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
Wah-Sha-She Prairie	Jasper	10/22/1975
Little Osage Prairie	Vernon	08/26/1975
Pawhuska Prairie	Barton	08/26/1975
Niawathe Prairie	Dade	08/26/1975
Cash Swamp	Dunklin	04/16/1975
Oval Lake	Pike	09/25/1974
Bur-Reed Slough	Pike	09/25/1974
Hickory Canyons	Ste. Genevieve	03/22/1974
Golden Seal	Carter	12/18/1973
Bryant Creek	Douglas	12/18/1973
Mule Hollow Glade	Carter	12/18/1973
Rock Spring Bluff	Barry	12/18/1973
Mill Mountain	Shannon	12/18/1973
Horseshoe Bend	Texas	04/11/1973
Dripping Springs	Texas	04/11/1973
Royal Gorge	Iron	03/17/1973
Dupont	Pike	11/15/1972
Spring's End Forest	Crawford Phelps	11/15/1972
Tower Rock	Perry	11/15/1972
Wolf Bayou	Pemiscot	06/27/1972

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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!