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Special Events, Exhibits and Meetings

Event/Exhibit/Meeting DateNews Release
Nov 1-Dec 8, 2025Fourteen state parks temporarily closed for managed deer hunts

General News

Date of PublicationNews Release
Nov 6, 2025Veterans and active-duty military who camp on Veterans Day receive free night at Missouri State Parks
Sep 15, 2025Missouri Department of Natural Resources opens 2025-2026 Bus Grant Program
Sep 4, 2025Missouri State Parks seeks nominations for two positions on Trails Advisory Board
Sep 3, 2025Bothwell Lodge State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey now online
Aug 21, 20252026 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Round is now open
Aug 14, 2025Lake of the Ozarks State Park campground reopens after renovations
Aug 6, 2025Washington State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Jul 24, 2025Montauk State Park recovery team selected as July 2025 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Members of the Month
Jul 3, 2025Round up for veterans at Missouri State Parks
Jul 1, 2025Electrical service restored in Montauk Campground Loop 4
Jun 26, 2025Watkins Woolen Mill State Park and State Historic Site's conceptual development plan survey now online
Jun 24, 2025Missouri Parks Association donates three track chairs to Missouri State Parks
Jun 21, 2025Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park campground reopens after renovations
May 28, 2025Table Rock State Park completes improvements to Campground 2
May 21, 2025St. Joe State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
May 21, 2025Missouri Mines State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey now online
May 14, 2025Dwayne Bostick selected as May 2025 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Apr 17, 2025Corporal Jason Walker selected as April 2025 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Apr 17, 2025Thousand Hills State Park public swim beach renovation begins
Apr 1, 2025Missouri Department of Natural Resources accepting entries for 2025 photo contest
Mar 14, 2025Big Lake State Park campground reopens after renovations
Mar 10, 2025Missouri State Parks seeks input on outdoor recreation plan
Feb 27, 2025Construction crews widen Camden County Route D through Ha Ha Tonka State Park
Feb 3, 2025Volunteers help clean up Montauk State Park
Jan 30, 2025Department of Natural Resources names new Missouri State Parks Director
Jan 16, 2025Missouri State Historic Preservation Office announces second call for 2025 Historic Preservation Fund grants
Jan 15, 2025Wild Areas in Missouri state parks expanded
Jan 8, 2025Justin Bensley selected as December 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Jan 7, 2025Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant Round is now open
Jan 6, 2025Improvements complete, Roaring River State Park campground 3 reopens
Dec 24, 2025Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site to close Dec. 24
Dec 5, 2024Montauk State Park remains closed due to flood cleanup
Dec 4, 2024Looking for an easy last-minute holiday gift? Give a Missouri State Parks gift card!
Nov 26, 2024Thousand Hills State Park certified as an Urban Night Sky Place
Nov 6, 2024Taum Sauk Mountain State Park and Jay Nixon Backcountry conceptual development plan meeting postponed to Dec. 7
Nov 6, 2024Montauk State Park closed due to flooding
Nov 1, 2024Free night of camping and historic site tours offered to veterans and active-duty military at Missouri State Parks
Oct 24, 2024Sedalia's iconic Bothwell Lodge gets a makeover
Oct 18, 2024Elephant Rocks State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Sep 20, 2024Missouri Department of Natural Resources opens 2024-2025 Bus Grant Program
Sep 17, 2024Informational video updates for state parks and historic sites are posted online
Sep 17, 2024Sappington African American Cemetery State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey is now online
Aug 20, 20242025 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Round is now open
Aug 7, 2024Missouri State Parks accepts nominations for three positions on Trails Advisory Board
Jul 18, 2024Onondaga Cave State Park reopens cave with new lighting system July 19
Jul 16, 2024Tisha Holden selected as July 2024 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
July 9, 2024Harry S Truman State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Jul 3, 2024Improvements complete, Montauk State Park campground loop 4 reopens
Jul 2, 2024Mark Twain and Crowder state parks offer all-inclusive deer hunts for veterans
Jul 2, 2024Informational video updates for state parks and historic sites will be posted online in July
Jun 27, 2024J. Huston Tavern in Arrow Rock State Historic Site to reopen
Jun 14, 2024Higginsville becomes Missouri's newest Certified Local Government
May 22, 2024Katy Trail State Park receives donation of new welcome center
May 10, 2024Missouri State Parks honors military service
May 7, 2024Trail dedication at Edward "Ted" and Pat Jones-Confluence Point State Park postponed
May 3, 2024Wings over Weston event canceled
Apr 29, 2024Anna Persell selected as April 2024 State of Missouri and Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Apr 4, 2024Eclipse viewing tips for the "park side of the moon"
Apr 1, 2024Missouri Department of Natural Resources photo contest is open for submissions
