Posted in Missouri Nature March 08, 2023 by

The Oldest Living Tree In Missouri Is A Beautiful Piece Of Living History

Breathtaking natural scenes are a given in Missouri. We might not even fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. After all, we’re so used to seeing it all of the time. When you visit the oldest tree in Missouri, however, you’ll probably be struck by its sheer size, beauty, and how much it has seen and endured over the centuries. A visit is more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list.

Please note: The tree is either referred to as the McBaine Bur Oak or the McCaine Burr Oak, depending on the source.

Experience a rare piece of Missouri's natural history when you visit the McBaine Bur Oak Tree, a majestic tree that's estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
Countless visitors flock to the massive tree every year. If you're doubting just how big Missouri's oldest tree really is, take a look at its stats.
Google/S. Jewell S. McGhee
The McBaine Bur Oak stands 90 feet tall, has a circumference of 287 inches, and a spread of 130 feet. You really have to see it to appreciate it.
Google/Matt Wright
Known by area residents as "The Big Tree," it stands alone against the gorgeous landscape. The nearest trees, in fact, are at least 1,000 feet from the burr oak.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
The tree sits on private land, part of 1,400 acres, owned by John Sam Williamson. His family has owned the property since 1835.
Google/naja kwarkle
Have you been to this burr oak tree in Columbia, Missouri?
McBaine Bur Oak, a Boone County Historical Site, welcomes visitors to take photos, and it's a popular spot for relaxing under with a picnic or just to admire the views.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
The tree is also along the path of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
If you visit in the fall, you might spot some of the acorns that have fallen from the tree. You definitely do not want to forget your camera.
Wikipedia/Grey Wanderer
The McBaine Bur Oak has caught fire several times, most recently in October 2020 when it was struck by lightning.
Flickr/Fred Murphy
Forunately, the tree has healed, and people continue to visit it. If you do visit, treat it and the land around it as you would with anything else in nature - with care. Sadly, the historic tree has been vandalized during its history.
Wikipedia/Grey Wanderer
Learn more from the National Park Service on the McBaine Bur Oak Tree. Here's the Google Map for the tree. Add your address for directions.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig

Have you seen the oldest living tree in Missouri? What did you think? Share your experience in the comments! To see more of the oldest living trees in Missouri, the cypress bald trees, plan a visit to Allred Lake Natural Area in Neelyville.

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Address: McBaine Bur Oak, Burr Oak Rd, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
The OIYS Visitor Center

Natural Wonders In Missouri

March 13, 2023
Beth Price-Williams

What are some natural wonders in Missouri?

The oldest tree in Missouri, the McBaine Burr Oak in Columbia is just one of many natural wonders that dot the state. Here are some other natural wonders in Missouri:

  • Grand Gulf State Park. Known as the Grand Canyon of Missouri, Grand Gulf State Park is home to a series of collapsed caves. Drink in spellbinding views of this natural wonder in Missouri from overhead.
  • Mina Sauk Falls. Tucked in Taum Sauk Mountain State Park, Mina Sauk Falls is Missouri’s tallest waterfall. You’ll have to hike a picturesque path to reach it.
  • Johnson’s Shut-Ins. Natural shut-ins, Johnson’s Shut-Ins are a gorgeous Missouri natural wonder and are particularly popular as a swimming hole during the summer.
  • Blue Spring is the deepest spring in Missouri and the eighth largest in the state. It’s well worth a visit just to marvel at the turquoise blue of its water. (Swimming is not allowed in the spring.)
  • Rocky Falls is a gorgeous Missouri waterfall that drops 40 feet. Visitors flock to the waterfall all year long, but it’s particularly popular as a swimming hole in the summer.

What are the best state parks in Missouri?

Hidden within many of the state parks in Missouri are natural wonders – from tumbling waterfalls to chiseled caves. Here are just a few of the lesser-known state parks in Missouri to explore.

  • Prairie State Park. This gorgeous state park in Missouri offers the opportunity to view bison up close. Home to beautiful wildflowers in the spring, this Missouri state park is best explored on a scenic hiking trail.
  • Wallace State Park is small but mighty with a lake that’s popular with swimmers and boaters.
  • Don Robinson State Park boasts a full menu of natural wonders – sandstone box canyons, cliffs, and glades – making it bucket list-worthy.