Big Oak Tree State Park facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Big Oak Tree State Park |
|
|---|---|
|
IUCN Category III (Natural Monument)
|
|
Boardwalk trail through Big Oak Tree State Park
|
|
 Big Oak Tree State Park
Location in Missouri
Big Oak Tree State Park
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | Mississippi, Missouri, United States |
| Area | 1,028.68 acres (4.1629 km2) |
| Elevation | 289 ft (88 m) |
| Established | 1938 |
| Governing body | Missouri Department of Natural Resources |
| Website | Big Oak Tree State Park |
| Designated: | May 1986 |
Big Oak Tree State Park is a special nature preserve located in East Prairie, Missouri, United States. It covers about 1,029 acres (416 hectares) of land. This park was created in 1938. Its main purpose was to protect some of the largest trees in Missouri and even in the entire country.
In May 1986, the park was named a National Natural Landmark. This means it's recognized as a very important natural area. It protects a rare type of forest called a wet-mesic bottomland hardwood forest. This kind of forest grows in low, wet areas, like the Mississippi Alluvial Plain. This plain is a flat area formed by the Mississippi River.
Discovering Champion Trees at Big Oak Tree State Park
Big Oak Tree State Park is famous for its "champion trees." These are trees that are the biggest of their kind in the state or even the whole country. They are measured by their circumference (how wide around they are), their height, and their crown spread (how wide their branches reach). These measurements are used to give each tree a "point" score.
Some of these champion trees are still alive and growing. Others have sadly passed away. But their records show how truly massive they once were. It's a great place to see some of nature's giants!
| Champion Trees | Circumference | Height | Spread | Points | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 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 |
Activities and Things to Do
Big Oak Tree State Park offers fun activities for visitors. You can explore the forest on two different trails. One of these trails is a special boardwalk that is easy for everyone to use. As you walk along the boardwalk, you'll find an interpretive center. This center helps you learn more about the park's amazing trees and nature. There are also picnic areas where you can enjoy a meal outdoors.
