Prairie State Park Is An Underrated Park That Just Might Be The Most Beautiful Place In Missouri
By Beth Price-Williams|Published January 13, 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.
From its thousands of caves to its mountains, Missouri’s beauty is endless. No matter where we live in the state, we’re likely surrounded by some of that gorgeous landscape or within driving distance of one of its many state parks. For a peek at the past and at an abundance of natural beauty, make your way to Prairie State Park in Missouri. It might just be one of the most beautiful places in the state.
Stretching just under 4,000 acres in Mindenmines, Prairie State Park offers a breathtaking glimpse into the past - to a time when prairies made up one-third of the landscape.
Today, that number has dropped significantly. Less than one percent of the land in Missouri are prairies, according to Missouri State Parks, making Prairie State Park a gorgeous natural treasure.
Depending on when you visit, you might want stop in the park's nature center. It provides rich insight into the prairie, featuring interactive activities and an exhibit on the park's bison.
A series of hiking trails make it easy to explore Prairie State Park, which is rich with wildlife. You'll likely pass bison numerous times during your visit.
Choose from one of the seven hiking trails that winds through the prairie. For an easy trek, follow the .04-mile Prairie Nature Center Interpretive Trail.
However, if you're yearning for a challenge, you can't go wrong with the Path of the Sky People Trail. It tallies 1.7 miles and is considered moderate.
Prairie State Park is also popular with wildlife watchers. You might want to bring a picnic along, too, so you can relax and enjoy the natural beauty surrounding you.
If a day at Prairie State Park isn't enough, you can reserve a spot in the basic campground or the backpackers campground. (Just be prepared for a rustic, old school camping experience.)
Have you been to Prairie State Park in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments! Agree that Missouri is absolutely beautiful? Here are 10 unimaginably beautiful places in Missouri you have to see before you die.
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