Open house, bison hike planned for Sept. 21 at Prairie State Park

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. — Members of the public are invited to join a park naturalist on a guided bison hike at on Saturday, Sept 21, at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Participants will have the opportunity to take a trip back in time to see these magnificent mammals in their native habitat. After the hike, the park will host an open house in the Nature Center from 1 to 3 p.m. where visitors can ask questions and provide feedback on the park’s services and operations. The open house is part of an ongoing effort by Missouri State Parks to ensure that citizens have input on facilities and services offered in state parks and historic sites.

The hike, which begins at 10 a.m., will feature information on bison biology, Native American uses, herd dynamics, prairies, and much more. Hikers are encouraged to dress for the weather and hiking across the prairie. Long pants, sturdy shoes, and insect repellant are recommended. The hike will be approximately two miles, but can vary depending on the location of the bison herd.

A visit to Prairie State Park is also a great opportunity to log miles as a part of the Governor’s 100 Missouri Miles challenge. To celebrate Missouri’s distinction as the “Best Trails State” by American Trails and to encourage Missourians to enjoy the outdoors, Governor Jay Nixon and First Lady Georganne Nixon are inviting Missourians to join them in completing 100 Missouri Miles of outdoor physical activity by the end of the year.

For more information and to take the Challenge, visit 100MissouriMiles.com. Participants can also share adventures, post photos and learn about upcoming events by connecting with 100 Missouri Miles on Facebook and Twitter.

Prairie State Park is located at 128 NW 150th Lane in Mindenmines. Individuals requiring special services or accommodations to attend the open house can contact the park at 417-843-6711. For information about state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.