Cooley Park
Rate this placeNearby: River Forest Park North Hills Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Cooley Park is a popular tourist attraction located in the state of Missouri.
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Summary
The park is a great place to visit because of its scenic beauty and the variety of activities it offers. The park has several hiking trails that take visitors through wooded areas and along the river. The trails are suitable for all skill levels and offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the main attractions of Cooley Park is its lake. The lake is home to a variety of fish, and visitors can fish or go boating on the lake. The park also has several picnic areas and campgrounds for visitors to enjoy.
In addition to its natural beauty, Cooley Park has several historical landmarks that are worth visiting. The park is home to the Cooley House, a historic home built in the 1800s. The house has been restored and is open to visitors for tours.
Another interesting fact about Cooley Park is that it is home to several rare species of plants and animals. The park is protected by the Missouri Department of Conservation, and visitors are encouraged to respect the natural habitat of the area.
The best time to visit Cooley Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild and the foliage is at its most beautiful. Visitors should be prepared for hot and humid weather during the summer months and cold temperatures during the winter.
Overall, Cooley Park is a wonderful place to visit for anyone who loves nature, history, and outdoor activities. Its stunning natural beauty and varied activities make it a must-visit destination in 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
River Forest Park
North Hills Park
Buckeye Greenway
Chaumierie Woods
Macken Park