History whispers all around us – from the historic buildings we pass during a stroll through town to the oldest trees in Missouri. If you’re a fan of natural history, you’ll absolutely love the more than 500-year-old trees that offer a glimpse into the natural landscape centuries ago. Even better, getting to Missouri’s oldest trees is easy and picturesque.

Allred Lake Natural Area in Neelyville spans 160 acres, but what circles the seven-acre lake is the true gem of the park.
Google/Colin Hester
Follow a short boardwalk path, particularly pretty surrounded by the lush foliage, that leads to some of the oldest trees in Missouri.
Google/Robin Robertson
Some of the cypress bald trees that surround the lake date back more than 500 years, a rare part of Missouri's natural history.
Google/Robin Robertson
Lake Allred, in fact, provides a glimpse into the distant past when swamps and bottomland forests dominated much of the landscape.
Flickr/Nicholas Turland

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Today, however, admiring the view of Allred Lake may conjure images of the swamps that you'll find in the southern part of the United States.
Flickr/Nicholas Turland
It is due, in large part, to the lake water and swamp conditions that the ancient cypress bald trees have remained so strong over the centuries. The water has, after all, keep them well-hydrated.
Flickr/Nicholas Turland
To help preserve its natural history, fishing is not permitted in Allred Lake. You also cannot hunt in the natural area.
Flickr/Nicholas Turland
What you can do is admire the natural beauty and the long history of the trees and take as many photographs as you want.
Google/Ana Hulen
Learn more on the official website of Allred Lake Natural Area.
Flickr/Nicholas Turland

Have you been to Allred Lake Natural Area to see some of the oldest trees in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! Then take a peek at some of the oldest photos of Missouri.

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Allred Lake Natural Area, Neelyville, MO 63954, USA