Southwest Missouri
Prairie State Park protects tallgrass prairie and a bison herd
Prairie State Park in Barton County protects Missouri's largest remaining tallgrass prairie and a free-grazing bison herd. Here is what the park is and how to visit it safely.
Prairie State Park near Mindenmines is one of Barton County’s clearest pieces of old prairie. Tallgrass once covered more than a third of Missouri. Less than 1% remains, and this park is the state’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie landscape.
The bison herd is part of what makes a visit feel different. The animals graze freely across the open grass, so this is not a fenced exhibit with a guaranteed viewing spot. The herd may be visible, or it may be somewhere else on the prairie.
Plan around the animals rather than trying to force the day. Keep a safe distance from bison. Leave pets off the prairie trails where the park rules require it. Use the park’s current pages for pet rules, trail conditions, backcountry camping steps, and advisories. The prairie is public land, but it is still wild enough to ask for patience.
Where to see it
- Prairie State Park
Use Missouri State Parks for prairie, bison, camping, trail, and visitor information.
References
More from Barton County: browse every local note for the county.
Last checked against the sources above: June 20, 2026.