Past: Early Spring at Big Oak State Park

Registration period: December 15 - March 27

Are we still in Missouri? Most people don’t realize that southeast Missouri is home to some of the most unique habitats and wildlife found in Missouri. Explore the swamp and bottomlands that help make this ecosystem unique. Keep your eyes open for wildlife like swamp rabbit and otters. This state park is also home to many of Missouri’s state record trees, and you can view many of them along the boardwalk trail. This hiking trip consists of 3 trails found on the area which total nearly 3 miles in the end. Pack a lunch and enjoy the sights and sounds of Missouri’s southeast between some of the hikes. All three trails have an easy trail rating. Participants will meet at the nature center and carpool to the state park.