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

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Title	County	Designation Date
Bryant Creek	Douglas	12/18/1973
Mule Hollow Glade	Carter	12/18/1973
Rock Spring Bluff	Barry	12/18/1973
Mill Mountain	Shannon	12/18/1973
Hickory Canyons	Ste. Genevieve	03/22/1974
Bur-Reed Slough	Pike	09/25/1974
Oval Lake	Pike	09/25/1974
Cash Swamp	Dunklin	04/16/1975
Little Osage Prairie	Vernon	08/26/1975
Pawhuska Prairie	Barton	08/26/1975
Niawathe Prairie	Dade	08/26/1975
Lichen Glade	St. Clair	10/22/1975
Wah-Sha-She Prairie	Jasper	10/22/1975
Lily Pond	Reynolds	12/15/1975
Holly Ridge	Stoddard	02/13/1976
Mount Vernon Prairie	Lawrence	04/16/1976
La Petite Gemme Prairie	Polk	06/21/1977
Pioneer	Shannon	07/21/1977
Current River	Shannon	07/21/1977
Big Oak Tree	Mississippi	10/21/1977

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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!