Alley Mill: You can visit the historic Alley Mill anytime, the grounds are always open. The building itself is open daily from 9:00 to 5:00 during the summer and on fall weekends. Tours by request. 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: Join us in the campground amphitheaters to learn about Ozark wildlife, geology, superstitions, history and a whole lot more. Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:30 pm at Big Spring, Alley Spring, Round Spring and Pulltite. Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Round Spring Cave: Please join us for an adventure to the wonders below your feet! Cave tours are held daily from Memorial Day weekend 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. Tours are limited to the first 15 people. Reservations are NOT accepted and we can not accommodate large groups. Schools should call 573-323-8093 for special educational tours and programs. () Please do not bring any clothing, footwear or equipment that has been in any caves into Round Spring Cave. This is to help slow the spread of White Nose Syndrome, a fatal disease of bats.
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 around the park. Watch this space, and check bulletin boards when you arrive for the latest offerings!
FREE LOAN OUT ITEMS
You can borrow a few things to make your adventure more fun:
River Exploration Kits, available at Round Spring, Akers, Big Spring, Pulltite,Park Headquarters and the Alley General Store. These kits include nets, field guides, bug boxes, all the stuff young minds need to explore nature along the river or at the campsite.
Life Jackets - don't leave your boat without one! Available for loan at Akers and Pulltite Visitor Centers.
Fishing rods and simple tackle - for beginning fisherfolk, or maybe you just forgot yours. Available at Pulltite only.
Birding Kits - a pair of binoculars and a field guide can make any hike more interesting. Available at Headquarters, Pulltite, Round Spring and Akers Visitor Centers.
Children's Books - Pulltite has library of nature books for the younger set. Feel free to check one or two out and take them back to camp for awhile, the perfect fix for a rainy day.
Call 573-323-4236, ext 0 for more information
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