Bears, bison and Bluegrass – oh my!…

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, JULY 1, 2024 - From bears to bluegrass to bison, there's something for everyone at Missouri State Parks in July!

• Saturday, July 6 at 1 p.m.: Be Bear Aware at Bennett Spring State Park
  Join the team at Bennett Spring State Park in the nature center for a Be Bear Aware program, consisting of a video about black bears in Missouri, followed by a hands-on activity involving a bear pelt, a bear skull and bear scat. The program is free and open to the public. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.
  
• Friday, July 12 at 2 p.m.: Pelts and Skulls in Bennett Spring State Park
  Meet at the Bennett Spring nature center to learn about the various skulls that you might find in the woods, including what animals they belong to. Once we've matched each skull to an animal, we'll learn about these critters' pelts. We'll see what each pelt looks like, learn fun facts about each one and discuss how the pelt impacts the animal's lifestyle. The program is free and open to the public, and there is no need to register. Bennett Spring State Park is located at 26250 Highway 64A outside of Lebanon.
  
• Friday, July 12 at 10 a.m.: Winged Jewels at Prairie State Park
  Monarchs, fritillaries, swallowtails and more! Join us inside the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center to explore the fascinating world of some of Missouri's most beautiful winged creatures: butterflies. This class is designed for children ages 5 and up. It is free, but class size is limited to 35 and registration is required. To register, call the park at 417-843-6711 by July 5. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.
  
• Saturday, July 13 at 10 a.m.: Guided Bison Saunter at Prairie State Park
  Summer has arrived and we are ready to share it with you. The wildflowers are impressive, the grasses are growing and the bison are enjoying them. Prairie State Park will host a Guided Bison Saunter starting in the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center at 10 a.m. Be prepared for a 2-mile hike over uneven terrain. Bringing water, snacks, a hat and wearing sturdy shoes is recommended. Registration is required and the event is limited to 25 participants. To register, call 417-843-6711. Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines.
  
• Saturday, July 13 at 6 p.m.: Bluegrass Night in the Park: Flyin' Buzzards at Stockton State Park
  Want some entertainment during your time at the park? Enjoy Bluegrass music? Then we have a treat for you! Stockton State Park is hosting the Flyin' Buzzards for those who are staying overnight or just passing through. The concerts will be held near the showerhouse in the East Campground. Parking will be available near the state park duplexes for anyone not coming from their campsite. Attendees are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets to sit on. Stockton State Park is located at 19100 S. Highway 215 in Dadeville.

For detailed information on any of these activities, please visit mostateparks.com/events. For more information on state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.