Places to Go: Prairie Fork CA

Prairie Fork Conservation Area

A story of transitions

The story of Prairie Fork Conservation Area (CA) is a story of transitions: from traditional prairie on the north end to the Missouri River woodland hills on the south; from a working cattle ranch to a showcase prairie; and from a private homestead to a public use area whose mission is restoration, education, and research.

Located on 920 acres in Callaway County, the Prairie Fork CA property was donated in 1997 by Pat Jones, who, with her husband, Ted, is known for their contributions to conservation and outdoor recreation. Once the couple’s home, the area now hosts educational groups, research projects, and individual outdoor activities like hiking, nature viewing, photography, and more, said MDC Wildlife Biologist Jeff Demand.

With additional resources from Jones’ Prairie Fork Trust, MDC has restored the prairies that originally dominated the area, Demand said.

“If I had to highlight one thing on Prairie Fork that’s probably the best, we have some of the highest quality reconstructed prairies in the Midwest,” he said. “We have over 300 species of plants in our prairies.”

Unlike most other conservation areas, Prairie Fork CA is closed to hunting, fishing, or collecting. A daily use permit is required for entrance and is available online at 
prairiefork.org.

Prairie Fork Conservation Area consists of 920.1 acres in Callaway County. From Williamsburg I-70 Exit #161, take Route D north to stop sign, then west 2 miles, then south crossing I-70 and continuing 2 miles to the area.