Featured Destination Story

Prairie State Park Campground

Mindenmines MO, MO

Imagine following a great river of bison across a treeless expanse of sun-washed grasses or witnessing the spectacle of a prairie wildfire lighting the night sky. This blend of grazing and fire was among the many factors that contributed to an intricate assembly of tall grasses, wildflowers, and abundant wildlife called prairie. More than 13 million acres of tallgrass prairie once covered more than one-third of Missouri’s landscape. Today, less than 65,000 acres remain. Prairie State Park is Missouri’s largest remaining tall grass prairie landscape.

Visitors to the park see panoramic vistas of swaying grass and ever-changing wildflowers. They also may spot the park’s resident bison herd. The park’s Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center offers exhibits and interpretive programs designed to inform visitors about the special place.