There’s always more natural beauty to discover in Missouri. No matter where you are in the state, The Mingo National Wildlife Refuge is worth a trip. This hidden oasis is truly a Missouri gem not to be missed!
Located in Puxico, in the south of the state, the Mingo National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1944 under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act.
It’s an important resting and wintering spot for waterfowl and migratory birds and was also created for the preservation of bottomland hardwood forest.
If going by foot is more your thing, there are more than 50 miles of trails, including an easy, wheelchair-accessible Swampland Nature Trail, a 1-mile loop through the Bottomland forest.
No matter what time of year you visit, there’s something to see. In January, there are bald eagles. In, spring, wildflowers. In summers, birds and deer. In November, bobcats.
The Audubon Center in Missouri Where You’ll See More Than 30 Bird Species in a Single Afternoon
Discover the best birdwatching spot near St Louis: Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri! Spot bald eagles & swans along the accessible trails.
Located within the sprawling 3,700-acre Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary at the confluence of the Mississippi and Missouri Rivers, the Audubon Center at Riverlands in West Alton, Missouri, is a must-visit destination for nature lovers. This incredible space is more than just a birdwatcher’s paradise; it’s a place where the natural beauty of the Midwest converges with vital conservation efforts that impact birds across the continent. Here, visitors can experience the Mississippi Flyway, one of North America’s most important migratory routes, while learning about the essential role birds play in our ecosystem.
Imagine standing on the center's wraparound deck, gazing out over the Mississippi River. In the colder months, the air is filled with the graceful calls of trumpeter swans and the occasional swoop of bald eagles hunting from nearby trees along the riverbanks. With spotting scopes readily available, visitors can observe these majestic birds up close, along with numerous species of waterfowl that frequent the river, like tundra swans, American white pelicans, and countless duck species.
Don’t forget to bring your binoculars! This sanctuary is home to over 300 bird species that either live in, or migrate through, the area, making each visit a new and exciting experience. If you want to explore on foot, the center has eight and a half miles of scenic trails through diverse habitats, from marshlands to bottomland woodlands. One of the highlights is the Ellis Island Trail, where you can walk right alongside the mighty Mississippi, taking in views of the river and the sky filled with gulls and pelicans. At peak migratory season in the fall, you could see up to 30 different species of birds in a single day.
The Avian Observatory, designed specifically for birdwatching, provides an intimate view of Heron Pond. Here, you can catch glimpses of wading birds, including herons and egrets, going about their day. In addition to the beauty of the birds, the sanctuary is rich with native plant species, making it a year-round destination for nature lovers. Native plants and insects are important food sources for migrating birds. Grasses, sedges, and flowers attract colorful birds like the ruby-throated hummingbirds, American goldfinches, tree swallows, and more. This is a bird sanctuary, but you’re likely to encounter beautiful butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, and moths, too. This is a place you can visit over and over again because the sights and sounds change with the seasons.
If you visit on a cold day, the Audubon Center also features engaging indoor exhibits about river ecosystems and bird conservation. With educational programs, a warm welcome from knowledgeable staff, and access to bird checklists and recent sightings, every visitor is equipped for a day of discovery.
Whether you’re a birding enthusiast or just looking to immerse yourself in nature, the Audubon Center at Riverlands offers an unforgettable adventure for all. If you’re planning a visit, check their calendar for upcoming family-friendly events and activities. When I visit a place like the Audubon Center, I’m inspired to find ways to give back. The Parks Project offers a way to get some cool gear and contribute.
From riding camels to hanging out with sloths, the animal encounters at Critter Lane Petting Zoo in Valles Mines, Missouri, are some of the coolest experiences in the state. While the Midwest is known for its farm animals, feeding adorable baby goats never loses its charm, and you can do that here too! Additionally, you'll encounter exotic animals not native to the area, including lemurs, wild birds, and more. Just an hour south of St. Louis, Critter Lane offers extraordinary experiences that go beyond the usual farm visit.
Like any petting zoo, your experience at Critter Lane is likely to change from day to day, so you never know exactly which animals you’ll get to interact with. The staff does a good job of tuning into the animals’ needs, so they’re not expected to be “on” all the time. The National Animal Welfare Association recognizes the zoo as an accredited facility.
Regular admission is under $10 per person, but you greatly benefit from a season pass! Purchasing feed for the animals is separate, the fee is nominal. You can also get preferred rates for groups and birthday parties which come with some additional perks.
Kids two years or older can ride camels or ponies. My childhood dream come true! For the pony anyway, I never thought about riding a camel. I’ll be adding that to my bucket list. There is a small fee but totally worth it!
With so many animals to hang out with, you might be tempted to forgo the sloth encounter. But I ask you, when are you ever going to have the opportunity to get close to two-toed sloths from South America? Mable and Sammy are adorable, and you can book an encounter by calling Critter Lane Petting Zoo directly. While the rest of the petting zoo is open most of the week, you’ll have to plan your sloth visit for the weekend.
If you’re looking for something kid-friendly to do outside of St. Louis, a trip to Critter Lane Petting Zoo is worth the drive. Check out the Facebook page before you go; they do host seasonal events. When you go to a petting zoo like this, you’ll be able to get up close and personal with the animals. I highly recommend getting a pair of waterproof shoes you can easily hose off afterward; nobody wants to take home any unexpected animal “treats.”
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What are some of your favorite animal encounters in Missouri? Grant’s Farm in St. Louis is one of my personal favorites!
