11/4/2023 | Prairie State Park | Mindenmines, MO
National Bison Day is the first Saturday in November. This day is set aside to honor the bison as our national mammal. This 1-ton beast once roamed the plains and prairies of North America 60 million strong before we nearly wiped them out. Due to the tremendous response of past years, there will be two saunters on this day: one at 10 a.m. and one at 1 p.m. Come out to the park to see the prairie in its autumnal glory. Meet at the Regal Tallgrass Prairie Nature Center.
“What is a ‘saunter’?” you say? According to Merriam-Webster, “saunter” means "to walk about in an idle or leisurely manner : STROLL" (that is, to walk at a slower pace to take in all the surroundings). That sounds better than a hike. Come out and get that “prairie feeling” from centuries past, and while you are at it, get some exercise. Prairie State Park encompasses almost 4,000 acres of tallgrass prairie, which once covered 33% of Missouri. Now, less than half of 1% remains.
Due to the unique and rare diversity of life preserved at Prairie State Park, pets are not allowed on park trails, EXCEPT for Path of the Earth People and Path of the Sky People. Bison graze freely in the park, and this regulation protects both you and your pet. You are welcome to bring your pet to the park’s campground and picnic area, but you must follow Missouri State Parks' pet rules. This applies to all types of pets except service animals assisting people with disabilities.
Registration is required, and the event is limited to 25 participants per saunter. To register, call 417-843-6711.
Event Times:
- Morning saunter: 10 a.m. to noon
- Afternoon saunter: 1-3 p.m.
Associated activities
- Hiking