Pet Rules for Prairie State Park

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. 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 you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.

For more information, please call the park office at 417-843-6711. For a complete list of closures and advisories, please visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Facility Hours

Prairie State Park


2025-2026 State Holidays

On the following days (actual or observed), staff will not be available and park buildings will be closed: Thanksgiving Day; Nov. 28, 2025; Christmas Eve; Christmas Day; New Year’s Eve; New Year’s Day; Martin Luther King Jr. Day; Lincoln’s Birthday; and Washington's Birthday.

Know Before You Go: Park and Site Status Map

For temporary closures related to weather, stewardship activities and maintenance, as well as temporary trail closures, please visit our Park and Site Status Map.

Park Grounds

Sunrise to sunset, year-round.

Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center

April through October (on-season)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday

Closed Sunday through Tuesday and holidays

November through March (off-season)

10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday through Saturday

Closed Sunday through Wednesday and holidays