Northern Missouri
Clark County's outdoor story has ravines, a river lake, and real access rules
Des Moines River Ravines and Fox Valley Lake show Clark County's outdoor mix: river hills, prairie edges, fishing water, hunting ground, and MDC rules to check each season.
Clark County’s outdoor identity gets much sharper at Des Moines River Ravines Natural Area. The place sits in upland forest on loess and glacial till along the Des Moines River hills. Spring wildflowers, warblers, and the Battle of Athens State Historic Site setting all sit close together, so a short local trip can connect geology, plants, wildlife, and Civil War landscape.
Fox Valley Lake Conservation Area adds a different kind of anchor. MDC lists more than 2,000 acres there, with forest, grassland, cropland, a 108-acre lake, a wetland, and more than a mile of unchannelized Fox River. It is a working conservation landscape with several kinds of habitat and several kinds of public use.
The useful part is knowing who manages the rules. MDC is the source for permits, seasons, area maps, boat access, hunting rules, and range information. Before you fish, hunt, boat, or use a range, check the specific area page and current regulations. River levels, seasonal closures, and allowed methods can change.
Where to see it
- Des Moines River Ravines Natural Area
MDC lists this natural area within Battle of Athens State Historic Site.
- Fox Valley Lake Conservation Area
MDC lists the lake, wetland, forest, grassland, river access, and range details.
References
More from Clark County: browse every local note for the county.
Last checked against the sources above: July 1, 2026.