Alley Mill: You can visit the historic Alley Mill anytime, the grounds are always open. The building itself is open everyday during the summer months from 9:00 to 5:00. Tours by request. Demonstrations of the milling equipment take place daily at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. (Memorial Day through Labor Day) Free.
The Alley General Store Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 to 5:00 most days during the summer. It may be closed for a half hour during the lunch hour. This replica general store has historic craft items and books for sale, as well as free park information.
Storys Creek School located at Alley will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 to 4:00, but may be closed at lunchtime. Summer only.
Campfire Programs: Rangers present slide shows on a variety of fascinating subjects involving the nature and history of the Ozarks. They are held each Friday and Saturday (from Memorial Day through Labor Day only) at 8:30 pm in the amphitheaters at Alley Spring, Big Spring, Pulltite and Round Spring campgrounds. Programs are also held Thursday evenings at Pulltite, only. Free.
Children's Movie Night: Kick back with a movie! Big Spring Amphitheater, 8:00 pm on Thursdays. Bring your own popcorn!
Round Spring Cave: Let park rangers take you on an adventure to the wonders below your feet! Cave tours are held daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children under 12, and go on sale 30 minutes before each tour. should call 573-858-3297, ext 23 to arrange educational tours.
Kids Nature Discovery: For the younger set, join a ranger for fun nature activities, crafts or a short hike while Mom and Dad pack up. Sundays at 9:00 am at the Round Spring Picnic Shelter and at 9:30 am at the Big Spring Amphitheater.
River Critter Exploration: For the young and young at heart, we'll explore the lives of the many small insects and other creatures who play a vital role in the river's health. Wear shoes and clothes that can get wet. Saturdays at 3:30, meet at the Alley Campground Ranger Station.
Kid's Nature Hike: Join a ranger for a hike to discover the wonders of nature! Fridays at 3:00 pm, meet at the Big Spring Amphitheater.
Pulltite Hike: Learn about the ecology of Ozark forests with a ranger on this 1.5 mile hike. Meet at the traffic circle near Group Site #3. Fridays at 9:00 am.
Alley Overlook Hike: Enjoy this mildly strenuous 1.5 mile nature hike with a ranger. The hike is steep up to the Alley Overlook, but the view is well worth it, and you'll learn a bit more about the Ozark forest along the way. Saturday and Sundays at 9:00 am, meet at the Alley Mill .
Junior Ranger Program: ask a ranger or campground host for a free Junior Ranger book. Complete some of the self-paced activities and turn it in at a Campfire Program, the Alley Mill, Park Headquarters in Van Buren or Round Spring Cave and get the Official Junior Ranger badge you've earned!
Other activities: Special hikes, concerts and cultural demonstrations are scheduled from time to time during the summer months at Alley and Big Spring. Watch this space, and check bulletin boards when you arrive for the latest offerings!
Call 573-323-4236, ext 0 for more information.
