Did you know Missouri is home to 87 official state parks and historic sites covering over 200,000 acres? That’s a lot of land to cover and with so much space to choose from for hiking, camping, picnicking and biking, it can be difficult to decide which parks to visit first.

To help you map out your outdoor adventures, our local Kansas City movers at All My Sons Moving & Storage have put together the following guide to Missouri state parks near Kansas City.

Weston Bend State Park – Located off North Route 45 in Weston, Missouri, this state park is one of the closest to Kansas City. It offers numerous picnic areas, wooded hiking trails, paved bike paths and playgrounds. You will also find designated stops along most trails that have breath-taking views of the Missouri River.

Big Lake State Park – As the name suggests, this Missouri state park is home to 625-acre Oxbow Lake. Along with fishing, Big Lake State Park offers visitors the opportunity to camp, swim and boat with family and friends. The park is also along a migratory flyway so the park is the perfect place to bird watch for those interested in local wildlife.

Prairie State Park – After moving to Kansas City, don’t miss out on the chance to hike in Missouri’s largest remaining tallgrass prairie, Prairie State Park, where you may see majestic animals such as buffalo and elk. There are also campsites within the park, as well as visitor centers for those interested in learning more about its history.