Sugar Creek Conservation Area is in Adair County, four miles southwest of Kirksville. The Conservation Department acquired the original 72 acres of this area as a forest lookout tower site, but the tower was never built. Known then as "Kirksville Woods," this small area was combined with a 2,536 acre tract, purchased in 1974, to create Sugar Creek Conservation Area. This area is primarily forested, with a few open fields on ridges and along Sugar Creek. Both Sugar Creek and Elm Creek run through the area. Around the turn of the century, thousands of acres of the region's forest, including this area, were cleared to meet the great demand for mine props and timbers for the coal mining industry in Northeast Missouri. Subsequent tree sprouting here was once contained by grazing goats, and part of the area was known as the "goat ranch." Most of the area was then allowed to revert back to trees, which accounts for the large continuous stand of similar aged trees. Wildlife management practices include crop fields to serve as food sources for animals and harvesting timber, which provides wildlife forage and cover. White-tail deer and the Eastern Wild Turkey are abundant on the area, as are numerous songbirds and a variety of mammals. Ruffed Grouse, native to Missiouri, have been reintroduced on the area and a huntable population of these birds can be found here.

Three Creeks Conservation Area is located in Boone County, halfway between Columbia and Ashland. The 1,500-acre area takes its name from the three creeks that run through it: Turkey Creek, Bass Creek and Bonne Femme Creek. The rugged forest features scenic bluffs, intermittent streams, geologic formations and old easter red cedar trees. The area features include an eight-mile multi-use trail open to biking, hiking and equestrian use, as well as a three-mile interpretive hiking trail.

Weldon Spring Conservation Area provides more than 7,000 acres of natural beauty and outdoor recreation right in the heart of scenic Missouri Wine County. The rugged Lewis and Clark Trails reward hikers with impressive overlooks to the Missouri River. The 10-mile Lost Valley Trail gives both hikers and cyclists a chance to stretch their legs. The area also offers access to another one of Missouri’s gems — the Katy Trail. All the way there’s plenty of birds and wildlife to see with binoculars and capture with a camera. A boat ramp provides access to the Missouri River and a number of ponds make for other great fishing opportunities. The site is also home to the Weldon Spring Hollow Natural Area. The Natural Area designation identifies a place that exemplifies pristine natural features of Missouri. Weldon Spring Conservation Area is accessible from several parking areas along Route 94, south of Route 40/61.

Columbia Bottom is a mosaic of natural communities including wetlands, forests, prairie, and cropland. The area encompasses the 110-acre Duck Island on the Mississippi River, as well as over six miles of river frontage. A semi-circular road runs through the area and features eight exploration stations along the way, where visitors can discover surrounding habitats in a self-guided learning experience. The confluence of Missouri and Mississippi Rivers – the fourth largest river system in the world – can be observed from the site’s Confluence Viewing Platform, located at the end of the semi-circular drive. The site office and visitor center has a number of educational displays designed to help guests get acquainted with the site. Naturalist-led educational programs are frequently offered for the public and school or scout groups. Please call ahead, as most programs require advanced registration. Columbia Bottom Conservation Area is in North St. Louis County. Take the Riverview Drive exit from I-270, then go north on Riverview about 2.5 miles.

The management lands consist of 54,000 acres distributed around the reservoir in parts of Henry, Benton, Hickory and St. Clair counties in west central Missouri. Historically, Native Americans occupying this area were principally Osage, Shawnee and Kickapoo.

A serene area that offers bird watching, fishing, hiking, hunting, outdoor photogaphy and wildlife viewing.

Nearly 7,000 acres of outdoor recreation. More than 30 lakes provide a wide variety of fishing. A number of nature hiking trails dot the area, along with a three-mile trail for hiking and biking. Hunting is available, depending on the season. A full-service rifle, pistol, trap and skeet range is open Fri.-Mon, 10 a.m.–4 p.m., and Tue. 2 p.m.-8 p.m. for a fee. There is a field archery range. The visitor center features educational displays and naturalist-led programs in aquatic and forest ecology, reptiles, birds, trees. Programs require reservations. Ample picnic facilities include barbecue grills, benches and a covered pavilion. I-64; south on Route 94; 1.5 miles west on Route D. Closed all state holidays and Thanksgiving weekend.

Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River. The forest's timber species range from mixed hardwoods to shortleaf pine to cedar glades. A granite shut-ins on the Castor River adds an interesting geologic feature. The Driscoll Tract contains two old grist mill sites that date to the mid 1800s, lending a historical flavor to the area. Located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown. County Road 208 fords the Castor River.

