Missouri State Parks

We recently celebrated our concessionaire partners who help make your visits to our parks special. 51 yrs: MO Parks, Inc. 30 yrs: Starboard Corporation 7 yrs: Gladson and Associates 6 yrs: ExplorUs 5 yrs: BA Services & The Marina at Pomme, LLC #StateParksProud

Postmarked: Essential Travel is essential. Access should be, too. This #NationalTravelAndTourismWeek, we’re celebrating 93 parks & historic sites with NO entry fees. While other states charge at the gate, Missouri keeps the outdoors open for everyone. Where will you celebrate?

Congrats to Melissa Hall from Knob Noster State Park! She was the recipient of the 2025 Missouri State Team Member Award of Distinction (Human Relations). Nominated by her peers, Melissa always supports, empowers and compassionately leads them. #StateParksProud

Congratulations to Ranger Jacob Ellis on receiving the Grand Cordon Award! 🎖️ Ranger Ellis' quick thinking and compassion during a mental health crisis at Rock Bridge Memorial State Park led to the safe recovery and hospitalization of a high-risk subject. #StateParksProud

May is #NationalPreservationMonth, and we’re shining a light on the incredible craftsmanship found in our parks. Join us as we celebrate the work done to keep these treasures intact for the next generation.

The vibe was "straight fire" at Pacific Community Park when ground broke on the Jeffery White Memorial Skate Park. The Coleman 2nd grade classes from @MVR3Schools brought the energy! Thanks to #LWCF grant, this park will feature ramps, half-pipes, street rails & night lighting.

Huge congrats to Tyler Keim & James Hamilton of Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park on their Masterpiece Award! This summer, they rescued a 9yo boy trapped in high water. James shifted a rock to free the child while Tyler coordinated EMS and assisted James. #StateParksProud

Congratulations to Ranger Clay Talton on receiving the Grand Cordon Award! His compassionate actions during a routine investigation helped to save a life and get a person in crisis the help he needed. #StateParksProud

Leaving only footprints. 👣💚 Vizient volunteers from Cape Girardeau spent #EarthDay cleaning up Trail of Tears State Park. From trailheads to river views, they helped keep our community green and clean.

Check out the progress at Watkins Mill State Park near Lawson! The revenue bond project features 50 new full hookup sites, new roads and new showerhouse. Make plans to visit in 2027! Visit mostateparks.com to plan your visit.

While Artemis II captured our imagination among the stars, #EarthDay reminds us to cherish the ground beneath our feet. You don’t need a rocket to find awe-inspiring views - just a Missouri State Park map! 🗺️🌿Plan your trip at mostateparks.com Photos courtesy of NASA

Goodbye, road detour! 👋 🚧 Construction is moving fast on the Rock Island Trail bridge in Pleasant Hill. This new link over the active rail line—funded by the Ted and Pat Jones Estate—is set to open this summer. The "missing link" is almost done. 🚲🏃‍♂️

Big wins for Missouri! 🏆 Our Rangers received the President’s Award for excellence in park law enforcement, and Col. Josh Campbell was named President of PLEA—the world’s largest ranger association! 🌲🎖️ Congrats to the team keeping our parks safe! #StateParksProud

Happy #NationalVolunteerWeek! 🛠️🍃 Missouri’s State Parks belong to all of us, and volunteers help us keep them pristine. For more information on volunteering, visit mostateparks.com/page/volunteer….

Huge congrats to Ranger Grace Romine on her Grand Cordon Award! 🎖️ While on patrol near the river, she jumped into action to assist county deputies and a local nurse with life-saving measures for a drowning victim. A true pro under pressure! 🌊💪 #StateParksProud

Big safety upgrade at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park! 🧗‍♀️ Huge thanks to The BETA Fund for donating hardware and expertise to install five sets of new climbing anchors. This makes our climbing programs and trails safer for everyone! 🛡️

Did you know Johnson's Shut-Ins was settled by the Johnston family, who moved to the Ozarks because the rugged mountains reminded them of their Scots-Irish roots? 🏴⛰️ Celebrate #ScottishAmericanHeritageMonth by exploring the Missouri Highlands! 🌊

Make Ha Ha Tonka State Park #1 in USA TODAY 10BEST ! Vote today at at 10best.usatoday.com/awards/ha-ha-t….

Celebrate Thomas Hart Benton’s birthday by taking a virtual tour of his home and studio! Visit dnrservices.mo.gov/videos/4BHO_36… to see a glimpse of the artist's life.

Don't be left in the dark...or maybe do! This week we're celebrating #InternationalDarkSkyWeek, a global celebration of the wonder and importance of night. Visit mostateparks.com for a list of activities.