St. Francois State Park

FYI for all of our climbers and rappelers: You no longer have to stop by the office to fill out a climbing permit. We now have the permits and a drop box across from the parking area near the trail. Please fill these permits out so we know how many people climb here.

Did you know a group of turkeys is called a rafter? We had 30 wild turkeys cruising the campground this morning!

2020 wasn't all bad--especially if you end it with a hike!

This year's First Day Hike looks a little different. We have set up a 3.1 mile Trivia Hike on a portion of the Pike Run Trail. Missouri State Parks would like to challenge you to hike any of our trails from December 30th to January 3rd. Make sure to check the weather before you head out and dress appropriately. We recommend waterproof boots because it will be muddy! After your hike, don't forget to enter for a chance to win a $25 Missouri State Parks gift card. Please visit https://mostateparks.com/FirstDayHikes for more information.

Fire & Ice! On Thursday we conducted a small prescribed burn in one of our grass fields. Friday morning's frosty temperatures helped create a field full of frost flowers! Frost flowers are created when water comes up out of the plant's stem and freezes when it hits the cold air. #mostateparks #stfrancoisstatepark

Birdseed ornaments are a fun activity to brighten up the outdoors this winter. They make a great gift for any bird lovers on your list. To make these ornaments, you will need: 1 ounce gelatin cup boiling water -1 cup bird seed... 4-5 cookies cutters A cookie sheet lined with parchment or waxed paper wooden skewer Twine or string Dissolve the gelatin in the boiling water. Once dissolved, let the gelatin rest for 1 minute before adding the birdseed. Mix the birdseed until it looks like all the liquid has been absorbed. Depending on the type of birdseed you may only need cup. Press the birdseed mixture into the cookie cutters using a spoon. Make sure to pack the mixture in tightly. Use the wooden skewer to make a hole for the string while the ornaments are still wet. Let them dry for 6-8 hours or overnight before gently removing them from the cookie cutter. Thread the string or twine through the hole, secure the string with a knot, and you’re ready to hang the ornaments up! They are best placed where a bird can perch on something else while eating, like a shrub. The ornaments should hold up through the fluctuating temperatures and precipitation of winter. #mostateparks #oldfashionedchristmas See more

Do you ever find yourself just scrolling through Facebook lichen posts? Hopefully you like lichens. If not, let us tell you how cool they are! Lichens are these interesting organisms that are part fungi and part cyanobacteria or algae. They form a symbiotic relationship. Don’t confuse them with plants because they don’t have roots, stems, or leaves. The algae part of the lichen can photosynthesize like a plant, which feeds the fungus. The fungus helps the algae survive outside of water, allowing them to grow in the harshest of environments. They need each other to survive and we need them because they clean air pollutants for us! The coolest part is, if you find a dry one, you can spray it with water and watch it come back to life as it rehydrates!

Answer at the bottom... Here’s a riddle for you! Use the picture and riddle to determine the type of tree. We will share the answer tomorrow. My leaves may be gone as I sleep through the cold, but in a few months, I can share something sweet and bold. What type of tree am I? .... . . . Sugar Maple See more

The persimmons are very ripe so we had to check the spoon forecast! The persimmons are calling for a snowy winter!

Happy Halloween from St. Francois State Park! Pirates were very popular this year! We hope you have a fun and safe Halloween!