Knob Noster State Park is a 3,934-acre public recreation area in Johnson County. Like the nearby town, it is named for one of two small hills or "knobs" that rise up in an otherwise flat section of Missouri. Together with "noster," which is Latin for "our," the name Knob Noster translates as "our hill."

When the park was created in the 1930s it was called the Montserrat National Recreational Demonstration Area. It was part of a nationwide effort by The National Park Service to convert land previously used for farming, mining, and logging for public recreational purposes.

It was transferred to the state in 1946 and then renamed Knob Noster. Two of the original structures from the 1930s were added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1985, including the Montserrat Recreation Demonstration Area Bridge and the Montserrat Recreational Demonstration Area Warehouse No. 2 and Workshop.

Located in the Osage Plains, tall wild grasses and wild flowers growing among scattered trees created an environment similar to a savanna. Over time, the land has transitioned into more of a forest as the savanna has been overgrown with trees. However, efforts are ongoing to restore parts of the park to its original state through controlled burning.

The slow moving Clearfork Creek winds its way through the park, providing water for the trees along its banks. The creek, prairie, and trees such as pawpaw, hickory and oak provide a habitat for the resident birds and animals. Walking through the park, you might encounter great blue herons, pileated woodpeckers, wild turkeys, white-tailed deer, fox, opossum, raccoons, screech owls and eastern bluebirds.

Pin Oak Slough Natural Area is 4 acres of the park that has been designated as a protected natural area. It is a wet-mesic forest and shrub swamp. During spring, water pools in the depressions and makes vernal pools, creating a habitat for plants and animals. Besides the rare pale green orchid, one might also find pink oak, swamp oak, bur oak and silver maple growing in this area.

Knob Knoster State Park is also home to two lakes, Buteo and Clearfork, as well as Clearfork Creek. They are all available for fishing and are home to channel catfish, crappie, bass and bluegill, among others. Boating is also permitted on the lakes, and several picnic areas can be found along the shores.

Also located in the park is The Royal Oaks Golf Course. While golfing the 300 acres of rolling hills and wooded areas, it’s not unusual to see wildlife. From April through fall, Duffers Grill offers lunch Monday-Friday and breakfast Saturday and Sunday. During club house hours, carryout items are available as well. They also have banquet facilities and catering services.

Knob Noster State Park offers five different types of camping areas. You can choose from basic and electric campsites, family campsites, two organized group camps and special-use camping areas. Reservations can be made online.

There are 7 trails at Knob Nobster State Park. One of these trails is Buteo Trail, a moderate trail that circles Buteo Lake. It is a dirt trail that does get wet and muddy after it rains. It has a water crossing via strategically placed rocks and stone steps, in which hikers cross Buteo Lake’s spillway. Part of the trail also includes a small part along a park road. Occasionally, the trail is closed for designated park burning.

Other moderate park trails include the 0.6-mile Clearfork Woodland Trail, the 0.9-mile Discovery Trail, the 1.75-mile Hawk Nest Trail, the 2-mile North Loop Trail, and the 5.5-mile Opossum Hollow Trail.

For more rugged hikers and equestrians, there is the McAdoo Trail System. This 6.5-mile trail is the only trail open to horseback riding. Travelers pass through Christopher Woods, containing the oldest stand of continuous timber within the park. Along the trail there are also designated camping sites. Wander through bottomland and upland forests as well as several creek crossings. The trail is rugged, there are often steep grades and inclines, slippery conditions and occasionally downed vegetation. In particularly bad weather or dangerous conditions, the trail may be closed.

From April through October 31st, you can rent a single person kayak at the park by the hour or by the day. Rentals include paddles, life jackets and a trash bag. In order to rent a kayak, you must be over 18 years old and have a valid driver’s license, held until all equipment is returned.

The park offers a variety of interpretive programs from mid-May to mid-September. These include nature walks, Explorer Program hours, nature crafts and games, live animal demonstrations and storytelling. Programs vary weekly, but you can call the park naturalist at 660-563-2463 to find out the schedule or to schedule your own private group program. They also post program schedules on the visitor center and campground bulletin boards. All programs are free and last a maximum of one hour. Children should be accompanied by adults.

With a mixture of prairie, open woodland and forest along both sides of a meandering creek, Knob Noster State Park is a great place to visit for all types of activities. Whether it’s fishing, mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, or just for some quality family time, there is something for everyone. For more information about Knob Noster or our other incredible state parks, visit https://mostateparks.com/.

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