Best Missouri State Parks to Visit in the Spring
The Top Three Choices Offer Opportunities for Trout Fishing, and for Observing Wildflower Displays and the State's Largest Native Prairie.
Montauk State Park
(Salem, MO)The headwaters of the renowned Current River are generated when tiny Pigeon Creek merges with approximately 40 million gallons of cold spring water emanating daily from the Montauk Springs. The 1,396-acre Montauk State Park, developed around the springs and associated spring branch, provides a popular spot for rainbow trout fishing.
It is one of three Missouri state parks that offer trout fishing. The initial 3.5-mile section of stream within the park is stocked daily during trout season (March 1 ? October 31). An old gristmill and Ozark valley provide an inviting setting for camping and rustic rental cabins. A modern lodge provides sleeping rooms, a restaurant and store. The park hosts several spring wildflower events, fishing tournaments and other events during the spring and summer months.
Washington State Park
(De Soto, MO)Washington State Park?s 1,000 Steps Trail leads to one of Missouri?s most spectacular spring wildflower displays, usually peaking in early April in the woodlands and on the glades. Also, the park once was a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Indians. Today, the petroglyphs ? rock carvings that are remnants of the Indian culture ? are a special attraction. The 2,148-acre park has a modern swimming pool, and Big River, which borders the park, provides opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Kitchen-equipped rental cabins, a camper store, canoe rentals, trails and shaded campsites are available in the park.
Prairie State Park
(Mindenmines, MO)The gently rolling, grass-covered landscape at Prairie State Park is the state?s largest public example of native prairie, which once covered more than one-third of Missouri.
The nearly 4,000-acre park protects a variety of native prairie grasses, flowers and distinctive prairie animals, including prairie chickens, bison and elk. The colors mixed within the prairie constantly change with each season, beginning with the colorful wildflowers and new grasses in the spring. The park offers guided hikes during the spring and summer to learn plant identification, uses, folklore and more. Picnicking, hiking, exploring the visitor center and observing wildlife are featured here. Limited primitive campsites are available and can be reserved by contacting the park.
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click for more images Fishing at Montauk SP - courtesy of Missouri Department of Natural Resources The Top Three Choices Offer Opportunities for Trout Fishing, and for Observing Wildflower Displays and the State's Largest Native Prairie.
Montauk State Park
(Salem, MO)The headwaters of the renowned Current River are generated when tiny Pigeon Creek merges with approximately 40 million gallons of cold spring water emanating daily from the Montauk Springs. The 1,396-acre Montauk State Park, developed around the springs and associated spring branch, provides a popular spot for rainbow trout fishing. It is one of three Missouri state parks that offer trout fishing. The initial 3.5-mile section of stream within the park is stocked daily during trout season (March 1 ? October 31). An old gristmill and Ozark valley provide an inviting setting for camping and rustic rental cabins. A modern lodge provides sleeping rooms, a restaurant and store. The park hosts several spring wildflower events, fishing tournaments and other events during the spring and summer months.
Washington State Park
(De Soto, MO)Washington State Park?s 1,000 Steps Trail leads to one of Missouri?s most spectacular spring wildflower displays, usually peaking in early April in the woodlands and on the glades. Also, the park once was a ceremonial ground for prehistoric Indians. Today, the petroglyphs ? rock carvings that are remnants of the Indian culture ? are a special attraction. The 2,148-acre park has a modern swimming pool, and Big River, which borders the park, provides opportunities for canoeing and fishing. Kitchen-equipped rental cabins, a camper store, canoe rentals, trails and shaded campsites are available in the park.
Prairie State Park
(Mindenmines, MO)The gently rolling, grass-covered landscape at Prairie State Park is the state?s largest public example of native prairie, which once covered more than one-third of Missouri. The nearly 4,000-acre park protects a variety of native prairie grasses, flowers and distinctive prairie animals, including prairie chickens, bison and elk. The colors mixed within the prairie constantly change with each season, beginning with the colorful wildflowers and new grasses in the spring. The park offers guided hikes during the spring and summer to learn plant identification, uses, folklore and more. Picnicking, hiking, exploring the visitor center and observing wildlife are featured here. Limited primitive campsites are available and can be reserved by contacting the park.
Return to Best of the Best Spring State Parks page