Missouri outdoors

You have got to see these trees. Big Oak Tree State Park is home to one national champion, a pumpkin ash, and three state champion trees, overcup oak, sweetgum, and persimmon. The ancient cypress are awe inspiring. The park is also a bird watchers dream with more than 150 known species chirping from the trees.

In Missouri, the devil seems to own everything, including the kitchen and the sink. His name is associated with natural features that include names like tollgate, well, den, tea table, pan, washboard, promenade, elbow, and many others. But why are so many geologic formations property of the devil?

Fifty years ago work was underway on a dam that would create Truman Lake. The locals were divided on whether the lake would help or destroy their economy. Missouri Life met with area residents to get their unfiltered opinions on the project.

Spend a few days at Big lake State Park. There is so much to do from fishing to camping to boating. Big Lake is an oxbow lake and among the largest remaining natural oxbow lakes along the Missouri River. It is one of the largest natural lakes of any type in the State.

Pumpkins are good for so many things. Pie, curries, beer, decorations, and heck, you can even bowl with them. Learn all the wonderful things pumpkins have to offer and why this fruit is so versatile. Maybe you’ll bowl a strike too.

If you marvel at majestic monarchs, with their beautiful, bright orange and black wings, then you won't want to miss a special event on Sept. 30, 2023. Fans of these fancy fliers can flock to see them as they begin their fall migration southward.

Bennett Spring State Park is lovely at any time of year, but visiting in the Fall is glorious. The lodge is a rustic yet very comfortable place to stay for a few days, so you have plenty of time to take in all this State Park has to offer.

The Battle of Pilot Knob State Historic Site is a place filled with history. Many battle reenactments have relived the events that took place on Sept., 27, 1864. Visit the fort, bring a picnic, and immerse yourself in Civil War history.

The 132-acre Dillard Mill State Historic Site offers a fully operational turbine-powered roller mill which can be toured and a mill store built around 1899. There is also a day-use picnic area with a shelter and a mile-and-a-half hiking trail through a glade and wooded uplands east of the mill.

If flying fascinates you and aviation amps you up, take off for an incredible free air show Sept. 16–17, 2023. You'll have a chance to marvel at military aircraft from decades past and catch captivating aeronautic performances and daredevil displays.