Terrain Magazine - St. Louis

Missouri's state parks aren't just great places to hike, camp, and explore — they're also a major economic engine.

A new University of Missouri study found that Missouri's 93 state parks and historic sites generate $1.5 billion in business sales, support nearly 12,000 jobs, and bring millions of dollars to local restaurants, shops, outfitters, and lodging providers every year.

The report also highlights the powerful impact of the Katy Trail, where visitors fuel local economies while enjoying one of the nation's premier rail trails.

Read the full breakdown of the study below. ⬇️

Photo: Don Robinson State Park, courtesy of Visit Missouri.

Great story in the latest issue of Missouri Conservationist Magazine about a collaboration between Missouri Dept. of Conservation and the Kansas City-based Urban Rangers Corps, a nonprofit that is dedicated to putting youth, many of them from the inner city, on a path to success.

Twenty-eight boys spent three days on the Current River, chaperoned by volunteers from MDC, Missouri State Parks, and the Missouri River Bird Observatory. The floated, camped, explored, went birdwatching, played yard games, and relaxed.

“I had never canoed, camped, fished, any of that. I never had the opportunity," said DaQuon Cheadle, a volunteer and former Urban Ranger. “I was a little scared before I went (to camp) my first time. I was afraid I was going to flip, get eaten by bugs, or not know what kind of animals were out in the woods. Once I did it, it was a great feeling.”

Read the full story at https://mdc.mo.gov/magazines/missouri-conservationist/2026-07/urban-rangers.

The Urban Rangers Exploring the outdoors while building confidence and a love for nature

The best summer adventures usually involve getting a little wet.

Whether you're paddling the Meramec, floating your favorite Ozark stream, or spending the day at the lake, the right gear can keep you comfortable, connected, and ready for whatever comes next.

We rounded up 10 gear picks that are built for life on the water — from a water-filtering bottle to a submersible power bank and a cooler that won't sink.

See what's worth packing for your next adventure. ⬇️