Big Oak Tree State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Oak Tree State Park |
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Boardwalk trail through Big Oak Tree State Park
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| Location | Mississippi County, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,028.68 acres (416.29 ha) |
| Elevation | 292 ft (89 m) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Administered by | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Visitors | 24,162 (in 2022) |
| Designated: | May 1986 |
Big Oak Tree State Park is a special nature park in East Prairie, Missouri, United States. It covers about 1,029 acres, which is a huge area! The park was created in 1938. Its main purpose is to protect some of the biggest trees in Missouri and even in the entire country. In May 1986, this park was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's a very important natural place. It protects a rare, untouched forest. This forest is full of many different kinds of hardwood trees. They grow in rich, wet soil, like you might find near a big river. This area is part of the Mississippi Alluvial Plain, a flat region along the Mississippi River.
Meet Missouri's Champion Trees!
Big Oak Tree State Park is famous for its amazing trees! Many trees here are called 'champion trees.' A champion tree is the biggest of its kind in the state or even the whole country. Some of these champions are still alive today. Others were champions in the past.
| Champion Trees | Circumference | Height | Spread | Points | Status |
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| Pumpkin ash | 118" | 150' | 77' | 357 | Alive |
| Rusty blackhaw | 48" | 29' | 25' | 83 | Alive |
| Eastern cottonwood | 288" | 114' | 76' | 421 | Died 1976 |
| Slippery elm | 264" | 115' | 60' | 394 | Died 1979 |
| Shumard oak | 205" | 134' | 86' | 361 | Died 1997 |
| Bur oak | 229" | 154' | 92' | 406 | Alive |
| Swamp chestnut oak | 272" | 156' | 104' | 454 | Alive |
| Pawpaw | 24" | 39' | 26' | 70 | Died 1980 |
| Persimmon | 97" | 133' | 45' | 241 | Alive |
| Possumhaw | 14" | 21' | 30' | 42 | Alive |
| Swamp privet | 26" | 28' | 31' | 62 | Died 1959 |
| Black willow | 148" | 113' | 69' | 278 | Alive |
Fun Ways to Explore the Park
The park offers two fun trails for you to explore the forest. One is a special boardwalk trail. It's easy to use for everyone. Along this boardwalk, you'll find an interpretive center. Here, you can learn more about the park's nature. There are also nice spots for picnicking. You can enjoy a meal outdoors with your family and friends.
