Southwest Missouri
Bison roam free at Prairie State Park: give them room
Prairie State Park has a free-ranging bison herd, so a hike here is not like an ordinary trail. Give the bison plenty of room, never approach for a photo, keep pets off most trails, and check the park's posted guidance and current conditions before you go.
Prairie State Park has a herd of bison that grazes freely across the open prairie. They are not fenced livestock, so a hike here is not like a normal Missouri trail.
Bison are large, fast, and wild. Give them plenty of room, and never walk up close or approach one for a photo. The park posts its own safety guidance, so the park’s current advice covers how far back to stay and what to do if the herd is near. Pumpkin-colored calves are born in May and June, and adults are protective then, so give them extra space.
Because bison roam freely, pets are not allowed on most park trails. Before you go, look at the Park and Site Status Map and any advisories on the Missouri State Parks site, or call the park at 417-843-6711. The herd moves, so a trail that was clear on an old visit may not be clear now.
Where to see it
- Prairie State Park
Use Missouri State Parks for bison safety, trail closures, pet rules, and current alerts.
References
More from Barton County: browse every local note for the county.
Last checked against the sources above: June 20, 2026.