Outdoors

Cuivre River State Park consists of more than 6,400 acres centered on Big Sugar Creek, a tributary of Cuivre River. A dozen different hiking, backpacking, biking, and equestrian trails total some thirty-five miles make this park a great place to visit.

Writer Matt Crossman fills us in on his first foray into deer hunting. He finds that the harvesting of an actual deer is not the most important part of deer hunting. And you will find out why he thinks of Raisinettes differently now.

If you’re into Halloween, dressing up in a spooky or sultry costume, and riding your boo-cycle, you’ll want to check out a monstrously fun event on Saturday, October 28, 2023. Join other ghouls and guys for an awesome bike-based evening!

A visit to Lake Wappapello should be on your must-do list. The lake is clear, the forests are diverse, the fishing is excellent, and the cabins are a great place to spend a few days relaxing. Learn the history of the dam and how the lake was created.

Ten years ago, Missouri Life columnist Ron Marr filled us in on the zen of catfishing. He muses on the rules of flyfishing and why he finds catfishing more to his liking. Find why Ron knows there is more to catfishing than meets the eye..

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?

Where there were cows, now there are fish. Farmhouses gave way to marinas. Fifty years ago, Missouri Life reported on the in-progress construction of the Harry S. Truman Dam & Reservoir. Despite early misgivings from locals in the region that stretches from Warsaw to Clinton to Osceola, Truman Lake has proven to be a boon for business and a magnet for outdoor enthusiasts.

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.