Hunkah Prairie Natural Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Hunkah Prairie Natural Area is a 260-acre nature reserve located in the state of Missouri.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
This area is a top destination for nature enthusiasts as it is one of the few remaining examples of unplowed, native tallgrass prairie in the state. The natural area boasts a wide variety of plant and animal species, including more than 200 species of birds, diverse grasses, and numerous wildflowers.
Visitors can explore the area by hiking the two-mile trail that loops through the prairie, offering stunning views of the grasses and wildflowers. Along the trail, visitors can see a variety of wildlife, including deer, coyotes, and foxes. The area is home to several rare and endangered species, including the Henslow's Sparrow and the Northern Harrier.
One of the most unique features of Hunkah Prairie Natural Area is its history. The area was once home to the Osage Native American tribe, and visitors can see remnants of their settlements throughout the prairie. The area was also used as a stop on the Santa Fe Trail during the mid-1800s.
The best time to visit Hunkah Prairie Natural Area is in the spring and fall when the wildflowers are in bloom and the weather is mild. It is important to note that the area is only open during daylight hours and visitors should stay on the designated trails to avoid damaging the delicate prairie ecosystem.
Overall, Hunkah Prairie Natural Area is a must-visit destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike. Its pristine prairie landscape and rich history make it a unique and valuable part of Missouri's natural heritage.
Weather Forecast
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
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Backpack Camp
|
||
Prairie State Park
|
||
Crawford State Fishing Lake
|
||
Four Oaks RV Park
|
||
Pittsburg City
|
Prairie State Park
Lester R Davis Memorial State Forest
Deramus Park
Schlanger Park