This area is predominantly forest with nearly 1,500 acres in glades, along with old fields, savanna, cropland and some wetlands. Facilities/features: primitive camping, picnic areas, firearms range, viewing deck, two deer/turkey blinds, one intermittent stream and four Natural Areas (Grassy Pond, Goldenseal, Stegall Mountain and Mule Hollow). Go five miles east of Winona on Route H, then 7 miles east on gravel in Shannon County.

Sand Pond Conservation Area is located in southeastern Ripley County, 4.5 miles south of Naylor on County Road W. Sand Pond Conservation Area offers good opportunities for hunting, hiking, wildlife viewing, and other recreational opportunities. The ponds and their banks support many rare and endangered species, including corkwood, the western mud snake and a federally endangered shrub called pondberry. A 68-acre portion of Sand Pond Conservation Area and the TNC Sand Ponds Preserve is designated as a Missouri Natural Area. Natural Areas are biological communities or geologic sites that are protected and managed to perpetuate the natural character, diversity, and ecological processes of Missouri's native landscapes.

Forest 44 Conservation Area offers a unique opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities on the outskirts of St. Louis. This rugged forestland is situated on the northeastern most extension of the Ozark uplift and harbors plants and animals typical of Missouri’s Ozarks. Several springs feed Williams Creek, which flows along the eastern portion of the area. Flowering dogwood and redbud trees add to the area's natural beauty, especially in the springtime. The area has more than 13 miles of trails, including a wheelchair-accessible path. Ten miles are multi-use, providing recreation for both hikers and equestrians. Forest 44 Conservation Area is in West St.Louis County. From I-44, take Route 141 south to Meramec Station Doad, which is the first stoplight. Turn right (west) and drive a mile to Hillsboro Road. Turn left and go a half-mile to the area parking lot. The area offers a manned shooting range for public use. Range access is from I-44 Beaumont/Antire Road Exit, (Exit 269). For further range information and open hours, call 636-938-9548.

This 7,275-acre area owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation is a mostly forested area that provides both hunting and nature-viewing opportunities. Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season. Trails over parts of the area provide hiking and nature photography opportunities. Horseback riding and bicycling is permitted on designated trails and service roads. Primitive camping (no amenities provided) is allowed at designated sites on the area. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for hunting or training purposes. Minimal fishing opportunities exist on the ponds and streams on the area.

A 2,300-acre forested conservation area with hiking trails, picnic shelters, hunting, fishing and camping. Missouri hunting and fishing regulations apply.

This 4,790-acre owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation provides opportunities for a variety of outdoor pursuits and is one of the few public areas in Missouri where prairie chickens can still be seen. The mix of prairie, overgrown farm fields and forest habitats provides viewing opportunities for a number of songbird and wildlife species. Hikers will find a network of trails which criss-cross the entire area. There is also a 6.6-mile horse trail. Bicycling is allowed on service roads, roads open to vehicles and horse trails. Primitive camping (no amenities provided) is allowed at one designated site. Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season. Fishing opportunities exist on the area at 157-acre Bushwhacker Lake, 29-acre Willow Lake and three smaller ponds managed for fishing. Check with the Missouri Department of Conservation office in Joplin (417-629-3423) for boating and fishing regulations specific to the Bushwhacker Area.

Located north of Lewistown in Northeast Missouri, the Deer Ridge Conservation Area offers opportunities for the outdoor-minded person. Mostly forest with old fields, croplands and wetlands, the area facilities include a boat ramp, pavilions, the James B. Jenkins Shooting Range, Deer Ridge Community Lake and two permanent streams - North and Middle Fabius rivers. The Deer Ridge Conservation Area is rich in human history. Artifacts found along the ridges above the North Fabius River indicate the area was used by at least five different Native American tribes.

Rudolph Bennitt Conservation Area contains 3,515 acres at the junction of Boone, Howard and Randolph counties. The gentle, rolling terrain is 75 percent forested. Fields of native warm-season grasses and row crops are scattered amonth the forest. The 48-acre lake has an ADA-accessible boat ramp, fishing dock and restroom. Hikers, bikers and equestrians should check out the 12.5 mile Moniteau Wilderness Trail. There are also 24 primitive campsites on the area.

