Moniteau Creek Conservation Area
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 13, 2025
Moniteau Creek Conservation Area is a state-owned piece of land in Missouri that covers over 3,000 acres.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
It is a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts, with several reasons to visit throughout the year. In the summer, visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing and swimming in the creek, while the winter months provide opportunities for hunting and trapping.
One of the main points of interest on the conservation area is the Moniteau Creek itself, which is a popular fishing spot for catfish, bass, and sunfish. There are also several hiking trails and picnic areas available for visitors to use. Additionally, the area is home to a diverse range of plant and animal life, with over 400 species of plants and over 250 species of birds.
Interesting facts about the Moniteau Creek Conservation Area include that it was originally settled by German immigrants in the 1800s, and the land was later donated to the state by the Missouri Conservation Commission. The area is also home to several historic sites, including an early 1900s train depot and a historic cemetery.
The best time of year to visit the Moniteau Creek Conservation Area depends on the activities visitors are interested in. The summer months are ideal for swimming and fishing, while the fall provides opportunities for hiking and wildlife viewing. Winter is the best time for hunting and trapping, and spring is ideal for birdwatching and wildflower viewing.
Overall, the Moniteau Creek Conservation Area is a must-visit destination for those looking to experience the natural beauty of Missouri. With its diverse range of activities and points of interest, visitors of all ages and interests can find something to enjoy.
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
Davisdale Conservation Area
Diana Bend Conservation Area
Franklin Island Conservation Area
Hungry Mother Conservation Area
Lick Creek Conservation Area