Borst Valley Wildlife Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Borst Valley Wildlife Area is a 1,100-acre nature reserve located in Boone County, Missouri.
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Summary
The area was established in 1981 and is managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Visitors can enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking, birdwatching, fishing, and hunting.
One of the main attractions at Borst Valley is the diverse wildlife that inhabits the area. Visitors can see a variety of animals, including deer, turkey, quail, rabbits, and squirrels. There are also several species of birds, including bluebirds, woodpeckers, and hawks.
The area features several points of interest, including two fishing ponds, a picnic area, and several hiking trails. The trails range from easy to moderate and offer beautiful views of the surrounding countryside.
Interesting facts about Borst Valley Wildlife Area include its history as a former farm, which has been restored to its natural state. The area is home to several rare plant species, including the White Trout Lily and the Trillium. The reserve is also a popular spot for birdwatchers, with over 80 species of birds recorded in the area.
The best time of year to visit Borst Valley Wildlife Area depends on the visitor's interests. Spring and fall are popular times for birdwatching, as many migratory species pass through the area. Summer is a great time for fishing and hiking, while winter brings opportunities for hunting and wildlife viewing.
Overall, Borst Valley Wildlife Area is a great destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. With its diverse wildlife, beautiful scenery, and range of activities, it's the perfect place to explore Missouri's natural beauty.
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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.
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