Union Wildlife Management Area park
Union Wildlife Management Area
Reasons to Visit:
1. Wildlife Viewing: Union WMA is home to a variety of wildlife species, making it a fantastic place for wildlife enthusiasts. Visitors may spot white-tailed deer, turkeys, waterfowl, squirrels, and many other species.
2. Hunting and Fishing: The area is managed to provide excellent hunting and fishing opportunities. Hunting for deer, turkey, waterfowl, and small game is permitted during specific seasons. Fishing is available in the numerous ponds and lakes within the area.
3. Hiking and Nature Trails: Union WMA offers several well-maintained trails that allow visitors to explore the natural beauty of the area. These trails provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and enjoying nature.
4. Educational Opportunities: The WMA provides educational programs and workshops for visitors of all ages, aiming to promote conservation and wildlife management.
Points of Interest:
1. Big Creek Lake: This beautiful lake within the Union WMA offers fishing opportunities and scenic views. Boating is also allowed on the lake, providing visitors with additional recreational activities.
2. Crockett Creek Natural Area: This area within the WMA is characterized by diverse plant and animal species, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and photographers.
3. Wildlife Viewing Areas: Union WMA features designated wildlife viewing areas, equipped with observation platforms and blinds. These spots offer a chance to observe wildlife up close while minimizing disturbance to their natural habitats.
Interesting Facts:
1. Established in 1958: Union WMA was established by the Missouri Department of Conservation to provide wildlife habitat and offer recreational opportunities to the public.
2. Size and Location: The WMA covers approximately 6,406 acres and is located in Putnam County, northern Missouri.
3. Habitat Restoration: The area has undergone significant habitat restoration efforts, including reforestation, wetland development, and grassland management, to enhance wildlife populations and diversity.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Union WMA largely depends on visitors' interests. However, spring and fall are generally considered the most favorable seasons. Spring offers the opportunity to observe migratory bird species and witness the renewal of vegetation, while fall provides excellent hunting and fishing conditions. It is advisable to check the specific hunting seasons and fishing regulations set by the Missouri Department of Conservation before planning a visit.
Please note that it is always recommended to verify current information and check for any updates or changes in guidelines, regulations, or accessibility before planning a visit to Union WMA.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- 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 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.
- 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.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of Union Wildlife Management Area, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Darbonne State Park | ✓ | ✗ | → |
| Grand Marais County Park | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Union Wildlife Management Area as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Union Wildlife Management Area
What can I do at Union Wildlife Management Area?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to Union Wildlife Management Area?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of Union Wildlife Management Area.