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
Montauk Upland Forest	Dent	06/04/1979
Morris Prairie	Sullivan	04/20/2001
Mount Vernon Prairie	Lawrence	04/16/1976
Mud Creek	Butler	06/20/1980
Mudlick Mountain	Wayne	02/10/1981
Mule Hollow Glade	Carter	12/18/1973
Niangua River Hills	Dallas	08/25/2008
Niawathe Prairie	Dade	08/26/1975
Osage Prairie	Vernon	12/20/1971
Otter Slough	Stoddard	02/25/1982
Oumessourit	Saline	10/20/1981
Oval Lake	Pike	09/25/1974
Overcup Fen	Ripley	12/14/2001
Paintbrush Prairie	Pettis	09/26/1978
Pawhuska Prairie	Barton	08/26/1975
Pawnee Prairie	Harrison	11/19/2004
Pelican Island	St. Louis	02/14/1983
Pickle Creek	Ste. Genevieve	09/18/1979
Pickle Springs	Ste. Genevieve	06/13/1986
Pin Oak Slough	Johnson	03/30/1978

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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!