Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites: Exploring Our Legacy

by Susan L. Flader

THIS BOOK IS PUBLISHED BY MISSOURI LIFE MAGAZINE AND DISTRIBUTED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI PRESS.

In this stunning book, four accomplished writers and lifelong conservationists team up with keen-eyed photographers to capture the compelling history, beauty, and recreational value of Missouri’s unique state park system, one that has been ranked among the top four in the nation. The book features hundreds of photographs and includes information on all 88 state parks and historic sites, including the longest developed rails-to-trail project in the nation, homes of famous Missourians, Civil War battlefields, and other reminders of the past such as mills and covered bridges. The authors tell the complete story of the park system, from its inception in 1917 to the newest state park created in 2015, encompassing much of Missouri’s history as well as its scenic and varied landscape.

416 pages, Hardcover

Published July 30, 2016

Reviews

[Karen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a beautiful book. I never knew all these places to visit. I was especially surprised by the spot with the mastodon bones. The Book is large and heavy. I got it at the library and would never have had room for it to be shelved. Had to speed read it open on the table.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a real treasure! I loved sitting down every day to read about a state park during lunch. There is so much to appreciate about Missouri's history and geography no matter what part of the state you're in. The richness of our state's history is amazing and I have a much higher regard for even the small or seemingly insignificant parks and historic sites. Ironically, I first saw this book at a state park that isn't actually mentioned in the book (which a reviewer on Amazon also pointed out): Echo Bluff's State Park. There is a copy in each room.