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Ozark National Scenic RiverwaysCanoes with rocky bluff in background
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Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ranger Programs
 

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 Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. (The Mill will be open every day through September 28. After that it will be open Saturdays and Sundays only through October 25, and then will close for the winter.) 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 573-858-3297, ext 23 for special educational tours and programs. (Teacher page)

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. This activity will continue into the fall as long as there is interest. (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day)

Kid's Nature Adventure! Join a ranger every Sunday at 9:00 am in the Round Spring picnic shelter for nature games, crafts or a short hike. A great activity for kids while mom and dad pack up the tent. (Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day)

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!

Call 573-323-4236, ext 0 for more information.

 
 
Children enjoying a hike with a ranger
Have fun and learn about nature at the same time! Join a ranger for one of the activities above.
Alley Mill
Alley Mill was built in 1894
Learn more about the history of the "Old Red Mill"
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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.
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Ranger with child
Visiting With Your Students
Information on field trips, contact information, etc.
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thick stand of rivercane, which looks like bamboo.  

Did You Know?
Cane brakes are thick stands of rivercane, which is much like bamboo. The endangered Swainson's Warbler nests in these thickets. Many stands have been lost to reservoir impoundments throughout the South, but many stands are protected at Ozark National Scenic Riverways. More at www.nps.gov/ozar
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Last Updated: April 23, 2009 at 10:37 EST