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
Kelso Sanctuary	Cape Girardeau	11/26/1984
La Petite Gemme Prairie	Polk	06/21/1977
LaBarque Creek	Jefferson	12/17/2010
Lamotte Sandstone Barrens	Ste. Genevieve	03/22/1989
Lichen Glade	St. Clair	10/22/1975
Lily Pond	Reynolds	12/15/1975
Lincoln Hills	Lincoln	01/13/1998
Little Bean Marsh	Platte	01/21/1980
Little Niangua River	Camden	12/17/2010
Little Osage Prairie	Vernon	08/26/1975
Little Tarkio Prairie	Holt	11/03/2000
Locust Creek	Linn	06/03/1979
Maple Woods	Clay	09/26/1978
Marg Pond	Shannon	06/26/1990
Marmaton River Bottoms	Vernon	03/13/1987
McCormack Loess Mounds	Holt	02/17/1978
Meramec Mosaic	Crawford Franklin	04/29/2002
Meramec Upland Forest	Franklin	02/28/1980
Mill Mountain	Shannon	12/18/1973
Mint Spring Seep	Gasconade	08/24/1982

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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!