Family fun can be found in Northeast Missouri state parks

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, AUG. 21, 2026 – As summer winds down, there’s still plenty to do at Missouri’s state parks and historic sites.

Tuesdays, Sept. 1, 8, 15, 22 and 29, at 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Toddler Tuesday at Crowder State Park.
Crowder State Park is hosting Toddler Tuesday every Tuesday in September. Toddlers and their grown-ups are invited to join the park team in the Camp Grand River recreation hall for a nature book reading, a craft and other activities. There will be a different theme and a different set of activities each week. Each date features a morning session from 9-10 a.m. and an afternoon session from 1-2 p.m. If you can’t make it in the morning, feel free to come to the afternoon session. These events are free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton.
Friday, Sept. 4, at 6 p.m. – Snake Survival at Thousand Hills State Park.
Snakes use a variety of techniques to defend themselves. Join the park team at the amphitheater at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville, to learn more about these defense mechanisms. There may be the opportunity to meet a live reptile.
Saturday, Sept. 5, at 8 p.m. – “Exploring the Dark” Hike at Crowder State Park.
Join Crowder State Park staff at the campground amphitheater for a short, guided hike as we explore the night. We will be discussing the park's nocturnal animals and learning about the constellations in the night sky. Participants should bring water and wear closed-toe shoes. Meet at the campground amphitheater (GPS coordinates: 40.08971, -93.67338). Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128, Trenton.
Sundays, Sept. 6 and 20, at 10 a.m. – Petroglyph Tour at Thousand Hills State Park.
Come explore and learn more about these ancient rock carvings made by ancestors of today’s Native Americans. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
Sunday, Sept. 6, at 3 p.m. – Raptor Awareness Program at Wakonda State Park.
Representatives from the World Bird Sanctuary will present a live bird program at the park. The program, “Raptor Awareness,” provides information about raptors while allowing visitors to see some of these birds up close and in flight. The program is free, and registration is not needed. Visitors should bring their own seating. For safety reasons, pets will not be allowed at the event. Wakonda State Park is located at 32836 State Park Road in La Grange.
Friday, Sept. 11, from 8-10 p.m. – Dark Sky Program at Thousand Hills State Park.
Join park team members and representatives from Truman State University at the Point Shelter to explore the stars and sky above you. Telescopes will be set up at the Point Shelter, but participants are welcome to bring their own, along with chairs, blankets and binoculars. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
Saturday, Sept. 12, at 10 a.m. – Public Meeting at Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site.
The public is invited to an open house-style meeting for Gen. John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site in Laclede at the Pershing Memorial Museum and Leadership Archives. Representatives from Missouri State Parks will be on hand to provide information about the historic site and answer questions. The public is encouraged to share comments and questions about the site and its operations.
Saturday, Sept. 12 at 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. – Learn to Aim at Thousand Hills State Park.
Begin your archer journey by attending a hands-on workshop! Take a step back in time and join Missouri State Parks for a Learn2 Aim event. This is a great opportunity to learn new skills with an instruction on the basics of archery and atlatl. Learn2 Aim is free and open to ages 10 and up. Registration is required and can be done at Missouri State Parks Programs and Special Events. Thousand Hills State Park is located at 20431 State Highway 157 in Kirksville.
Friday, Sept. 18, at 3 p.m. to Sunday, Sept. 20 - Dutch Oven Cooking Contest Weekend at Crowder State Park.
Make your reservations now for the Dutch Oven Cooking Contest Weekend! Register by Saturday, Sept. 19, by calling the park office at 660-359-6473 or by speaking with the host at check-in. You will need to provide your name and campsite number, the type of entry (youth or adult) and the categories that you wish to enter (main meal, chili or soup, dessert, sides, or bread). There will be a Dutch oven demonstration at Campsite 6 from 10 a.m. to noon on Saturday, Sept. 19, with park team members preparing their favorite dishes. From noon to 2 p.m., there will be a campground-wide potluck. Bring you Dutch ovens to Campsite 6 for judging and to share with your fellow campers. At 2 p.m., winners will be announced. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton.
Saturday, Sept. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. – Archaeology Day, Live Bird Program and Public Meeting at Graham Cave State Park.
On Sept. 19, Graham Cave State Park will hold its Archaeology Day and annual public meeting, along with a live bird program. The event begins with archaeology-themed activities at 9 a.m. The live bird program will start at 11 a.m. and the public meeting will follow at noon. The event is free and open to the public. Visitors are encouraged to wear sturdy shoes and bring water, sunscreen and insect repellent. Graham Cave is located at 217 Highway TT in Danville.
Tuesday, Sept. 22, at 4 p.m. – Fall Hike on Redbud Trail at Crowder State Park.
Join the Crowder State Park team for a guided hike showcasing the beauty and diversity of the park. This hike will be 1.6 miles and guests should meet at the tennis court. Participants should bring water and insect repellent and wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton.
Saturday, Sept. 26 at 9 a.m. – Fall Hike on Tall Oaks Trail at Crowder State Park.
Join the Crowder State Park team for a guided hike showcasing the beauty and diversity of the park. This hike will be 3.2 miles and guests should meet at Shelter 3 parking lot. Participants should bring water and insect repellent and wear closed-toe shoes and weather-appropriate clothing. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128 in Trenton.
Saturday, Sept. 26 from 5-8 p.m. – Glow Paddle at Mark Twain State Park.
Experience sunset and nighttime on the lake during this Learn2 Paddle event featuring glowing kayaks. Registration is required and is open to ages 12 and up. The cost is $5 per person. To register, visit Missouri State Parks Programs and Special Events. Mark Twain State Park is located at 37352 Shrine Road in Florida, Missouri.
Saturday, Sept. 26 at 8 p.m. – Full Moon Hike at Crowder State Park.
Join the Crowder State Park team for a guided hike under the full moon. Meet at Shelter 3 before departing for hiking along portions of Tall Oaks Trail. This trail consists of natural surfaces, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes. Participants are also welcome to bring a flashlight, but the path should be well illuminated by the moon. Crowder State Park is located at 76 NW Highway 128, Trenton.

The primary source of funding for the state park system is half of the dedicated constitutional tax of one-tenth-of-one-percent Parks, Soils and Water Sales Tax. The tax provides about three-fourths of the division's budget for operation and development of state parks. All additional funding for Missouri's Division of State Parks comes from revenues generated in the state park system and some federal funds.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit Missouri State Parks Events For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit Missouri State Parks. The Division of State Parks is part of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.

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