Top Spots


  • Top Spots to Hang Out

    Imagine returning home after a long vacation only to find your house is no longer there! That’s exactly what happened…

  • The silhouette of a tree stands next to a vibrant view of the milky way galaxy and a comet in the night sky.

    Protecting our Night Skies

    When the sun sets at Thousand Hills State Park on the outskirts of Kirksville, the night sky comes to life.…

  • Photo of people walking along a path in a cave.

    Let There be Light!

    The Missouri State Parks team flipped the switch at Onondaga Cave State Park for a much-awaited reopening of the cave,…

  • Photo of colorful autumn leaves with a blurry background of trees and leaves.

    Hunts made for Heroes

    Missouri State Parks takes great pride in honoring and showing gratitude to our military veterans for their sacrifices and service…

  • Photo of family posing around a gorilla halloween decorations.

    Holidays in the Parks

    For many, the words “state park” conjure up images of vacations, camping, hiking, boating, sunshine and other summer fun. But…

  • A photo illustration showing the progression of the eclipse as the moon passes in front of the sun. In the middle is an image totality. A ring of bright whispy light surrounds the silhouette of the moon.

    Total Eclipse of our Parks

    Mark your calendars for April 8, 2024, when an exciting and rare astronomical event, a total solar eclipse, will occur!

  • Layers of natural rock formations are stacked up to form a dry stream bed. On the sides of the stream bed are trees and other vegetation.

    The Parks Less Traveled

    Get away from your usual habitat and enjoy enticing scenery, while enjoying activities that provide cognitive benefits and improve mood,…

  • A woman in a hammock reading a book.

    Pitch Perfect

    Camping is one of the most popular activities in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites, and it’s not hard to…

Graphic: MoDNR photo contest logo and text that says, "enter starting April 1." The graphic links to a webpage with details about the contest.