7 Things Missourians Are Always Itching To Get Out And Do Once Winter Finally Thaws
By Beth Price-Williams|Published March 24, 2022
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
Winter can be a ton of fun if you like the cold and the snow. However, even the biggest fan of winter will likely admit that spring is often a welcome visitor. The days grow longer; the sun becomes warmer, and the birds return to serenade us as we start making plans to spend as much time as we can outdoors. Here are just a few things we have to look forward to each spring in Missouri.
Frozen waterfalls sprinkled in snow certainly exude beauty. However, there’s just something so refreshing about hearing the sound of a waterfall tumbling down, before we even see it, in the springtime. Fortunately, we have plenty of waterfalls to chase – from the tallest Mina Sauk Falls to the easiest to access Rocky Falls. (As soon as it gets warm enough, too, we’ll be wading in the pool into which Rocky Falls drops.)
With more than 1,000 miles of hiking trails in Missouri’s state parks alone, we have no shortage of paths to explore. Spring just might be the best time to hit the trails, too. It’s not too warm or too cold, and the blossoming flowers add a brilliant pop of color to the landscape. Whether you’re on the lookout for an easy trail or one that will challenge your skills, you’ll find it in the Missouri.
Not all of us have a green thumb, and that’s okay. We can still enjoy the absolute beauty of the flowers – and even bring some home – when we make our annual spring visit to a local flower farm. Turtle Hills Farm in Sullivan, for example, usually starts welcoming visitors in April for strolls through flower fields and to cut your own flowers.
Spring means the birds returning to our backyards and neighborhoods. Ruby-throated hummingbirds usually return to Missouri between the beginning and middle of April. If you want to draw hummingbirds to your yard, put out a feeder that you can then fill with fresh sugar water. Some people use red dyes to attract the hummingbirds, but that’s not necessary and can actually harm the birds.
Breathe in the fresh air and the scent of blossoming flowers with a visit to one of Missouri’s public gardens. Missouri Botanical Garden in St. Louis, Powell Gardens in Kansas City, and Springfield Botanical Gardens are just a few must-visit spring attractions.
Soak up the spring sights with a scenic train ride. The Moberly Mini-Train at Rothwell Park in Moberly, for example, offers rides from April through October. Though short the train ride is a perfect way to welcome spring. Or, climb aboard a longer, scenic train ride with the Branson Scenic Railway, which also offers dinner trains.
Can you think of two more beautiful words in the English language? By the time spring rolls around, we’re all ready to get out and explore. If you’re not sure where the road should take you, check out the 8 Best Road Trips In Missouri.