Mar 29, 2024Solicitations of Interest sought for Joplin Union Depot
Mar 18, 2024Knob Noster State Park campground will reopen for the season April 15
Feb 21, 2024New company to manage concessions at Roaring River State Park
Feb 5, 2024Lewis and Clark State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Jan 16, 2024Montauk State Park campground construction project causes some reservation changes
Dec 27, 20232024 Recreational Trails Program Grant Round is now open
Dec 1, 2023Need a last minute holiday gift? Get a Missouri State Parks gift card
Nov 30, 20232024 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program Grant Round is now open
Nov 9, 2023Missouri State Historic Preservation Office opens 2024 grant round for Historic Preservation Fund grants
Nov 2, 2023Missouri State Parks offers veterans and active-duty military free tours and night of camping
Oct 24, 2023Missouri Department of Natural Resources announces winners of 2023 photo contest
Oct 16, 2023Mastodon State Historic Site picnic area temporary closure
Oct 4, 2023Eleven Point State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Sep 20, 2023The Adventures of Tom Sawyer manuscript restored
Sep 12, 2023Registration now open for 12th annual Katy Trail Fall Color Tram Tours
Sep 5, 2023Missouri Department of Natural Resources opens 2023-2024 Bus Grant Program
Sep 1, 2023Missouri State Parks now accepting nominations for representatives on Missouri Trails Advisory Board
Aug 22, 2023Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application round for 2024 opens
Aug 18, 2023Montauk State Park campground reopens for two weeks beginning Aug. 21
Jul 3, 2023Practice summer safety in Missouri's state parks
Jun 20, 2023Lee Mace's bass — the missing years
Jun 9, 2023Amanda Gray selected as June 2023 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Jun 8, 2023Beat the heat at a Missouri state park this summer
May 15, 2023Erik Otto selected as May 2023 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
May 4, 2023Missouri State Parks selected as a National Gold Medal finalist
Apr 25, 2023Quilts sought for the Salt River Quilt Show in September
Apr 20, 2023Big Lake State Park cabins will reopen for the season
Apr 1, 2023Department of Natural Resources now accepting entries for annual photo contest
Mar 17, 2023Rebecca Young selected as March 2023 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Feb 28, 2023Dave Winchester selected as February 2023 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Jan 30, 2023Roaring River and Montauk state parks release campsites
Jan 11, 2023New company now managing Echo Bluff Lodge concessions
Jan 11, 2023Battle of Island Mound State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey now online
Dec 26, 20222023 Recreational Trails Program grant application round now open
Dec 21, 2022Matthew Poole selected as December 2022 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Dec 19, 2022Castlewood State Park implements trail closure policy Jan. 1
Dec 19, 2022Changes to equestrian trail use announced for Castlewood State Park
Dec 7, 2022Smokey Bear and Woodsy Owl art contest winners announced
Dec 6, 2022Portion of Katy Trail closed due to trail repairs and improvements
Dec 5, 2022Looking for a last-minute gift? Get a Missouri State Parks gift card
Nov 9, 2022Elephant Rocks State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Oct 25, 2022Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey now online
Oct 25, 2022Melanie Smith selected as October 2022 Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Oct 18, 2022Thousand Hills State Park officially opens new trail
Oct 3, 2022Bennett Spring State Park announces Pawpaw Contest winner
Sep 21, 2022Ha Ha ​Tonka State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Sep 20, 2022Lee Mace's famous bass fiddle now resides at Missouri State Museum
Sep 7, 2022Missouri State Historic Preservation Office announces 2023 grant application round for Historic Preservation Fund Grants
Aug. 26, 2022Bryant Creek State Park scheduled to open Sept. 23
Aug 24, 2022Scott Joplin House State Historic Site conceptual development plan survey now available online
Aug 17, 2022Missouri State Parks Announces Winners of Virtual Youth Earth Day Art Contest
Aug 16, 20222022 Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program grant application round is now open
Aug 8, 20222023 Land and Water Conservation Fund grant application round is now open
Aug 4, 2022Missouri Trails Advisory Board seeks representative for equestrian-use trails
Aug 1, 2022Hero Deer Hunt signup now open
Jul 28, 2022Finger Lakes State Park conceptual development plan survey now online
Jul 27, 2022Ain't no mountain high enough, ain't no valley low enough to keep us from visiting Missouri state parks
Jul 26, 2022Missouri Department of Natural Resources publishes report about glades in Missouri
Jul 25, 2022Cpl. Steve Jabben Selected As State and Missouri Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Jul 22, 2022Grant assistance to underwrite school field trips now open
Jul 20, 2022Bramwell Bridge at Bennett Spring State Park closed to vehicular traffic
Jul 19, 2022For a ​gorge-ous view, visit Missouri’s “Little Grand Canyon”
Jul 15, 2022ExplorUS will operate Lake Wappapello State Park concessions
Jul 12, 2022Department of Natural Resources awards $1.1 million to improve outdoor recreation
Jun 28, 2022Summertime fun – the heat is on!
