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
Morris Prairie	Sullivan	04/20/2001
Solomon Hollow Glades	Phelps	12/15/2000
Indian Trail	Dent	12/15/2000
Little Tarkio Prairie	Holt	11/03/2000
Elk River Breaks Woodland	McDonald	06/28/2000
Tucker Prairie	Callaway	03/26/1999
Grand Bluffs	Montgomery	07/29/1998
Lincoln Hills	Lincoln	01/13/1998
St. Francois Mountains	Iron Reynolds	08/16/1996
Chloe Lowry Marsh	Mercer	03/10/1995
Tunnel Bluff Woods	Carter Ripley	09/23/1994
Carman Springs	Howell	08/26/1994
Vilander Bluff	Crawford	12/17/1993
Stegall Mountain	Shannon	12/17/1993
Bald Hill Glade	Ripley	08/27/1993
Star School Hill Prairie	Atchison	08/27/1993
Eck Memorial	Texas	04/06/1993
Castor River Shut-Ins	Madison	01/29/1993
Big Spring Pines	Carter	01/29/1993
Dark Hollow	Sullivan	05/20/1992

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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!