Missouri State Parks

Congratulations to Dawn Fredrickson on her selection of the Central Office Team Masterpiece Award! Dawn leads her team with encouragement and creativity, and goes above and beyond in her role. She has been instrumental in the development of virtual interpretation for the Missouri State Parks website and social media channels.

Last week the Lake Area Community Orchestra performed their annual concert on the castle lawn at Ha Ha Tonka State Park. The weather was perfect and approximately 180 guests enjoyed all or part of the concert. To find events at your favorite park, visit https://mostateparks.com/events.

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources is now accepting applications for the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program. Eligible applicants include other state agencies and local governments including cities, counties and special purpose districts, such as park districts, within urbanized areas as defined by the U.S. Census Bureau and with populations of 50,000 or more residents. Learn more at: https://dnr.mo.gov//u/797b7bb3-8dfb-4118-b285-855cb6dfed5b.

In 1897, the Buffalo Soldier Bicycle Corps of the 25th Infantry embarked on an epic bicycle ride of more than 1,900 miles from Fort Missoula, Montana to St. Louis, Missouri. The trek was part of an expedition by the U.S. Army to determine the effectiveness of moving troops by bicycle rather than by horse. Called The Great Experiment in national newspapers, the 41-day journey included conditions that would have daunted even the most avid of modern-day cyclists difficult terrain, extreme weather, food and water shortages, and racism and hostility from local residents. Join us for an Iron Riders virtual program, at 7 p.m., Thursday, May 20. The program will be held virtually as a Zoom meeting and is part of the Show-Me Kansas City: A Missouri Bicentennial Lecture Series. Registration is required.

We’d love your feedback. Please take a moment to provide input regarding Knob Noster State Park's future development here: https://mostateparks.com//knob-noster-sp-conceptual-develo Thank you to those who joined the virtual conceptual development planning meeting #2 for Knob Noster State Park. If you missed the live stream, you can watch the video below.

Yesterday, Governor Mike Parson recognized three state teams in a special ceremony at the Capitol with the 2020 Governor’s Award for Quality and Productivity (GAQP). The award acknowledges accomplishments that serve as an example of continuous improvement, quality, efficiency and productivity in Missouri state government. Each team rose to the many challenges faced this past year and developed new solutions to improve the lives of Missourians. Missouri State Parks is honored ...to be one of three teams to receive the award, recognized for the collaborative quick and creative response to COVID-19 and the necessity to engage in social distancing by finding ways to allow park users to continue to explore Missouri state parks and historic sites virtually. We are so proud of our entire team for the creativity and effectiveness of interpreting Missouri’s cultural and natural resources during this challenging time! #WeServeMO See more

Before 1947, African Americans played professional baseball in their own separate teams, collectively known as The Negro Leagues. Against the backdrop of segregation, these teams traveled the country to communities large and small, bringing the thrills of America’s favorite pastime to thousands of fans and paving the way for Civil Rights. Join us and Dr. Raymond Doswell of the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum for Black Baseball & Black History a virtual program, at 7 p.m., Thursday June, 17th. This program will be held virtually as a Zoom meeting and is part of the Show-Me Kansas City: A Missouri Bicentennial Lecture Series, a partnership with the Mid-Continent Public Library. Registration is required at https://www.mymcpl.org///black-baseball-black-history-zoom.

In order for our interpreters to discuss the 19th century objects on display at First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site, they first have to do all sorts of research! Learn more in this episode of Jamie Learns about the Site. Learn more about First Missouri State Capitol at mostateparks.com//first-missouri-state-capitol-state-histo.

Congratulations to Missouri State Park Ranger Cord Blumenstock the Missouri Department of Natural Resources' May 2021 Employee of the Month. Cord was selected for his efforts while assisting the Missouri State Highway Patrol in locating a suspect in connection with a serious crime. #WeServeMo

The Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of State Parks is seeking bid applications for the concession and lodging operation at Lake Wappapello State Park in Williamsville, Missouri. The concession opportunity includes staffing and supplying merchandise for sales of merchandise and supplies, watercraft rental and lodging. Visitation to the park is more than 120,000 annually. Interested parties need to register on the official offeror list by contacting Jeff Stone at 573-522-3299 or by email at [email protected]. Registrations can also be completed online at https://missouribuys.mo.gov/registration .

We work hard together to ensure generations of visitors have an excellent experience in Missouri’s outstanding cultural and natural resources. #JoinOurTeam at St. Joe State Park as a heavy equipotent operator. For more information and to apply, visit https://mocareers.mo.gov//a03362ea-a0f5-44bd-9075-8484f844.

Give the Gift of Camping: A Missouri State Parks gift card is a unique gift for those who love an adventure. Gift cards can be used to make camping reservations, purchase state park merchandise, rent watercraft equipment and more. Gift cards can be purchased for $10 or more and can be reloaded for any dollar amount to make it the gift that keeps on giving. Learn more today at: https://icampmo1.usedirect.com//Giftcards/Giftcardsale.aspx

On Jan. 11, 1865, the Ordinance Abolishing Slavery was passed by the Missouri Constitutional Convention by a 60 to 4 vote. This action effectively ended slavery in the state of Missouri. The signed ordinance is a significant document to the state's history because it was approved three weeks before the United States Congress proposed the 13th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution. The 13th Amendment, abolishing slavery in the United States, did not go into effect until it was fu...lly ratified on Dec. 18, 1865. Deutschheim State Historic Site is fortunate to have one of the original signed copies of the ordinance. In December, the Missouri State Archives returned the copy to Deutschheim after their conservation lab completed restoration work on the document to help preserve and protect this important piece of our history for the future. #BlackHistoryMonth

