• Young people floating past yellow flowers

    Ozark

    National Scenic Riverways Missouri

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  • Closings and service reductaions due to Federal Budget Cuts announced.

    The public will experience reduced hours and services provided by Ozark National Scenic Riverways due to the budget cuts that became effective March 1, 2013. Please check back often for further details or changes. List of closed facilities, click "MORE." More »

Laws & Policies

Firearms and other weapons

Legislation - As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in this park. Refer to Section 512 of the Credit Card Accountability Responsibility and Disclosure Act of 2009, Public Law 111-24, 123 Stat. 1764-65.

Park User Responsibility - It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit Missouri Revised Statutes, Chapter 571.

Weapons Prohibited in Federal Facilities - Federal law also prohibits firearms in certain facilities in this park; those places are marked with signs at all public entrances. Refer to 18 U.S.C. § 930.

Controlling Rowdy Behavior on the Rivers (drug and alcohol laws strictly enforced, no kegs, no beer bongs, quiet enforced, no cliff jumping or rope swinging, etc)

Compendium - Rules and Regulations for Ozark Riverways (.pdf file)

Code of Federal Regulations, Title 36 (Regulations regarding National Parks, Forests and Public Lands in the USA)

 
 
 


  • Specfic Park Rules & Regulations (See "Compendium" above for a complete listing.)

Controlling Rowdy Behavior on the Rivers (drug laws strictly enforced, no kegs, no beer bongs, no "Jello shots", quiet enforced, no cliff jumping or rope swinging, etc.)

ATV Rules and regulations in the park (On roads only, no off road travel.)

Motor boat and horsepower regulations (Limits for certain areas of the rivers.)

Alcohol Policy (Public intoxication will not be tolerated.)

Hunting Regulations (State Regulation such as bag limits, seasons, etc. All apply in the park.)

Archaeological Protection Act (Collecting of arrowheads is prohibited, as well as digging, taking or possessing historic or prehistoric artifacts.)

 

Laws and Regulations regarding Ozark Springs (No wading, no fishing, no pulling watercress...)

Federal Cave Protection Laws

Missouri Cave Resources Protection Act

 

"Indeed the river is a perpetual gala, and boasts each month a new ornament." - (Ralph Waldo Emerson, Nature)

  • Wildflowers in the Ozarks Wildflowers in the Ozarks

    Many people are surprised to find that wild orchids grow in the Ozarks. More about wildflowers.... Read More

  • Welch Hospital ruins near Akers Welch Hospital ruins near Akers

    The Welch Hospital sits next to Welch Spring upstream from Akers. Read about its history.... Read More

  • Beautiful cave formations. Beautiful cave formations.

    Hundreds of caves are to be found in the Ozarks. Round Spring Cave is open for tours in the summer.

Did You Know?

Blue Spring is 310 feet deep.

Blue Spring is 310 feet deep. If the Statue of Liberty was standing on the bottom, the top of her torch would be underwater! It is widely considered to be the most beautiful spring in Missouri due to its vivid blue color. More at www.nps.gov/ozar More...