Apple Creek Conservation Area is located in northeast Cape Girardeau County, 3 miles east of New Wells on State Highway CC. The Missouri Department of Conservation created Apple Creek Conservation Area in 1986 with the purchase of 2,082 acres from several landowners. Steep hills and narrow valleys characterize this area, and approximately 2.5 miles of Apple Creek stream frontage forms its northern border. The area is home to a mix of upland oak-hickory forests and a few bottomland forests. You may notice various forest improvement practices designed to improve wildlife habitat and maintain watershed quality. Any physical disturbance is only temporary and normal aesthetic appearance soon will return. The Conservation Department has created watering ponds and planted food plots and agricultural crops within the forest to provide additional food sources for wildlife. Timber harvests are also an important part of habitat management; they produce forage and cover for forest wildlife. North of Cape Girardeau, take the Fruitland exit off I-55, go 7 miles north on Hwy 61, then 6 miles east on Rte CC.

Hughes Mountain Natural Area is an amazing stop for anyone with an appreciation of nature, geology, or simply a breathtaking view. The 1.5 billion year-old Precambrian rock outcrops on Hughes Mountain are among the oldest exposed rocks in the United States. A rhyolite formation, known locally as the Devil's Honeycomb, is one of Missouri's geologic wonders, and is the highest point on Hughes Mountain. A short hike takes you there—be sure to bring your camera! The area features glades, which are natural openings on western or southern slopes and are dominated by native grasses and a variety of wildflowers. Animals often found on these glades include fence lizards, collared lizards, lichen grasshoppers, and prairie warblers. Two-thirds of the area is wooded. Hughes Mountain Natural Area is 11 miles south of Potosi on Route 21, then five miles east on Route M, and the parking lot is on south side of road 200 yards East of Cedar Creek Road (CR 541).

This 2,502-acre area owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation provides multiple recreational use opportunities for travelers who want to add nature appreciation to their trip to the Springfield/Branson area. A well-marked trail system provides approximately 18 miles of use for hikers, bicyclists and horseback riders. There is an unstaffed shooting range on the area. Primitive camping at designated sites is available by permit only. (Permits and campsite locations can be obtained from the Missouri Department of Conservation's Southwest Regional Office in Springfield, 417-895-6880.) Because of flooding events in 2009 that destroyed bridges on parts of the area, access to hiking trails on the part of Busiek east of U.S. Route 65 is limited. Access to the trails on the part of Busiek west of U.S. 65 (more than half the area) has not been affected by flooding. Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season at Busiek. Pending mid-summer regulation approval, special deer hunting provisions may be in effect at Busiek (call 417-895-6880 for details). The small streams at Busiek have only intermittent flow and provide no fishing opportunities.

The Cape Girardeau nature center is located near the Conservation Department's Regional Headquarters for the Southeast Region. For this reason it is called a conservation campus. The nature center was opened in May 2005, with the intention to connect people with the land. People who are doing something outdoors tend to care deeply about what they use or visit. Hunting, angling, hiking, gardening, bird watching, trapping and land managers all love doing what they do. The nature center is there to spark that interest or enhance the activity or knowledge of the subject. This facility includes trails, exhibits, an auditorium, classrooms, and a nature shop.

Located within the North portion of the Cape Girardeau County Park, just east of Interstate 55 (Exit 99).

Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area is in Ste. Genevieve County, 10 miles north of Ste. Genevieve along the Mississippi River. This rugged 1,740-acre area is bordered by Establishment Creek and Schmidt's Island, along-side the Mississippi River. The area features steep bluffs and scenic river views. Eagles are commonly sighted along the river. A disabled accessible viewing platform is available for observing the Mississippi River and Establishment Creek bottoms. This is a forest area with some old fields. Facilities/features: skeet range, archery range, and a permanent stream (Establishment Creek).

Magnolia Hollow Conservation Area is south of Bloomsdale on Highway 61, 1 mile east on Route V, then north on White Sands County Gravel Road.

This area contains 2,400 acres of wetland in addition to forest and some cropland. Facilities include: four boat ramps, boat rentals, boat dock, primitive camping, six fishing jetties, and an 1,800-acre lake. The main entrance is nine miles north of Puxico on Route 51.

This area is predominantly forest with glades, savanna, and old fields. Facilities/features: primitive camping and 2 intermittent streams (Peters Creek, Sanders Branch). Four miles west of Summersville on Highway 17, turn south on Route W and go 3 miles, then turn west on Ranch Road, and go 1.75 miles. An entrance road to the area is 5 miles west of Summersville on Highway 17.

Located in west Saline County, the Blind Pony Lake Hatchery and Conservation Area offers a diverse range of activities for the outdoor-minded person. The area offers good hunting opportunities for dove, quail, small game, deer and turkey. Blind Pony Lake contains bluegill, largemouth bass, channel and blue catfish.

