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
Mint Spring Seep	Gasconade	08/24/1982
Tupelo Gum Pond	Oregon	08/24/1982
Diamond Grove Prairie	Newton	08/24/1982
Valley View Glades	Jefferson	08/24/1982
Coakley Hollow Fen	Camden	08/25/1982
Blue River Glades	Jackson	01/21/1983
Engelmann Woods	Franklin	01/21/1983
The Pinnacles	Boone	01/21/1983
George A. Hamilton Forest	Lincoln	02/14/1983
Big Spring	Carter	02/14/1983
Pelican Island	St. Louis	02/14/1983
White River Balds	Taney	04/18/1983
Weldon Spring Hollow	St. Charles	06/16/1983
St. Francis River	Madison	06/16/1983
Isley Park Woods	Clay	06/16/1983
Whetstone Creek	Callaway	06/16/1983
Johnson's Shut-Ins Fen	Reynolds	12/01/1983
Quercus Flatwoods	Texas	12/16/1983
Grasshopper Hollow	Reynolds	12/16/1983
Wildcat Glade	Newton	02/17/1984

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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!