Hunting for Fall Flora in the Ozarks

The Ozarks’ prairies and parks are overflowing with fall flora, and these flowers and plants give the changing leaves a run for their money. According to Katie Keith, Botanical Center Coordinator at the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the best time to visit fall flora is before the first frost, which tends to happen mid-October.

Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area

While hiking the trails at Busiek State Forest and Wildlife Area, you can expect to see the shifting fall colors and also sumac, persimmon trees with ripening fruit and giant cane. For hiking fanatics, there are approximately 18 miles worth of trails to explore.

If hiking isn’t for you, there are also biking and horseback trails available on the property. The 2,700-acre park offers the chance to spot wildlife too. Also, the Woods Fork of Bull Creek runs through the property, adding to the ambiance. The park is located just 20 minutes south of Springfield on Highway 65. 

Coyne Prairie 

Greet fall like an old friend at Coyne Prairie (Co Rd. 199, Lockwood) as you explore the expansive land. Currently owned by the Missouri Prairie Foundation, this is the perfect place to view sumacs and sunflowers in early October and goldenrod and asters at the end of the month. Located in Dade County on Highway E, there is parking available along the gravel road. 

The prairie supports about 218 plant species that are native to the area. It also is home to many birds, like the northern bobwhite year round and Laplund longspurs in the winter months.

Penn-Sylvania Prairie

Visit Penn-Sylvania Prairie in Dade County for the chance to see fall flowers. This 160-acre environment is the perfect place to see sumacs, sunflowers, goldenrods, asters and prairie grasses. Additionally, it is a good place to chance a monarch sighting as they migrate south for the winter.

There are several endangered species that call the Penn-Sylvania Prairie home. The regal fritillary butterfly, prairie mole cricket, northern crawfish frog and grassland birds, including the northern bobwhite, Henslow’s sparrow, upland sandpiper and Smith longspur, can be seen on the site.

Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse 

Soak up fall flora lakeside at Lake Springfield Park and Boathouse (5324 S. Kissick Ave., Springfield). This park offers a chance to view cardinal flowers, marsh mallows and native lotus plants. Enjoy the coveted warm fall days here by exploring the pavilions, walking the surrounding trails and fishing during the park’s hours. Make sure to check the website before heading out as their hours change in October. 

If you’re lucky, you may also catch a glimpse of wildlife like deer, waterfowl and turkey while exploring the 158 acres. Hike trails, explore the woods and trek the bluffs that span the park.