Woodson K. Woods Memorial Conservation Area, located off Route 8, near St. James, is one of the most beautiful state-owned properties in Missouri. This area is predominantly forest. Facilities/features: gravel bar boat launch (no concrete ramp) and two permanent streams (Dry Fork Creek, Meramec River).

Hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, dog training, launching and landing boats allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted.

This is a predominantly forest area with savanna and glades. Facilities include: Sunklands Natural Area, numerous small streams and a permanent stream (Current River). Sunklands Conservation Area is eight miles north of Highway 17 on Route K, then one mile down Route KB. Watch for an area sign at the junction of roads K-B and MDC Trail 360. The area can also be accessed by driving north of Eminence on Highway 19, then one mile west on County Road 19-234. Watch for the area sign.

Woodlands, native grass plantings, ponds and cropfields make up this grand 2,603 acres near Lee's Summit. Fishing, boating, dog trails, horseback riding and managed hunting is available.

The Lost Valley Fish Hatchery is the largest state-owned, warmwater hatchery in Missouri and one of the largest in the nation. The hatchery building houses a 2,000 square foot visitors center, where visitors can learn about fish culture, fishing and the Missouri Department of Conservation.

This 3,755-acre area was once a lowland hardwood forest intermingled with cypress sloughs. More than 1,000 acres of this wetland habitat is managed through the manipulation of water levels to provide high quality natural foods, such as millets, smartweed, sprangletop, sedges, and invertebrates. These food resources are highly sought after by migrating and wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, and other wetland wildlife species. Row crops and green browse are grown on the area to provide nutritious food for geese and field-feeding ducks. Duck and goose hunting and viewing waterfowl are the most popular outdoor activities. Bald eagles are common late fall through early spring. Visitors should use extreme caution while boating or wading, because deep water and hazardous conditions are possible when the area is flooded.

Hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, dog training, launching and landing boats allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted.

Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area is east of East Prairie on Route 80, then five miles south on Route 102. To reach area headquarters, from Route 102 turn east on the gravel county road 518, continue 2.5 miles and turn north on Route VV; go 2.5 miles.

This 840-acre area owned by the Missouri Department of Conservation is a mostly forested area that provides both hunting and nature-viewing opportunities. Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season. Trails over parts of the area provide hiking and nature photography opportunities. Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails and service roads. Primitive camping (no amenities provided) is allowed on the area. Bicycling is allowed on designated trails. Dogs must be leashed or confined when not used for hunting or training purposes. There is a 14-station walk-and-shoot archery range. There are no fishable streams or ponds on the area.

Indian Trail Conservation Area covers 13,503 acres in northeast Dent County, between Salem and Steelville. The entrance to the area is off Route 19. The area is mostly forested, but also includes food plots, ponds, and a 350-acre warm water fish hatchery, which provides channel catfish, bluegill, and bass for stocking throughout the state. The area contains an intricate mosaic of dolomite glades and chert savannas with open-grown trees on exposed slopes.

Fans of the famed comic strip "Beetle Bailey" should include this 2,212-acre Missouri Department of Conservation area on their travel schedule. This site was the location of Camp Crowder Army Base during World War II and it was this site that gave cartoonist Mort Walker the inspiration for "Camp Swampy," the mythical military base that figures prominently in the cartoon strip. This link to the comic strip is honored in the Crowder Area's "Mort Walker Trail," an 11-mile hiking/bicycling/horse trail. Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season. Primitive camping (no amenities provided) is permitted on the area, except for seasonal closures for some hunting activities (call 417-451-4158 for details). Dogs must be leashed or confined when not being used for training or hunting purposes. There are no fishable streams or ponds on the area. There is an unmanned shooting range and an archery range on the area.

This area contains 2,200 acres of wetlands as well as cropland, forest and old fields. Facilities/features include a concrete boat ramp, 21 unimproved boat ramps, primitive camping, picnic areas, three fishing jetties, a fishing dock, Otter Lake, Cypress Lake, Otter Lake Natural Area and Bradyville Natural Area. In Stoddard County, travel west of Dexter on Route 60, then 10 miles south on Route ZZ to County Road 675. Turn west on 675 and travel two miles to the area entrance.

The Parma Woods Conservation Area is nestled in hills along the Missouri River of northwestern Platte County. The area includes 188 acres of rugged bluff land.

