Drover’s Trail

Prairie State Park is located near the small community of Mindenmines in southwestern Missouri and protects approximately 4,000 acres of one of the state’s last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems. Before European settlement, tallgrass prairies stretched across millions of acres of the Midwest, but today less than one percent of that landscape remains intact. Prairie State Park preserves an important piece of this natural heritage, providing visitors with a rare opportunity to experience the sweeping grasslands that once dominated the region. The preserve supports an incredible diversity of native plants, with more than 300 species of grasses and wildflowers blooming from spring through fall. Depending on the season, visitors may encounter brilliant displays of blazing star, purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, compass plant, Indian grass, and big bluestem swaying across the rolling hills. The park is also home to an abundance of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, coyotes, bobwhite quail, meadowlarks, hawks, butterflies, and a free-ranging herd of American bison that helps maintain the prairie through natural grazing. The visitor center offers informative exhibits explaining prairie ecology, conservation efforts, the importance of prescribed fire, and the cultural history of the region, making it an excellent place to begin any visit. Several hiking trails, including Sandstone Trail, Drover’s Trail, and Coyote Trail, allow visitors to explore different sections of this remarkable landscape.

This scenic loop hike begins at the visitor center and heads east into the heart of the prairie, where expansive views stretch across gently rolling grasslands in every direction. Unlike wooded trails, there is very little tree cover here, allowing hikers to fully appreciate the vast openness and ever-changing skies that define the tallgrass prairie. The trail follows a well-maintained path through fields of native grasses and seasonal wildflowers, providing outstanding opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and wildlife observation. One of the highlights of the hike is the possibility of seeing the park’s bison herd grazing nearby. These magnificent animals were reintroduced to help restore the prairie ecosystem and are often visible from the trail, sometimes surprisingly close. Because they are large, wild animals capable of moving quickly, visitors should always check with park staff before beginning their hike to learn where the herd is currently located and whether any trail closures or safety precautions are in effect. Even when the bison are farther away, the experience of hiking through this restored prairie is unforgettable. Gentle breezes ripple through the tall grasses, meadowlarks provide a constant soundtrack during the warmer months, and each season brings a different palette of colors that showcases the beauty and ecological importance of one of Missouri’s most treasured natural landscapes.