Crowder State Park Activities

With increasing COVID-19 cases in the state of Missouri and Grundy County, staff at Crowder State Park have made changes in the way upcoming events at the park will be presented.
Three events are planned between now and Jan. 1 and while COVID has eliminated in-person activities for now, staff has developed creative ways to continue providing these traditional winter events to the public.
A “Virtual Christmas Nature Story and Crafts” will be presented on Saturday, Dec. 12, with the public being able to participate via the Crowder State Park Facebook page. Staff members will be reading Christmas stories as well as leading a craft activity, with the event to begin at 10 a.m.
This year’s winter hike challenge will be held from Friday, Dec. 18 to Sunday, Dec. 27 and includes a scavenger hunt. Staff members have placed Christmas-themed items along all of the park’s trails and as visitors come to hike, they will be able to take photos of the objects they find. The photos are to be emailed to [email protected] and the person finding the most items during the challenge will receive a prize. Hikers are asked not to remove any of the items so that everyone wanting to participate will have a chance to do so. Those taking part are asked to dress for the weather and trail terrain.
“First-Day” hikes will take place on Friday, Jan. 1. There will be a 1-mile hike on the Tall Oaks Trail as well as 3-mile hikes on the Tall Oaks and the River Forks trails at 10 a.m. Persons should meet at the beginning of the Tall Oaks Trail. At 1 p.m., there will be 2-mile and 4.2 mile hikes on the North Thompson Trail. Participants should meet at the equestrian parking lot. Those taking part are asked to wear comfortable hiking shoes and bring water.
For more information, persons can visit mostateparks.com, click on “find your park,” then click on “select a park” and choose “Crowder State Park,” then click on “events.”