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
Cardareva Bluff	Shannon	11/16/1984
Danville Glades	Montgomery	11/16/1984
Westport Island	Lincoln	11/16/1984
Brush Creek	St. Clair	11/16/1984
Johnson's Shut-Ins Dolomite Glade	Reynolds	11/26/1984
Kelso Sanctuary	Cape Girardeau	11/26/1984
Buffalo Hills	McDonald	06/28/1985
Washington State Park Hardwood	Washington	07/23/1985
Blair Creek Raised Fen	Shannon	01/24/1986
Wells Branch Fen	Ripley	01/24/1986
Ashe Juniper	Stone	01/24/1986
Pickle Springs	Ste. Genevieve	06/13/1986
Grand Gulf	Oregon	07/15/1986
Dave Rock	St. Clair	03/13/1987
Ripgut Prairie	Bates	03/13/1987
Horton Bottoms	Vernon	03/13/1987
Sand Ponds	Ripley	03/13/1987
Marmaton River Bottoms	Vernon	03/13/1987
Prairie Slough	Lincoln	03/13/1987
Graham Cave Glades	Montgomery	03/22/1989

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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!