Blue Lick Conservation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Blue Lick Conservation Area is a 3,800-acre protected area located in Saline County, Missouri.
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Summary
It is situated along the banks of the Missouri River and offers a range of outdoor activities and recreational opportunities for visitors.
Some great reasons to visit this conservation area include its diverse plant and animal life, scenic views, and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can hike or bike along the trails, go fishing in the river, or hunt for deer, turkey, and other game in designated areas.
One of the main points of interest in Blue Lick Conservation Area is the sinkhole plain, a unique geological feature formed by the dissolution of limestone bedrock. The area is also home to several rare plant species, such as the purple milkweed and glade cress, which can be seen in the prairies and woodlands.
Interesting facts about the conservation area include its role in preserving the Missouri River ecosystem and its history as a site of early human settlement. Artifacts dating back to the Paleo-Indian period have been found in the area, suggesting that it has been inhabited for over 10,000 years.
The best time of year to visit Blue Lick Conservation Area is during the spring and fall, when temperatures are mild and the foliage is at its most colorful. It is recommended to check the Missouri Department of Conservation's website for any seasonal closures or hunting regulations before planning a visit. Overall, Blue Lick Conservation Area is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural beauty of Missouri.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Related References
Marshall Junction Conservation Area
Blind Pony Lake Conservation Area
Indian Foothills Park