This 4,360-acre Missouri Department of Conservation Area, which is on Historic Route 66, provides a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. More than half of the area consists of managed grasslands and overgrown farm fields, a landscape that provides good viewing of songbirds and other grassland wildlife species. The area has more than 10 miles of hiking trails, a portion of which provides viewing of a large great blue heron rookery on the Spring River. (The rookery is most visible in early spring before trees leaf out.) Horseback riding is permitted on designated trails and bicycling opportunities exist on gravel service roads and paved roads on the area. The area is a good spot for dove hunting and quail hunting in the fall. Deer and turkey hunting opportunities also exist on the area. A managed wetland on the area offers waterfowl hunting opportunities. Fising opportunities for black bass, catfish, crappie and sunfish can be found on the area at a seven-acre lake (featuring an asphalt parking lot and a fishing jetty), a four-acre lake and in the Spring River, which cuts through part of the area. Call the Missouri Deptartment of Conservation's Southwest Regional Office (417-895-6880) for specifics on hunting and fishing regulations. Primitive camping (no amenities provided) is permitted at one designated area. Pets must be leashed or confined, except when used for hunting.

The area is primarily forest and grasslands. Facilities and features include: boat ramp, boat rentals, boat dock, picnic area, pavilion, nine fishing jetties, fishing dock and the 205-acre Little Dixie Lake. Recreational opportunities include: wildlife watching, fishing, hunting, outdoor photography.

Holly Ridge Conservation Area is east of Bloomfield on Route E, then 2 miles south on County Road 517. This area is mostly forest (770 acres total), but also has 20 wildlife food plots (30 acres total), five native warm-season grass fields (60 acres total) and 101 acres of old fields. Facilities/features: archery range, camping, pavilion, Holly Ridge, and Beech Springs natural areas (sand forests with acid seeps and springs). Holly Ridge Conservation Area is east of Bloomfield on Route E, then 2 miles south on County Road 517.

Montauk Fish Hatchery/Trout Park is inside Montauk State Park, southeast of Licking. From Highway 137 turn east on Highway VV and go 10 miles to Highway 119. Turn right on Highway 119 and watch for signs. The hatchery is on the headwaters of the Current River. Facilities/features: five fishing jetties, two springs (Montauk Springs, Bluff Springs), Montauk Lake (five acres). Facilities and features include picnic areas, shelter houses, camping, interpretive programs, hiking trails, motel, dining provided by the Dept. of Natural Resources at Montauk State Park.

Millstream Gardens Conservation Area is a 697-acre tract of land in Madison County, about halfway between Fredericktown and Arcadia, off of State Highway 72. The spectacular Tiemann Shut-ins are within the area's boundaries. The St. Francis River forms one of the area's western boundaries, then meanders eastward for 1.2 miles through the area's mid-southern section, before rushing through the shut-ins and passing into the Silver Mines area. The area's woodlands are composed primarily of oak, hickory, and pine in the uplands, and ash, elm, and maple along the river border and its drainages. The St. Francis River at Millstream Gardens and its wooded corridor is a part of Missouri's Natural Area System. This large stream contains an adjoining slough and large igneous shut-ins. A wide variety of animals live here. Wildlife species such as whitetail deer, turkey, and squirrel inhabit the uplands.

Castor River Conservation Area is nearly all forest and is home to Blue Pond Natural Area. Blue Pond is the deepest natural pond in Missouri. Facilities/features: primitive camping, multi-use hike/bike/horse trail, numerous intermittent streams, and one permanent stream. The main tract lies 12 miles west of Marble Hill on both sides of the Hwy 34.

Hunting, fishing, nine-acre lake and camping in the beautiful eastern Ozarks. Twenty miles of hiking, biking and horseback riding trails. ADA shooting range and restroom.

On-half mile of the South Fork of Spring River meanders through the east side of this 240-acre area. Approximately two-thirds of the area is open, and about 65 acres are classified as woodland. This area contains prairie and forest. Facilities/features: Tingler Lake (three acres) and permanent stream.

Take Highway 17 south from West Plains about 6 miles to County Road 9100. Take 9100 west to County Road 8110 and go south 1/3-mile to the access.

This is a predominantly forest area. Facilities/features: picnic area, fishing jetties, Buford Pond (3 acres, fishable), Blue Springs Natural Area (17 acres), Cardareva Bluff Natural Area (95 aces), and a permanent stream (Current River).The main tract of the Current River Conservation Area is 3 miles west of Ellington on Highway 106. There are three entrances: one is located 3 miles west of Ellington on Hwy. 106. Another is located on South Road in Ellington. The other is located on Reynolds County Road 626.

