As we head into the summer months, there are many reasons to explore the natural wonders that surround us. The Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is responsible for the maintenance of both Missouri’s state park system and our historic sites. The 21st District is certainly no stranger to these areas of the Show-Me State’s glorious scenery.

Howard County is home to Booneslick State Park and Boone’s Lick Historic Site. Named for Nathan and Daniel Morgan Boone, sons of Daniel Boone, these enterprising men utilized one of Missouri’s natural resources to make their money. Producing salt was a process then, boiling water to evaporate it and leave the salt residue behind for collection. Then shipping the commodity upriver for sale was a job itself. The historic site inside the state park still contains remnants of the process of producing salt in our state more than 200 years ago.

Much like the Boone’s Lick site, Watkins Woolen Mill State Historic Site and State Park in Ray County offers a glimpse into what life used to be prior to many businesses becoming automated. The Watkins family owned and operated this picturesque 19th Century textile mill, built in 1870.

Knob Noster State Park, named for its hills and views, is located in Johnson County. Not only does this park contain plenty of room for fishing, bird watching, and camping, many people visit for the chance to watch B-2 Spirit stealth bombers take off or land from nearby Whiteman Air Force Base.

Lafayette County contains two important sites in Missouri’s history, including the Battle of Lexington State Historic Site and the Confederate Memorial State Historic Site. The Civil War in Missouri was often a true battle of brother against brother, with members of many families on opposite sides of the battles. Even though many buildings escaped major damage, battle wounds are still visible and lend a certain amount of viability to what many people today think of as merely old stories.

Saline County is home to both Arrow Rock and the Sappington Cemetery state historic sites. Arrow Rock is still a quaint town where time seems to have left to its own devices, including the beautiful Lyceum Theater, a town and a place that still hosts plays and musicals throughout the year. Missouri’s history can be found in the Sappington Cemetery, including two past governors of our state.

One of the most famous trails in our state is the Katy Trail. It is the longest rail-trail project in the United States., with almost 238 developed miles of trail stretching across the state. Following the path of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas (M-K-T) Railroad along the Missouri River Corridor, this maintained path crosses through the 21st District in Howard County, near New Franklin, with a trail head at mile marker 188.2. Plans are still in place to expand the Katy Trail from downtown St. Louis to the suburbs of Kansas City, effectively linking the sides of the state through physical activity.

In April, Missouri was named “Best Trails State” in the nation by the organization American Trails. In the 230 trails throughout the state, there are approximately 1,000 miles of managed access to walk, bike or hike. On June 7, the before National Get Outdoors Day, the governor challenged all Missourians to complete 100 miles of activity on Missouri’s trail system. Not only will the physical activity be beneficial, but visiting the many state parks will have a positive economic impact on Missouri State Parks. For more information on the 100 Missouri Miles Challenge, visit www.mo.gov.

I can’t impress upon you enough the fantastic and amazing things you can find or learn on Missouri’s natural trails, state parks and historic sites. I highly recommend looking in to any of these places or discovering your own. Information is available many ways. This website, www.mostateparks.com, contains many different sites to research as well as any packing or camping visits you may have planned.

As always, please feel free to contact me or my staff with any questions or concerns at any time. We look forward to hearing your comments and suggestions and trying to answer any questions you may have. You can reach us by phone at 866-277-0882 (toll-free) or 573-751-2272, or by fax at 573-526-7381.