Hotel contains the Elizabeth Rozier Gallery with changing exhibits on Missouri history, art and culture.

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MONTAUK STATE PARK

About Montauk State Park

Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family.

The park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park’s springs combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day. The cool spring water is perfect for rainbow trout and this makes the park popular with anglers.

Picnic areas and two picnic shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet lunch or a family reunion. Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park. Tours of the gristmill, built in 1896, give visitors a taste of the past and help them learn about the history of the Ozark region. 

For visitors wanting to spend the night, the park offers a variety of choices, including a modern campground, rental cabins and motel rooms. The modern dining lodge will satisfy any appetite.

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NATHAN AND OLIVE BOONE HOMESTEAD STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Nathan Boone Homestead State Historic Site

The primary mission of the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site is the preservation and interpretation of the house and historic landscape as well as the interpretation of the personages of Nathan and Olive Boone and the Boone family in Missouri. 

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ONONDAGA CAVE STATE PARK

 

The staff at Onondaga Cave State Park would like to thank all volunteers!  We could not do everything we do without your hard work and dedication to Missouri State Parks!  

About Onondaga Cave State Park

Descend into the depths of Onondaga Cave State Park and drop into a world of wonder: towering stalagmites, dripping stalactites, and active flowstones help make the cave a National Natural Landmark and illustrate why Missouri is often called “The Cave State.” Visitors can take guided tours into the underground wonderland. But if you prefer the surface, the park’s Vilander Bluff Natural Area provides a panoramic view of the Meramec River. Easy access to the Meramec River allows visitors to canoe or fish in a peaceful and scenic setting.

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PRAIRIE STATE PARK

About Prairie State Park

Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than one percent remains, much of it preserved at Prairie State Park. Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and ever-changing wildflowers. They also may spot the park’s resident bison herd. The park’s Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center offers exhibits and interpretive programs designed to inform visitors about the special place.

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ROARING RIVER STATE PARK

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering at Roaring River State Park!  Our volunteer opportunities range from afternoon projects cleaning up the park to month-long stays as a volunteer campground host. Volunteers include scout troops, service clubs, families, and individuals who dedicate their time to protect the park we love.  We look forward to learning more about your talents and how you can help us keep Roaring River State Park a beautiful, safe, and enjoyable place to explore.

About Roaring River State Park

Roaring River State Park is unique on so many levels!

With a deep, narrow valley surrounded by a striking and rugged landscape, Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri’s most popular state parks.

Located in the southwest Ozark hills, Roaring River State Park is one of three Missouri state parks stocked with rainbow trout. Eager anglers flock to the park year round to try and catch their lunker trout.

The scenic setting makes everything more fun. Roaring River begins at Roaring River Spring, the deepest explored spring in North America! The park also has seven hiking trails, picnic tables for a leisurely lunch, and a nature center to learn about the park.

For those wanting to spend the night, the park has many options. The campground has basic, electric, and sewer/electric/water site. Rustic cabins are scattered throughout the park, or guests may choose a modern room at the Emory Melton Inn and Conference Center. The center also boasts a full-service restaurant.

 

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ROCK BRIDGE MEMORIAL STATE PARK

About Rock Bridge Memorial State Park

Just minutes from Columbia, Rock Bridge Memorial State Park gives visitors the chance to scramble, hike and bicycle through a scenic environment – and lets them peek into Missouri’s underworld. The park contains some of the most popular hiking trails in the state and also offers solitude while hiking in the Gans Creek Wild Area. Visitors can also see a large cave system with its rock bridge, sinkholes, a spring and underground stream at the Devil's Icebox. You can explore Connor's Cave in the light of the opening for a taste of the underground world. 

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ROUTE 66 STATE PARK

About Route 66 State Park

Travel through history on The Mother Road at Route 66 State Park. Route 66 captured Americans’ imagination and exposed millions of citizens to small towns across the country. Sample a slice of that at Route 66 State Park’s visitor center, which has displays showcasing the road. The visitor center is the former Bridgehead Inn, a 1935 roadhouse that sat on the original Route 66. The park’s location, close to metro St. Louis, provides visitors with a quick getaway to nature. More than 40 types of birds have been identified in the park and picnic sites and trails are sprinkled throughout the park.

