Points of Interest:
- Enjoy a palette of colors and textures from prairie wildflowers and grasses from spring through fall.
- Look for northern harriers and short-eared owls on the prairie in the winter.
- Enjoy a diversity of butterfly species through the spring and summer.
Natural History:
This site supports prairie mole crickets, regal fritillary butterflies, and Arkansas darters — all species of conservation concern. The area provides habitat for declining grassland birds such as the Henslow’s sparrow. Golden Prairie is a mosaic of upland dry-mesic sandstone/shale and hardpan prairie along with prairie swale wetlands and headwater streams. Fifty-four bird species have been observed on the site along with 360 native plant species. The site is owned and managed by the Missouri Prairie Foundation and was designated a National Natural Landmark in 1975 by the National Park Service.
From Golden City, head west on Highway 126 for five miles. Turn south (left) on Highway T and proceed two miles south. Then turn east (left) on to the county gravel road (SE 90) and go two miles to the parking area.
MO
United States