Jun 20, 2022Ground-penetrating radar finds unmarked graves at Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site
May 16, 2022Big Lake State Park and Lewis and Clark State Park campgrounds will reopen May 16
May 11, 2022Big Lake Campground will reopen May 16
May 6, 2022Salt Creek Bridge on the Katy Trail now open
May 4, 2022Ozark Mountain State Park has a new name
Apr 27, 2022Katy Trail State Park voted #2 Best Recreational Trail!
Apr 23, 2022Twilight Trek and Taste at Washington State Park canceled
Apr 22, 2022Department of Natural Resources announces 2022 Earth Day slogan contest winner
Apr 17, 2022Portion of Katy Trail closed due to rock removal
Apr 1, 2022Department of Natural Resources annual photo contest is now open
Mar 29, 2022Missouri State Parks hosts second annual virtual Earth Day youth art contest
Feb 18, 2022Danny Counts Selected As February 2022 State of Missouri and Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Feb 17, 2022Backcountry Campsites at ​Hawn State Park reservable through the online reservation system beginning Tuesday, March 1
Feb 8, 2022Missouri State Parks makes enhancements to online reservation system Feb. 15
Jan 31, 2022Ranger Erika Burns Selected As January 2022 State of Missouri and Department of Natural Resources Team Member of the Month
Jan 10, 2022Missouri Department of Natural Resources opens 2022 round of Bus Grant Program grants
Dec 29, 2021Ortega National Parks will operate concessions at Sam A. Baker State Park beginning this spring
Dec 16, 2021Missouri Department of Natural Resources opens 2022 round of Recreational Trails Program grants
Dec 14, 2021Department of Natural Resources accepts ownership of the Rock Island Corridor Dec. 14
Dec 9, 2021Department of Natural Resources photo contest winners announced
Dec 3, 2021Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site conceptual development plan is now complete and available online
Dec 2, 2021Knob ​Noster State Park conceptual development plan is now complete and available online
Nov 30, 2021Amanda Burke receives National Trust/Advisory Council on Historic Preservation Award for Federal Partnerships in Historic Preservation
Nov 24, 2021Missouri State Parks enthusiasts can share the love with a December gift card special
Nov 17, 2021Missouri State Parks announces the 2022 Land and Water Conservation Fund Grant Round
Nov 2, 2021Geologic maps published by Missouri Department of Natural Resources
Nov 1, 2021Ken McCarty receives the 2021 Natural Areas Association’s Carl N. Becker Stewardship Award
Oct 27, 2021Director Dru Buntin announces 19 grantees for federal parks and recreation grants
Sep 28, 2021Cuivre River State Park challenges visitors to complete the "Passport to Adventure" now through Oct. 31
Sept 26, 2021Missouri State Parks reminds park visitors to follow Leave No Trace Principles while outdoors this fall
Sep 15, 2021The Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site conceptual development plan is now complete and available online
Sep 15, 2021The Donnelly-LaMear Trailhead entrance at St. Joe State Park is now open
Sep 3, 2021Department of Natural Resources moves LGBTQ exhibit to Lohman Building
Aug 31, 2021Department of Natural Resources director names deputy and new Missouri State Parks director
Aug 2, 2021Missouri State Parks announces 2022 grant round for Historic Preservation Fund grants
Jul 30, 2021Know the signs and symptoms of heat-related illnesses to stay safe when enjoying nature
Jul 27, 20212021 Bicentennial Katy Trail Ride canceled due to recent flooding
Jul 23, 2021Keep safety top of mind when exploring the outdoors
Jul 20, 2021Registration for Glow Paddle at Wakonda State Park on Aug. 21 is now open
Jun 25, 2021Missouri State Parks adds 25-mile, family-friendly fun ride to the 2021 Bicentennial Ride at Katy Trail State Park
Jun 23, 2021Missouri state parks provide refuge for Missouri pollinators during National Pollinator Week and beyond
Jun 10, 2021Department of Natural Resources offers assistance for outdoor recreation projects
Jun 9, 2021Thunderbird Lodge at Washington State Park selected as a recipient of the Preserve Missouri Award
Jun 8, 2021Missouri State Parks announces winners of Virtual Youth Earth Day Art Contest
Jun 8, 2021Sappington African American Cemetery in Arrow Rock dedicated as new state historic site
May 27, 2021Missouri State Parks celebrates the completion of the Katy Trail State Park connector in Sedalia