Sandy Creek Covered Bridge boasts the picture-perfect appearance of an old red barn, especially during the winter months when covered in white snow. It was one of six bridges built in 1872 to allow passage from the Jefferson County seat of Hillsboro to St. Louis. John H. Morse built Sandy Creek Covered Bridge using the Howe-truss design, named for William Howe. Howe patented his design in 1840, which featured the use of vertical rods to draw wooden members tight against the top and bottom of the bridge. - Midwest Nomad Family

Missouri’s catch-and-keep trout fishing season officially begins at 6:30 a.m. Monday, March 1, at Roaring River State Park near Cassville, Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon and Montauk State Park near Salem. View the news release here: https://dnr.mo.gov//u/ad7763cd-998c-4e99-a30a-7d1f85b36fc9 #MoTrout Missouri Dept. of Conservation

Join Samuel Clemens, also known as Mark Twain, for a mini tour of the home where he was born, now Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site. Mark Twain, known as one of the greatest American humorists of his time, would appreciate the irreverence and humor of the video if he were alive today. You can also get a closer look inside the cabin here: https://www.google.com//data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipNap6SOwr... https://www.google.com//data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipPcZGouyW https://www.google.com//data=!3m8!1e1!3m6!1sAF1QipM-ukQ5uh

Today, as Presidents Day, we honor and recognize all of the great presidents who served our country. Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site is the birthplace of the only Missouri-born U.S. president. Learn more about the small frame house and historic site at: https://mostateparks.com//harry-s-truman-birthplace-state-.

It’s a snowy and icy weekend at Roaring River State Park, along with many other parks and historic sites! Please stay safe and be sure to check the Park & Site Status Map for any weather-related closures that may impact your visit here: https://modnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html

Earlier this week, the Missouri State Parks team completed a prescribed burn at Hawn State Park. Prescribed fires are carefully implemented utilizing a detailed burn plan that sets particular guidelines for the burn. Fire is a critical process for a variety of natural communities in order to maintain a rich carpet of native grasses, sedges and wildflowers. As you head out to a park or site, please check the Park & Site Status Map for any stewardship activities that may impact your visit at https://mostateparks.com.

Missouri State Parks are OPEN. State park and historic site day-use areas, lodging, campgrounds, boat ramps and trails continue to operate under normal off-season hours. When visiting a state park or historic site, please remember to do your part and practice social distancing. Before heading to a park or site, know before you go by visiting the Park and Site Status Map here: https://modnr.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html

To ensure a quality camping experience and to protect the park’s natural resources, all Missouri State Parks campers are asked to abide by specific camping rules and regulations. As a reminder, your reservation guarantees a campsite or lodging unit for you and members of your camping party. Reselling campsites or lodging units is prohibited. For more information on camping rules and regulations, please visit: https://mostateparks.com//54/camping-rules-and-regulations

Notice: Pomme de Terre State Park (Hermitage side) will be closed Dec. 12 through Dec. 13 for a managed deer hunt. For more info on park closures, visit http://ow.ly/7Pqr50C9qZj.

Calling all anglers: The COUNTDOWN is on for the 2021 trout season. We need your help with improving Roaring River State Park. In partnership with the Cassville Area Chamber of Commerce, through the Community Foundation of the Ozarks, we are accepting donations for a new fish cleaning station at campground loop 3. Our goal is to raise $50,000 by Dec. 31, 2020. Please consider making a donation as your support is very important to the future of the park. https://4agc.com/dona/bb88d5c7-5f28-43d6-bcb9-0d722f4b08c8

Missouri State Parks announces eight Missouri communities selected to receive more than $1 million in federal grants from the Federal Highway Administration to assist with the development of trails. To learn more, visit http://ow.ly/Jwdu50CgG6a.

Congratulations to Heidi Looney on her nomination and selection for the Field Masterpiece Award. Heidi was nominated for her dedication to Washington State Park and her implementation of improved procedures, especially during the challenges presented by COVID-19. Heidi seeks out training for herself and others, sharing any newfound knowledge; supervises seasonal office and interpretive staff; plans, organizes and promotes the park’s special events and programming; keeps payments flowing, researches and completes needed reporting, and keeps staff reminded of deadlines. Thank you, Heidi, for stepping up to take on any challenge that comes your way.

Notice: St. Joe State Park will be closed Dec. 12 through Dec. 13 for a managed deer hunt. For more info on park closures, visit http://ow.ly/7Pqr50C9qZj.

In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution guaranteeing women the right to vote, Missouri State Parks is highlighting the women on our team and celebrating the amazing jobs they do. Join us every #WomenWednesday to learn about several of these hardworking ladies each week. #WeServeMo

It's that time of year! Join Karla Strain at Battle of Lexington State Historic Site as she shows you how to make your own Victorian Christmas Decorations. This video is part of our Missouri State Parks #OldFashionedChristmas series, where we showcase holiday traditions of people living during the time periods featured in some of our historic sites. Join us each week, from now until Dec. 24, to learn about how some past Missourians celebrated the holidays. What traditions do you and your family keep?

To all veterans, we thank you and send much gratitude for your service to America on Veterans Day and always. Learn more about Missouri State Parks programs honoring veterans here: https://mostateparks.com//missouri-state-parks-honors-vete