Natural Areas

Explore Missouri's Original Landscapes

Missouri's natural areas represent some of the best—and last—examples of the state’s original natural landscape, each offering a shining example of Missouri’s outstanding biological and geological features. Hiking through a natural area, you can observe rare plants and animals that would have been familiar sights to native Americans or explorers, such as Lewis and Clark. Natural areas are defined as natural communities or geologic features that represent the natural character, diversity and ecological processes of Missouri’s native landscapes. Natural communities are groups of plants and animals and the landscapes, such as forests or prairies, that they inhabit—and that occur repeatedly throughout the state.

Use the information in this section to plan a visit to a natural area. Whether your interest is in nature study, birding, hiking, fishing, hunting or photography, you'll find a designated Missouri natural area to explore and enjoy your favorite low-impact outdoor recreational activity.

Natural Areas Directory

• « previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• next page »

Title	County	Designation Date
Botkins Pine Woods	Ste. Genevieve	11/30/1981
Bradyville	Stoddard	03/23/1972
Brickey Hills	Ste. Genevieve	08/25/2008
Brickyard Hill Loess Mound	Atchison	03/25/1972
Brush Creek	St. Clair	11/16/1984
Brushy Pond	Oregon	06/26/1990
Bryant Creek	Douglas	12/18/1973
Buffalo Hills	McDonald	06/28/1985
Bur-Reed Slough	Pike	09/25/1974
Butler Hollow Glades	Barry	09/06/1990
Caney Mountain	Ozark	06/26/1990
Cardareva Bluff	Shannon	11/16/1984
Carman Springs	Howell	08/26/1994
Cash Swamp	Dunklin	04/16/1975
Castor River Shut-Ins	Madison	01/29/1993
Chariton River Hills	Macon	10/07/2005
Chloe Lowry Marsh	Mercer	03/10/1995
Clifty Creek	Maries	12/20/1971
Coakley Hollow Fen	Camden	08/25/1982
Coonville Creek	St. Francois	09/18/1979

• « previous page
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• next page »

Get a complete alphabetical list of Natural Areas.

Natural Areas Visitor Guidelines

Regulations on each Missouri natural area vary, so please consult the area's Web page and call the manager for permitted uses and other details before you visit.

Natural Areas Newsletter

See the latest edition of the Missouri Natural Areas Newsletter for information on natural areas, natural community management, and biological diversity conservation news!