May 27, 2021Missouri State Parks kicks off the swimming recreational season during Memorial Day Weekend
May 19, 2021Missouri State Parks announces the 2021 Bicentennial Ride at Katy Trail State Park
Apr 30, 2021Missouri State Parks offers same-day reservations at most campgrounds this season
Apr 29, 2021Roaring River State Park heavily impacted by historic flooding, camping and angling opportunities temporarily impacted
Apr 20, 2021Missouri State Parks adds 22 trails to ​Birdability program
Apr 20, 2021Ortega National Parks will operate Lake of the Ozarks State Park Marina beginning this spring
Apr 13, 2021Missouri State Parks hosts virtual youth Earth Day art contest
Apr 13, 2021Lake of the Ozarks State Park opens new special-use area during April 10 ceremony
Apr 1, 2021Department of Natural Resources annual photo contest is now open
Mar 12, 2021Missouri state parks and historic sites prepare for 2021 camping season
Mar 3, 2021Anglers celebrate 2021 trout season opening in Missouri state parks
Feb 19, 2021BA Services Inc. to operate ​Meramec State Park lodging, watercraft rental and retail concessions
Feb 5, 2021Missouri State Parks now accepting nominations for all-terrain and utility task vehicle riding representative on Missouri Trails Advisory Board
Jan 21, 2021Missouri State Museum launches Missouri state Capitol virtual tour series
Jan 14, 2021Missouri state parks are open - indoor spaces remain closed through Feb. 28
Dec 16, 2020Missouri State Parks announces 2021 round for outdoor recreation grants
Dec 14, 2020Department of Natural Resources photo contest winners announced
Nov 24, 2020Missouri state parks remain open - indoor spaces to close
Nov 10, 2020Missouri State Parks senior naturalist, Michelle Soenksen, receives national 2020 Master Front-line Interpreter Award
Nov 4, 2020Missouri State Parks announces grantees for Federal Recreational Trail Program grants
Oct 21, 2020Missouri State Parks encourages park visitors to follow Leave No Trace Principles and social-distancing guidelines this fall
Oct 8, 2020Missouri State Parks launches new online map highlighting park and site status and temporary closures
Oct 6, 2020Permits now required for backpackers camping in backcountry of Hawn State Park
Oct 5, 2020Missouri State Parks launches Better Impact, an online volunteer signup and recruitment tool
Sep 30, 2020Bennett Spring State Park recognizes Robert ​Wolkwitz as winner of pawpaw contest
Jul 15, 2020Missouri State Parks and Office of Geospatial Information recognized with the Special Achievement in GIS Award
Jul 14, 2020Missouri State Parks announces 2021 round for Historic Preservation Fund grants
Jun 16, 2020Missouri State Parks announces 12-month camping reservation window beginning June 30
Jun 10, 2020DNR reminds Missourians to be aware of potential harmful algae blooms in waterways this summer
Jun 4, 2020Missouri State Parks reopens some visitor centers and offices
May 27, 2020Missouri State Parks accepting nominations for three members of Missouri Trails Advisory Board
May 17, 2020St. Joe State Park off-road vehicle riding area reopens May 18
May 14, 2020Missouri State Parks campgrounds to begin phased reopening on May 18
May 12, 2020State Historic Preservation Office receives ACHP Chairman’s Achievement Award
May 11, 2020Department of Natural Resources annual photo contest is now open
May 11, 2020Elephant Rocks and Castlewood state parks open May 11
May 11, 2020Weston Bend and Watkins Woolen Mill state parks partially open May 11
May 5, 2020Missouri State Parks cancels 2020 Katy Trail Ride
Apr 29, 2020Missouri State Parks announces phase one in resuming normal operations
Apr 17, 2020Missouri State Parks extends temporary closures through May 3
Mar 31, 2020Missouri State Parks modifies operations to address overcrowding
Mar 23, 2020Missouri state parks remain open for day-use, temporarily closing campgrounds and lodging March 27 through April 30
Mar 19, 2020Missouri state parks remain open, temporarily closing visitor centers and park or site offices to walk-in foot traffic - effective Friday, March 20
Mar 14, 2020Missouri State Parks postpones special events and programs and temporarily suspends guided group or school tours now through April 30
Mar 13, 2020Missouri State Parks postpones events and programs now through April 30
Mar 3, 2020Register to ride or volunteer for the 20th annual Katy Trail Ride