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SCOTT JOPLIN HOUSE STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Scott Joplin House State Historic Site

An authentic player piano fills the air with Scott Joplin melodies as you walk through the modest flat on Delmar Boulevard that Joplin and his wife Belle lived in during their time in St. Louis. Lit by gaslight, the home is furnished as it would have been in 1902 when Joplin was composing songs that would make him a national phenomenon. Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, which stands as a testimony to his talent and hard work, also includes museum exhibits that interpret Joplin’s life. The Rosebud Café, a reconstructed structure that recreates a turn-of-the-century bar and gaming club, is available for rent.

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STOCKTON STATE PARK

Thank you for expressing interest in volunteering at Stockton State Park.   Our current volunteer opportunities include month-long stays as a volunteer camp host or handy host.  However, if you have another volunteer project in mind, feel free to contact our office at 417-276-4259.

We appreciate all of our volunteers!  Thank you for all that you do!

 

About Stockton State Park

The clear waters of Stockton Lake beckon visitors to water ski, scuba dive, swim or fish. And Stockton State Park is the perfect place to do it. It’s a perfect place for sailing – with a perpetual southwest breeze and a nationally recognized sailing school housed at the marina. Two boat launches make it easy to get in the water, as does a swimming beach. Want to stay on land? The park is great for photographing wildlife, picnicking with the family, hiking or just reveling in the beauty of southern Missouri. The park also offers a range of lodging from campsites to cabins.

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THOMAS HART BENTON HOME AND STUDIO STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site

Thomas Hart Benton's life is present in both his home and his paintings, and both are preserved at Thomas Hart Benton Home and Studio State Historic Site. A trip to the home and studio of the renowned painter, sculptor, lecturer and writer offers a glimpse into how the talented Benton lived and worked. Benton converted half of the carriage house into his art studio, which remains as he left it. Visitors can still see coffee cans full of paintbrushes, numerous paints, and a stretched canvas waiting to be transformed into another of his masterpieces. Thomas Hart Benton died in his studio in 1975. 

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THOUSAND HILLS STATE PARK

About Thousand Hills State Park

The cool waters of Forest Lake provide the centerpiece for Thousand Hills State Park, whose shores and broad savannas recall a time when northern Missouri was far less developed. The lake offers fishing, swimming and boating. the park offers hiking, mountain biking and abundant opportunities to see wildlife. An interpretive shelter helps visitors understand the petroglyphs left behind by the area's inhabitants more than 1,500 years ago. The park also offers campsites and cabins for overnight stays. 

NEW IN 2024: the park now offers a beach wheelchair that visitors with mobility issues can use during normal beach hours. 

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Interpretive Volunteer

As an interpreter, you will assist in presenting interpretive programs that help visitors discover and understand the natural surroundings or the state's past.  The greatest need for interpreters is during the spring and summer season.  Volunteers in this capacity will undergo training from staff.

Natural Resource Aide Volunteer

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WALLACE STATE PARK

About Wallace State Park

Less than an hour from Kansas City, Wallace State Park is an island of serenity. Visitors can fish in the park’s six-acre lake or hike one of four scenic trails with benches along the way for relaxing. Picnic sites that are shaded by trees are scattered throughout and the family-oriented campground includes modern restrooms and hot showers.

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WASHINGTON STATE PARK

About Washington State Park

Petroglyphs, quaint hiking shelters and incredible Ozark overlooks define the Washington State Park experience. Easy access to the Big River makes the park great for swimming or fishing. Hikers can choose from three rugged hiking trails. Buildings constructed by African-American Civilian Conservation Corps stonemasons complement the park and add to its sense of history.

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WATKINS WOOLEN MILL STATE PARK AND STATE HISTORIC SITE

About Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site

Stepping on to the grounds of Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site is like stepping into 19th century pastorale. Many of the buildings that Waltus Watkins spent half a century building – including an elegant home and a three-story woolen mill – have been preserved to give visitors a sense of life in the 1870s. The mill is the only 19th century textile mill in the United States with its original machinery still intact. The site's visitor center offers an introduction to the Watkins family and their many business ventures.

Archival Volunteer

This is a highly responsible position which cares for the Watkins Company and Watkins Family archives.

  • properly organize archival documents
  • digitize archival documents
  • assist in other document preservation activities as assigned
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WESTON BEND STATE PARK

About Weston Bend State Park

Not far from the hustle and bustle of Kansas City, Weston Bend State Park offers secluded picnic sites, a campground and sweeping views of the Missouri River from trails and a scenic overlook accessible to persons with disabilities. A 3-mile Paved Bicycle Trail takes hikers and bikers through the park's woody terrain.

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