Roaring River State Park

Here’s a free all-day birding camp for the entire family. Play “Guess Who” to identify our feathered friends. Pack a picnic or visit the restaurant on site. It’s a great time to see birds because of the still leafless trees and migrating birds.

Going outside in any weather is good for mental health. Bundle up and get outdoors at one of these 5 great state parks selected for their extra-rewarding winter experiences.

Roaring River State Park is one of the “grand old ladies” of state parks. You can fish some of the best trout fishing anywhere, stay in the rustic lodge, dip your toes in the cold, clear spring and so much more. Make your travel plans and check out this park every season.

Jump in the car or fire up your motorcycle for a really fun ride. Grab a burger or some Texas-style BBQ. Find out why Missouri is called the Cave State. And end the day at a bed-and-breakfast or a hotel to rest up for the ride home.

Roaring River State Park is beloved for its trout fishing but named for its preternaturally turquoise spring, which flows from the base of a towering, U-shaped bluff. At the viewing platform, its shadowy mouth is hauntingly beautiful, dappled with light and the shadows from hanging ferns. On average, the spring produces an unfathomable 20.4 million gallons of water per day.