Mar 3, 2020Anglers celebrate 2020 trout season opening in Missouri state parks
Jan 31, 2020Department of Natural Resources names new Missouri State Parks Director
Jan 27, 2020Bennett Spring State Park announces 2019 Art Contest Winners
Jan 16, 2020Missouri State Parks accepts nominations for off-highway motorcycling representative on Trails Advisory Board
Jan 10, 2020Missouri Department of Natural Resources provides climate-controlled waiting area for Amtrak customers at Jefferson Landing
Dec 26, 2019Katy Trail State Park Story Map Online
Dec 17, 2019Department of Natural Resources and Ameren Missouri's Missouri Central Railroad sign agreement on Rock Island Line Corridor
Dec 17, 2019Missouri State Parks announces 2020 round for outdoor recreation grants
Nov 26, 2019Missouri State Parks Gift Cards Available
Nov 21, 2019Missouri State Parks asking assistance from trail users to test trail app
Nov 1, 2019Missouri State Parks returns management of Viney Creek Recreation Area to the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers
Oct 24, 2019Ortega National Parks to operate Montauk State Park concession beginning Nov. 1
Aug 15, 2019Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Central Railroad receive negotiation extension for Rock Island Line Corridor
Jul 1, 2019
Jun 11, 2019
May 31, 20192019 Katy Trail Ride Canceled Due to Missouri River Flooding
May 24, 2019Missouri State Parks offers free camping for Missouri residents displaced by tornadoes and flooding
May 22, 2019J. Huston Tavern closed due to kitchen fire
Mar 29, 2019Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park honors Annie’s legacy
Mar 28, 2019Missouri State Parks accepts nominations for General Trail Use representative through May 31
Mar 22, 2019Missouri State Parks offers free camping for Missouri residents displaced by flooding
Feb 25, 2019Bennett Spring State Park redirects traffic to park’s main entrance
Feb 11, 2019Missouri Department of Natural Resources and Missouri Central Railroad receive negotiation extension for Rock Island Line Corridor
Jan 28, 2019Department Announces Community Art Contest Winners
Dec 21, 2018Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site opens new exhibit
Dec 18, 2018State of Missouri celebrates the legacy of Pat Jones
Dec 17, 2018Missouri State Parks announces 2019 grant round for outdoor recreation grants
Dec 6, 2018Missouri State Parks announces grant round for outdoor recreation grants
Dec 9, 2018Missouri State Parks announces $2 rate increase for campsites with electricity
Oct 12, 2018Drought Update
Oct 5, 2018Drought Update
Sep 28, 2018Drought Update
Sep 25, 2018Drought Update
Sep 21, 2018Drought Update
Sep 21, 2018Missouri State Parks seeking bid applications for a concessionaire at Montauk State Park
Sep 14, 2018Drought Update
Sep 10, 2018Drought Update
Aug 31, 2018Drought Update
Aug 28, 2018Drought Update
Aug 27, 2018Drought Update
Aug 27, 2018Drought Update
Aug 20, 2018Drought Update
Jun 7, 2018Missouri State Parks announces Centennial Passport Program winners
May 25, 2018Missouri State Parks kicks off the swimming recreational season during Memorial Day Weekend
May 15, 2018Missouri State Parks seeks to recruit and hire more veterans
Apr 30, 2018Finger Lakes State Park main entrance to temporarily close for lake dam renovation
Mar 5, 2018Anglers celebrate 2018 trout season opening in Missouri State Parks
Jan 22, 2018Public Comments on Closed Missouri State Parks' Properties Now Available Online
Jan 18, 2018Missouri State Parks Soliciting Bids for Food and Resale Concession Operation at St. Joe State Park
Nov 3, 2017Missouri State Parks extends Centennial Passport program
Sep 22, 2017Missouri Crews Return from Helping with Florida Cleanup
Sep 12, 2017Missouri Crews Heading to Florida to Help with Cleanup
Jul 21, 2017Missouri State Parks is increasing awareness concerning mosquitoes
Jun 30, 2017Tick study under way at Meramec State Park
Nov 4, 2016Missouri State Parks offers early camping reservations for 2017 solar eclipse
Aug 12, 2016Missouri State Parks designates new wild area
Dec 8, 2015Missouri State Park Ranger earns national Park Ranger of the Year Award
Oct 7, 2015“The Battle of Island Mound” wins two Emmy Awards from NATAS Mid-American Chapter
Jun 5, 2015Nine of Missouri’s state parks and historic sites awarded Trip Advisor’s Certificate of Excellence