THE GOVERNMENT NEWS DESKSTATE & NATION TRAVEL
National parks, historic sites and practical visitor updates, directly from the National Park Service.
NPS sources checked 10/3/2026, 3:08:50 PM Eastern
Paving work is being done throughout Ozark National Scenic Riverways during the 2026 summer season, including at Alley Spring, Round Spring, Pulltite, and Big Spring. Watch here and on our park Facebook page for updates, as roads and campground loops may close and reopen depending on work progress.
Official NPS sourceThe lower river landing at Round Spring, located in the campground, is closed until further notice for paving. Floaters putting in or taking out at Round Spring should plan to use the upper landing behind Carr's Store.
Official NPS sourceThe parking lot for the Round Spring Pavilion and for Round Spring itself is CLOSED for the remainder of 2026 while the low water bridge over Spring Valley Creek is rebuilt. Alternative parking near Round Spring Group Campsites 4-8 will provide trail access to the north side of Round Spring.
Official NPS sourceAs of January 1, 2025, ALL developed campsites will be available through reservation ONLY. These include Pulltite, Round Spring, Alley Spring, Big Spring, Two Rivers, and Akers. Reservations must be made through recreation.gov (online or by calling).
Official NPS sourceThe Janis-Ziegler House (Green Tree Tavern) building is currently closed, due to unsafe conditions. Other park buildings and grounds are open according to regular schedules. For program information, please check with park staff at the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center, 573-880-7189.
Official NPS sourceThe Akers Ferry on State Highway K will not be in service until further notice.
Official NPS sourceAll tickets to the Truman Home and the Truman Farm Home are first-come, first-served. At this time, we are unable to take any reservations for groups. No tickets are issued at the Truman Home itself...all tickets issued at the visitor center.
Official NPS sourceSome navigation systems on devices misdirect visitors driving to Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield. Please note that the entrance to the park is at the visitor center located near the Southeast intersection of Hwy ZZ and FR 182.
Official NPS sourceGPS navigation systems often misdirect visitors driving to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site. GPS systems often route visitors to our back gate, or to the entrance for Grant's Farm (not affiliated with the NPS). Please visit our directions page.
Official NPS source
The National Park Service has selected James Raftery as the next superintendent of Harry S Truman National Historic Site. Raftery comes to Harry S Truman National Historic Site from Steamtown National Historic Site in Pennsylvania where he was the Chief of Railroad Operations.
Official NPS sourceJoin Gateway Arch National Park in celebrating National Park Week from Aug. 22–30 with a series of fun and informative park activities and events at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse. National Park Week is an annual celebration that invites everyone to discover and enjoy America’s 400+ national parks.
Official NPS sourceRepublic, Mo. – From Saturday, Aug. 8 through Monday, Aug. 10, 2026, Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will observe the 165th anniversary of the Battle of Wilson’s Creek with special programs honoring the Union and Southern soldiers who died in the Aug. 10, 1861, battle for control of Missouri.
Official NPS sourceGateway Arch National Park is gearing up for a busy Fourth of July holiday weekend capped by Celebrate Saint Louis’s “Celebrate 250” event on the Arch grounds on July 3 and 4. With large crowds expected, the National Park Service encourages you to plan ahead and give yourself extra time to visit the Arch with extra security measures in place to ensure a safe celebration of America’s 250th birthday.
Official NPS sourceCelebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence at Ste. Genevieve National Historical Park.
Official NPS source
Ozark National Scenic Riverways plans to host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans.
Official NPS source
George Washington Carver National Monument is planning a prescribed burn March 16-21, weather permitting.
Official NPS source
Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield may intermittently conduct prescribed burns in the park between March 13, 2026, and March 31, 2026.
Official NPS source
Preparations are being made at Ozark National Scenic Riverways to accomplish several prescribed fires between mid-December and the end of March 2026.
Official NPS source
Ozark National Scenic Riverways and the Ozark Riverways Foundation will host two festive holiday events in December, inviting the public to celebrate the season in the heart of the Ozarks.
