Big Oak Tree State Park

The 1,029-acre natural area contains large hardwood trees, with a forest canopy reaching heights of over 120 feet across the preserved land.

The park opened in 1938 to protect exceptional specimens of trees, including an Eastern cottonwood measuring 288 inches in circumference and a Swamp chestnut oak of 272 inches.

The park maintains an interpretive center along the boardwalk trail, educating visitors about the wet-mesic bottomland hardwood forest ecosystem.

Two hiking trails traverse the forest, including an accessible boardwalk path that allows visitors to observe the natural environment throughout the seasons.

The forest preserves multiple state and national champion trees, representing the largest specimens of their species in Missouri and the United States.

Location: Mississippi County

Inception: 1937

Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/big-oak-tree-state-park

Website: https://mostateparks.com/park/big-oak-tree-state-park

GPS coordinates: 36.65500,-89.32830

Latest update: March 25, 2025 14:49