While parks and historic sites are open for day-use, capacity will be monitored closely in order to prevent overcrowding. If nearing capacity, parking lots may close temporarily. Missouri State Parks has implemented a number of measures designed to maintain required social distancing and protect visitors, volunteers and staff. The latest information from Missouri State Parks on COVID-19 can be found here. A full list of temporary closures can be found here.

Tallgrass prairies once covered more than a third of Missouri; today, less than 1% remains, much of it preserved at Prairie State Park. 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.