Stargazing in Missouri is easy, whether we stare at the starry sky in our backyard or make our way to a nearby park. Summer’s an ideal time for stargazing and for catching the annual Perseid meteor shower. If you’ve never witnessed this celestial event, plan a visit to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, the perfect place for witnessing the Perseids and stargazing in Miami, Missouri.
Considered the most popular meteor shower of the year, the Perseids will be active from July 14 through September 1, 2023. The annual meteor shower originates near the Perseus constellation, thus earning it the moniker Perseids.
Expect to see an estimated 90 to 100 meteors, including trails of “dust” that lag behind, an hour on the peak evening. However, to maximize your chances of seeing so many meteors streak across the sky, you’ll need to find an area that’s as free of light pollution as possible.
Make your way to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park in Miami, for example, to catch the meteor showers, which tend to be the strongest during the overnight hours, beginning around midnight.
Because of its remoteness, the Missouri state park is perfect for stargazing.
The Missouri state park is open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily, but campsites are available, so you won’t miss the celestial show. Your best bet is to find a quiet spot in the campground that’s as free of light as possible.
Once you’ve found your spot for stargazing, give your eyes time to adjust to the darkness. It usually takes between half an hour to an hour. After your eyes adjust, you should start seeing meteors dart across the sky.
Have you been to Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, a popular state park for stargazing in Miami, Missouri? Will you venture there to see the Perseid meteor shower? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that there’s another park in Missouri that’s perfect for stargazing too? Plan a visit to Broemmelsiek Park in Defiance.
Even the most extroverted among us crave some quiet time every now and then. Fortunately, Missouri’s brimming with tranquil destinations – from secluded state parks to remote natural areas – where we can escape whenever we just want some time away from it all. Robertsville State Park is just one example of a quiet gem that’s worthy of a visit. It's also home to two of the best hiking trails in Missouri.
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Just under an hour from downtown St. Louis, Robertsville State Park makes an idyllic daytrip destination or, if you’re up for an overnight adventure, a few nights camping under the stars.
With more than 1,200 acres, this secluded state park offers something for everyone. One of the best ways to explore, however, is on one of its two scenic hiking trails.
The Lost Hill Trail travels just over 2.5 miles and earns a moderate rating while the Spice Bush Trail is short and sweet at just .08 of a mile. It, too, has a moderate rating.
Pack everything you need for a picnic, too. The park features several picnic shelters and picnic tables. After everyone's eaten, the kiddos can play at the nearby playground.
Robertsville State Park also hosts interpretive programs throughout the year. From nature hikes to evening programs, there's something for outdoor lovers of all ages.
If you're blissfully relaxed and want some more time at this Missouri state park, pitch a tent and spend a night or two. Both basic and electric sites are available.
Have you been to this remote state park, home to two of the best hiking trails in Missouri? What did you think? Let us know in the comments! Did you know that Robertsville State Park is just one of several underappreciated state parks near St. Louis, Missouri?
Ready for more outdoor adventures? How about setting off on one of the best hikes in Missouri? Just check out AllTrails for some of the best.
Missouri is beautiful all year long. However, autumn just might be the most enchanting of the four seasons, especially with the landscape painted in shades of red, orange, and gold. Fall is also the perfect chance to enjoy the crisp air, the sound of the leaves crunching beneath our feet, and just being outside. Here are 11 of the best places to visit in Missouri in the fall that will make your autumn even better.
Elephant Rocks State Park offers plenty to do all year, but it's particularly pretty during fall in Missouri. Embark on one of the hiking trails; bring a picnic along; or watch your kiddos on the playground after a bit of leaf peeping. Read more about this unique Missouri state park in a previous article.
Brimming with natural wonders from a stunning blue spring to a natural bridge, Ha Ha Tonka State Park promises numerous ways to admire the fall foliage. Go on a hike. Kayak on the water, and stop by the castle ruins. Ha Ha Tonka State Park is the perfect fall day trip in Missouri.
Can you think of a better place to check out the foliage in Missouri this fall than from the highest point in the state? Taum Sauk Mountain State Park is home to the highest point, which measures 1,772 feet, and you can drink in the views from an easy-to-reach lookout tower. Taum Sauk Mountain boasts some of the best scenic views in Missouri.
As the seventh-largest spring in Missouri, Alley Spring beckons visitors with its sheer natural beauty. During the autumn, it transforms into a scene that belongs on an old-fashioned postcard. Learn more about the gorgeous Missouri hike that will take you to Alley Spring.
Dogwood Canyon Nature Park provides a beautiful backdrop for a day outdoors having fun and admiring the fall foliage. You'll find a ton to do at the park (which requires an admission fee), from hiking trails to horseback riding. Read more about this family-friendly day trip in our previous article.
A stroll through Tower Grove Park in the fall, ideally at the peak of the fall foliage, is the perfect autumn activity. The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, giving you plenty of time to explore and admire the colorful grounds. Did you know that Tower Grove Park is one of Missouri's most unique parks?
One of the oldest wineries in the United States, Stone Hill Winery in Hermann is a must-visit any time of the year. Plan a tour and tasting at the winery that's absolutely breathtaking painted in rustic colors. Take a peek at this charming Missouri winery. It's one of the most fun places to visit in the fall.
Stretching 1.5 million acres, Mark Twain National Forest offers something for all outdoor lovers - from scenic hikes to camping. Admire the fall foliage as you explore on foot, by bike, or on horseback. Did you know that Mark Twain National Forest is home to Missouri's second-largest spring?
Get your adrenaline pumping on one of the zipline tours at Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain, which promises both jaw-dropping views and breathtaking excitement. Learn more about this epic autumn adventure in Missouri in our previous article.
State parks in the fall? Yes, please! We have plenty of state parks to visit, each of which offers its own scenic views of the fall foliage. Weston Bend State Park features a scenic overlook (pictured above), where you can stand back and drink in the autumn beauty. Get a glimpse of the fun that awaits at this Missouri state park.
Billed as one of Missouri's most rugged parks, Cuivre River State Park boasts absolutely gorgeous views of the fall foliage. The park features a series of hiking trails, horseback riding, and boating. Learn more on the official website of Cuivre River State Park.
What are your favorite destinations and best places to visit in Missouri in the fall? Let us know in the comments! Then check out the seven reasons Ha Ha Tonka State Park is an amazing fall destination in Missouri.
Want to go hiking this fall in Missouri? Make sure you have the handy AllTrails+ app downloaded to your phone!
