A family poses with their frightening gorilla, just one of a slew of Halloween decorations on display at their campsite at Pomme de Terre State Park.
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For many, the words “state park” conjure up images of vacations, camping, hiking, boating, sunshine and other summer fun. But did you know there are activities at parks and historic sites throughout the entire year?
While visitation numbers tend to drop when school resumes, Missouri’s state parks and historic sites remain active with events scheduled throughout the fall and winter months. Halloween activities have become very popular as more parks are joining in the “spooktacular” fun, where costume contests, campsite-decorating contests and of course, trick-or-treating, are the norm.
“October has become one of our busiest months with all of our fall and Halloween activities,” said David Kelly, director of Missouri State Parks. “People have started reserving campsites a year in advance just to make sure they get a prime spot in their favorite park, whether it’s for trick-or-treating or one of the other fall festivals.”
Countless families make these events an annual tradition, providing fun and entertainment while teaching the historical significance of the site. “Many of our historic sites make visitors feel as if they are stepping back in time,” Kelly said.
Visitors can also find many biennial events throughout the state, such as Prairie Jubilee at Prairie State Park, or numerous battle reenactments at state historic sites.
And let’s not forget the winter holidays. Many of Missouri’s state historic sites, such as Hunter-Dawson, Arrow Rock, First Missouri State Capitol, Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead, Deutschheim and Felix Vallé House, decorate for Christmas.
“At the Boone Homestead in Greene County, guests can experience what Christmas was like on the 19th century Missouri frontier,” said Mike Busekrus, former superintendent for the site. “Visitors have the rare opportunity to see the Boone home come to life with holiday spirit! They’ll smell cookies and wassail being made on an open hearth, learn Christmas customs of the Missouri Ozarks and they can make a 19th century door decoration while enjoying the authentic sights and sounds of a 19th century Christmas.”
The Christmas theme continues at Deutschheim and Harry S Truman Birthplace state historic sites.
“At Deutschheim, visitors are invited to sample German Christmas cookies, learn how German holiday customs became American traditions, and browse the gift shop for Springerle molds and other German heritage treasures,” said Lori Cody, the site administrator at Deutschheim State Historic Site in Hermann.
“Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site celebrates a Victorian Christmas each year with period decorations set for the entire month of December,” said Beth Bazal, the site administrator at Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site. “The parlor tree is decorated with bold burgundy, gold and pink decorations, and interpreters offer presentations about the Christmas traditions popular during the Victorian era.”
Vicki Jackson, the superintendent of Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site in New Madrid, agrees with Busekrus about how the sites burst with holiday cheer.
“Our Christmas candlelight open house event at Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site is a part of many families’ Christmas traditions, dating back more than 40 years.” said Jackson. “This event is magical. You can wander through an 1860s mansion, lit with oil lamps and decorated with fresh greenery, fresh Christmas trees, holly and Victorian-period decorations. Staff dressed in Victorian clothing are on hand to greet you and answer questions. My personal favorite thing about this event is the families that you see every year and it just makes me so happy that our site is part of their family tradition.”
Many parks also offer First Day Hikes, which for numerous hardy hikers has become a New Year’s Day tradition. Families can celebrate the new year with fun, fresh air and scenic views by participating in a First Day Hike at a state park or historic site. This allows individuals and families to start the year on the right foot — by getting outside and connecting with nature.
“This national initiative has become a cherished tradition, providing individuals and families with the opportunity to embrace the outdoors and kick off the year with a commitment to health and well-being,” Kelly said. “Hikers can choose guided hikes that fit their comfort levels. If hiking isn’t their thing, they can explore the other offerings at state parks, from boating or fishing to horseback riding, or simply enjoying a peaceful moment at a picnic table or bench. There is something for everyone.”
For more about activities in Missouri’s state parks and historic sites, visit the Missouri State Parks webpage.
