For Kids

Junior Ranger Program: ask a ranger or campground host for a free Junior Ranger book. Complete the self-paced activities and turn it in at a Campfire Program, the Alley Mill, Big Spring or Round Spring Cave and get the Official Junior Ranger badge you've earned!

Become a Junior Wildland Firefighter and meet "Scorchy Squirrel". For your free Junior Wildland Firefighter booklet visit one of our visitor centers. Once completed stop by an Ozark National Scenic Riverways Visitor Center at Van Buren, Alley Spring or Round Spring for your official swearing in ceremony and badge.

Join a ranger for Ranger Guided Activities such as slide shows, cave tours and historic demonstrations that take place all summer long. Click to learn more.

Visit our Park Fun page!

FREE LOAN OUT ITEMS

You can borrow a few things to make your adventure more fun:

River Exploration Kits, available at Round Spring, Park Headquarters, Alley General Store and the Alley Campground Hosts. These kits include nets, field guides, bug boxes, all the stuff young minds need to explore nature along the river or at the campsite.

 
Girl smelling flowers
We can all benefit from slowing down now and then to smell the flowers.
 

"The mark of a successful man is one that has spent an entire day on the bank of a river without feeling guilty about it". - (Chinese philosopher)

Last updated: December 22, 2023

Park footer

Contact Info

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 490
Van Buren, MO 63965

Phone:

(573) 323-4236
Call (573) 323-4236 for Big Spring Entrance Station, located south of Van Buren, MO. Call (573) 226-3945 for the Alley Spring General Store, located west of Eminence, MO. Call (573) 858-3297 for Round Spring Ranger Station, located north of Eminence, MO.

Contact Us