Places to Go: Diana Bend CA

Diana Bend Conservation Area

A river, two creeks, and an overlook

Located on 1,343 acres in Howard County, Diana Bend Conservation Area is bordered by the Missouri River to the south, Moniteau Creek to the east, and Katy Trail State Park to the north. With Salt Creek cutting the area in half from north to south, the area offers significant opportunities for viewing shorebirds and other water birds if the weather cooperates.

“It’s popular with birdwatchers this time of year if we have water,” said Wildlife Biologist Steven Noll. “We’re dependent upon a high river, high creek, or the levee district pumping our direction.”

And while most of the area is lowland flood plains, it also offers an overlook with impressive views of the river, sunsets, and the occasional wedding, Noll said. 

“It’s a very steep trail to get up to the overlook, but due to the proximity to the Katy Trail, it’s pretty popular,” Noll said. “It gives a commanding view of the flood plain there.”

However, the view comes at a price, he said.

“I used to call it the American quit smoking trail, because it’s quite high, and it’s very steep, but the view is worth the effort,” he said.

“Most of the trees flooded and tipped over back in 2011 when the river was high all summer. We lost most of our trees, so it’s mostly early successional wetland type habitat.”

—Wildlife Biologist Steven Noll

The boardwalk on the eastern end of Diana Bend CA allows visitors easier access to the viewing platform (inset) overlooking part of the area’s wetlands.