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
Paintbrush Prairie	Pettis	09/26/1978
Babler Southwoods Hollow	St. Louis	09/25/1978
Des Moines River Ravines	Clark	09/25/1978
Schnabel Woods	Boone	07/24/1978
Elephant Rocks	Iron	06/05/1978
Roaring River Cove Hardwoods	Barry	06/05/1978
Johnson's Shut-Ins	Reynolds	06/05/1978
Hidden Valley	Clay	04/17/1978
Pin Oak Slough	Johnson	03/30/1978
McCormack Loess Mounds	Holt	02/17/1978
Blue Pond	Bollinger	10/24/1977
Big Oak Tree	Mississippi	10/21/1977
Vancill Hollow	Cape Girardeau	10/21/1977
Pioneer	Shannon	07/21/1977
Current River	Shannon	07/21/1977
La Petite Gemme Prairie	Polk	06/21/1977
Mount Vernon Prairie	Lawrence	04/16/1976
Holly Ridge	Stoddard	02/13/1976
Lily Pond	Reynolds	12/15/1975
Lichen Glade	St. Clair	10/22/1975

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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!