Guided Bison Saunter

11/5/2022 | Prairie State Park | Mindenmines, MO

National Bison Day is the first Saturday in November. This day is set aside to honor the bison as our national mammal. This 1-ton beast once roamed the plains and prairies of North America 60 million strong before we nearly wiped them out.

Celebrate this special day by joining us for a guided bison saunter, and see the prairie in its autumnal glory. Due to the tremendous response of past years, there will be two saunters – one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. Both saunters will begin at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center.

“What is a ‘saunter’?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.

Visitors should be prepared for at least a 2-mile saunter over uneven terrain. Since we won’t know the location of the bison until the morning of the event, bringing water and snacks and wearing sturdy footwear is recommended. Please prepare for the weather. Masks are recommended for the unvaccinated.

Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People trails. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park’s campground and picnic area, but must follow Missouri State Park’s pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.

Registration for this event is required, and there is a limit of 25 participants per saunter. Call 417-843-6711 to register.

Click here to read the news release.

Saunter Times:

• 10 a.m. to noon
• 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.