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
Grand Bluffs	Montgomery	07/29/1998
Grand Gulf	Oregon	07/15/1986
Grasshopper Hollow	Reynolds	12/16/1983
Grassy Pond	Carter	12/20/1971
Ha Ha Tonka Karst	Camden	11/30/1981
Ha Ha Tonka Oak Woodland	Camden	02/10/1981
Haney Pond	Oregon	09/25/1991
Helton Prairie	Harrison	08/29/1989
Hickory Canyons	Ste. Genevieve	03/22/1974
Hidden Valley	Clay	04/17/1978
Holly Ridge	Stoddard	02/13/1976
Horseshoe Bend	Texas	04/11/1973
Horton Bottoms	Vernon	03/13/1987
Hughes Mountain	Washington	08/24/1982
Indian Trail	Dent	12/15/2000
Isley Park Woods	Clay	06/16/1983
Jacks Fork	Shannon	05/27/1980
Johnson's Shut-Ins	Reynolds	06/05/1978
Johnson's Shut-Ins Dolomite Glade	Reynolds	11/26/1984
Johnson's Shut-Ins Fen	Reynolds	12/01/1983

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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!