This area contains forest, savanna, and dolomite glades. Facilities/features include firearms and archery ranges and the Caney Mountain Natural Area (1,330 acres). Interpretive nature programs are held at various times during the year. This area is located five miles north of Gainesville on Route 181, then .50 mile west on a gravel entrance road.

This rugged forest and old fields area has a hiking trail and 25 miles of field roads open to horseback riders. It also offers access to the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. The 39,325-acre area is north of Eminence and extends 15 miles west to near Summersville, accessed by Highways 19 and 106 or Highway D.

The Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area is located southwest of Columbia. This 4,286 acre area is known for shorebird and migratory game bird viewing. Seasonally flooded wetlands attract numerous species of birds, making this a top site for bird watchers and migratory game bird hunters. The Missouri River flows along the western border of the area and Perche Creek flows along the easter border.

The Valley View Glades Natural Area is part of a large complex of glades in a band two-to-five miles wide and offers some outstanding views. It is a stop for nature lovers, birdwatchers, plant enthusiasts and photographers. The small intermittent streams, which drain the glades, add diversity to the area. The plants and animals here are similar to what was seen at the time of settlement. The glades are dominated by native grasses. Non-grass species provide good wildlife food and add color to the glades during seasonal peaks of blooming. For such a small area, remarkable examples exist of stream ledges, waterfalls, overhangs, and pools. Many kinds of snakes and lizards as well as larger animals, such as deer and turkey, live on this area. Valley View Glades Natural Area is on Route B between Morse Mill and Hillsboro.

One of the premier water fowl hunting areas in the state and the country, this area features trails, wildlife photography opportunities and other outdoor-related activities.

The area consists of more than 6,000 acres of rugged forest terrain in prime Ozark country. Three watersheds, the Meramec River and Huzzah and Courtois creeks, draw many visitors. Bring a canoe or kayak to access these waters for a day of fishing or floating adventure. Hikers will appreciate that six miles of the Ozark Trail transects most of the area, allowing access to many of its unique features. The Narrows, located in the extreme southwest portion of the area, is a narrow hogback ridge divided between Huzzah and Courtois creeks that features extremely steep topography and rapidly changing vegetation from ridge to creek bottom. Bear Cave and Bat Cave add to the site’s geology. Primitive campsites are open from Sept. 15 through May 15. To reach the area, cross the Meramec River at the end of Route H at Onondaga Cave State Park, or go northeast of Steelville on Route E and cross the low-water bridge at Huzzah Creek.

Meramec Conservation Area affords a glimpse of one of the jewels of the Ozarks — the Meramec River. Most of the area is home to lush forestland. Sheer cliffs along the Meramec River form the western border of the area, giving a scenic view of the river valley and surrounding hills. The wheel-chair accessible Woodland Trail offers hikers of all abilities glimpses of the river as well. Other trails provide the more adventures with hiking, horseback and bicycle riding. The area contains six caves, a great blue heron rookery and abundant wildlife. A number of streams and a spring are found on the site. Don’t forget to pack your fishing gear for a chance at hooking bass, catfish and sunfish. To reach the area, take I-44 to Route 185 near Sullivan. Exit south, go five miles and look for the cantilever sign.

A Platte County haven of hiking, fishing, hunting, shooting, bird watching and wildlife viewing.

Reifsnider State Forest, less than five miles south of I-70, is a pleasant getaway from the busy interstate. It’s a good place to stop off for a picnic lunch. You’ll find the peacefulness of nearly 1,500 acres of wooded surroundings. A short trail allows travelers to stretch their legs and get a bit of exercise while exploring nature. Wet a line in one of the area’s fishing ponds or snap a few great bird or wildlife pictures. From I-70, Reifsnider State Forest is two miles east of Warrenton on Route M, then three miles south on Schuetzenground Road.

Located along the Mississippi River, at the community of Ashburn, the 6,705 acre Ted Shanks Conservation Area offers unique opportunities for wildlife viewing and waterfowl hunting. The area contains a mix of bottomland hardwood timber, open marsh, mixed shrub/scrub/emergent wetlands, row crops, oxbow lakes and sloughs, old fields and upland woods. About 4,000 acres of the area are seasonally flooded to provide feeding, roosting and shelter habitat for migratory birds. Facilities/features include a lake boat ramp, stream boat ramp, waterfowl blinds, and two natural areas. There are more than 500 acres of fishable water, inluding Horseshoe Lake, Salt River and the Mississippi River.