Big Oak Tree State Park

"Small state park with some huge oaks, hickories, and ash trees. And the biggest sweetgum tree you’ll ever see anywhere. If you like big trees this place is awesome. Don’t bring your dog for the boardwalk, the surface isn’t pet friendly. In summer the mosquitos are really bad so prepare for that."

"A lovely afternoon walk through an ancient oak grove. This little grove is all that's left of the large swamp forests that covered this entire region before they were cleared for settlement and agriculture. Many state champion trees and former champions are located in this small park, including the champion Pumpkin Ash Tree, which is critically endangered due to emerald ash borers. It was dry while we were there but I understand that there is usually swamp under the boardwalk. It feels very peaceful in these woods. We heard several birds including a red shouldered hawk and a barred owl. The park has a pavilion and picnic areas with charcoal grills and a playground. Additionally, the boardwalk trail is very accessible. There is a handicap accessible parking spot at the trailhead, with a very clean and accessible vault toilet. The whole boardwalk appears to be flat, with occasional rest areas with benches and space for strollers or wheelchairs. The beginning of the trail has an elevated, screened-in gazebo with benches and a wheelchair ramp to door. This would be a lovely sheltered spot to read, bird watch, or just enjoy the sounds of the forest for a while. While this park is a bit of drive for me, I still plan to come back after the leaves have fallen to see through the canopy just how big some of these giants are!"

"Board walk n trails was great play area was not so much. When I was a kid there was a lot to play on now it's a small spot with not so much to play on but everything else was great very enjoyable"

"Absolutely one of the coolest state parks I've ever been to and I've been to a lot of them across the country now! The trees here are a brilliant reminder of what once was and what can again become if we take care of our beautiful forests. There are so many Champions here in such a small "postage stamp" of what was previously one of the biggest and most biodiverse wetlands of the United States. The boardwalk here is also absolutely unbelievable! It's all metal and easily one of the longest boardwalks I've been on... The orange rust of the walkway with the red/oranges of the Cypress trees made for an unbelievably colorful experience walking above the saturated wetlands. If you haven't been yet, you HAVE TO SEE this park! My absolute favorite part by far way standing under the towering Champion Swamp Chestnut Oak, admiring one of the biggest and oldest creatures in the entire state of Missouri."

"A wonderful place home to some record setting arbors. Just as the parks name: Big Oak Park suggest! It is a great historic park to have a picnic, family reunion, or just enjoy a well maintained boardwalk and nature trail to enjoy some Missouri woods and swampland."