Douglas: Natural Areas, Trails and Events

When planning a stay in Douglas, you can choose from a range of nature and cultural attractions: stream banks, conservation areas and trails, as well as birdwatching and events in Ava. Consider whether longer routes, specific habitats or an event date should be the focus of your trip. This lets you plan your days around the things that interest you.

Forests, Water and Birdwatching

Bryant Creek State Park covers more than 2,900 acres and has nearly two miles of direct shoreline access along Bryant Creek. Its landscape includes four major side valleys and at least four springs. Along the creek, you can watch birds that frequent the banks, such as the kingfisher and great blue heron. Bryant Creek, which flows through the Bryant Creek Natural Area, is designated an Outstanding State Resource Water by the Missouri Clean Water Commission.

Shannon Ranch Conservation Area is in Douglas County and covers 1,565 acres. It is home to abundant oaks, hickories, shortleaf pines and cedars. Visitors can explore woodland and prairie areas to discover unusual plants or striking geological formations. Douglas Branch Conservation Area covers 511 acres of wet-mesic bottomland forest and wet prairie. Audubon Missouri has designated it an Important Bird Area; its seasonal wetlands offer opportunities to watch marsh and shorebird species.

Trails and Getting Around

The Glade Top Trail is a 23-mile route through Missouri’s Ozark hills. Its southeastern access is at State Route 95 and County Road 149 near Longrun, and its western access is at State Route 125 and County Road 147. The trail road passes through Ava Glades Natural Area; a map and compass are recommended for exploring it. Check access information before setting out, as road access points can change.

At Bryant Creek State Park, two trails at the northern end lead to Missouri’s only native pine species. Another hiking option is Rockbridge Rainbow Trout & Game Ranch, whose grounds have trails along ridges and valleys. Check in advance whether this option is available during your visit.

Facilities and Activities on the Water

Bryant Creek State Park currently has an accessible viewing point, a vault toilet and a completed parking area. Check the condition of the facilities before your visit. Vera Cruz Access has a camping area, a picnic area and a restroom facility; observe any restrictions posted on site. The grounds also include Hunter Creek and Bryant Creek, which flow year-round.

Hunting and fishing are allowed in Bryant Creek Natural Area. Check the applicable regulations before visiting. Rippee Conservation Area lies at the confluence of Rippee Creek and Bryant Creek in central Douglas County. Its historical associations include Native American camps, Civil War engagements and a pioneer settlement supported by a major wagon road. The Douglas County Museum was built by Frank Wilson in 1882.

Events and Dates in Ava

The MFTHBA World Show and Celebration takes place every year during Labor Day week in Ava; dates may vary from one edition to the next. The program includes competitions in the Performance, Model, Versatility, Ranch Sorting and Ranch Horse classes. If you are planning your trip around the event, check the dates for the relevant edition.

The Ava Farmers Market takes place every Saturday morning from April through October on the square in Ava. The Ava Growers Project offers cooking demonstrations and workshops on sustainable living. The Ava Art Gallery & Museum hosts free public art workshops on the first Saturday of each month. As program dates may change, check the schedule before making a special trip. The market offers a seasonal weekend opportunity, while the World Show is tied to Labor Day week—two distinct occasions to consider when choosing your dates.

Discover more destinations: Pettis County, Pike, Buchanan County, Bates County, Moniteau County, Ozark County, Camden County.

Go to the main travel overview: Missouri.