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
Lamotte Sandstone Barrens	Ste. Genevieve	03/22/1989
Big Barren Creek	Carter	08/29/1989
Yellow Creek	Chariton	08/29/1989
Tarkio Prairie	Atchison	08/29/1989
Red Maple Pond	Ripley	08/29/1989
Helton Prairie	Harrison	08/29/1989
Brushy Pond	Oregon	06/26/1990
Marg Pond	Shannon	06/26/1990
Caney Mountain	Ozark	06/26/1990
Butler Hollow Glades	Barry	09/06/1990
Haney Pond	Oregon	09/25/1991
Cowards Hollow	Carter	09/25/1991
Dark Hollow	Sullivan	05/20/1992
Castor River Shut-Ins	Madison	01/29/1993
Big Spring Pines	Carter	01/29/1993
Eck Memorial	Texas	04/06/1993
Bald Hill Glade	Ripley	08/27/1993
Star School Hill Prairie	Atchison	08/27/1993
Vilander Bluff	Crawford	12/17/1993
Stegall Mountain	Shannon	12/17/1993

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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!