Official NPS sourceThe Gateway Arch will celebrate its 60th anniversary this October. Gateway Arch National Park is inviting companies and designers to submit Arch-inspired logos by September 12 for possible inclusion in the exhibit.
Official NPS sourceThe Museum at the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse Was Awarded Re-Accreditation from the American Alliance of Museums.
Official NPS source
Ozark National Scenic Riverways plans to host two managed deer hunts at Big Spring this fall, providing special opportunities for youth and mobility-impaired veterans.
Official NPS source
Between June 30 – August 6, the NPS and Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield will complete pavement rehabilitation on high-priority roads through contract work. The battlefield received Great American Outdoors Act (GAOA) Legacy Restoration Funding to utilize proactive pavement preservation techniques, such as crack sealing, chip sealing, patching, joint and crack repair, and restriping to extend the useful surface life of parking lots and roadways within the battlefield.
Official NPS sourceOzark National Scenic Riverways has released body worn camera footage from a March 20, 2025, traffic stop and ensuing conversations.
Official NPS source
Ozark National Scenic Riverways has updated its campground reservation system for the 2025 season.
Official NPS source
Campground and access point repairs are continuing at Ozark National Scenic Riverways following a record-setting flood in November 2024.
Official NPS source
Preparations are being made at Ozark National Scenic Riverways to accomplish several prescribed fires during March. These burns will be carefully planned and monitored by the park’s wildland fire management staff.
Official NPS sourceThis is an open slot for reservation. Indicate the date and morning or afternoon when reserving your visit.
Official NPS sourceThis is an open slot for reservation. Indicate the date and morning or afternoon when reserving your visit.
Official NPS sourceThis is an open slot for reservation. Indicate the date and morning or afternoon when reserving your visit.
Official NPS sourceThis is an open slot for reservation. Indicate the date and morning or afternoon when reserving your visit.
Official NPS sourceZoom in on the past and explore a variety of stories about industry, culture, and daily life. Program topics vary daily. To learn more about the specific daily offerings or sign up for a program visit the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center at 66 S. Main Street.
Official NPS sourceLearn more about the people and families that called Ste. Genevieve home. Program topics vary. To learn more about the specific daily offerings or sign up for a program visit the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center at 66 S. Main Street.
Official NPS sourceZoom in on the past and explore a variety of stories about industry, culture, and daily life. Program topics vary daily. To learn more about the specific daily offerings or sign up for a program visit the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center at 66 S. Main Street.
Official NPS sourceLearn more about the people and families that called Ste. Genevieve home. Program topics vary. To learn more about the specific daily offerings or sign up for a program visit the Ste. Genevieve Welcome Center at 66 S. Main Street.
Official NPS sourceSchedule change — confirm with NPS before traveling.
Stark Mad Abolitionists: Lawrence, Kansas, and the Battle over Slavery in the Civil War Era by Robert Sutton The book club is open to all who are interested. The Reader’s Guild meets quarterly on Wednesdays at 2 PM. Enjoy a group discussion led by a park ranger. This has been rescheduled from October 1. The program is free. Call 314-842-1867 ext. 230 for reservations.
Official NPS sourcePark Historian Nick Sacco discusses the 170-year history of the log cabin built by the future Civil War hero and American president, Ulysses S. Grant.
Official NPS sourceThis special exhibit celebrates the 170th anniversary of the completion of Hardscrabble, the two-room log cabin built by Ulysses S. Grant while living on the White Haven property in the 1850s. The Grant's would only live in the cabin from the fall of 1856 until January 1857 when the moved into WHite Haven after the passing of Julia's mother on January 14, 1857. The exhibit features a collection of images of the cabin from the 1860s through the present, post cards featuring the home, and commemorative dishware sold at the 1904 World's Fair. The exhibit is free and open during the park's normal hours.
Official NPS sourceThe area where the Gateway Arch stands today has always been central to local history. Learn about the various “incarnations” of the Park Grounds and the fortunes and misfortunes of historical figures such as Eero Saarinen, James Eads, Thomas Targee, Percy Green, and Kenneth Swyers. Meet at the Entrance Plaza outside the Arch Visitor Center.
Official NPS sourceNational Historic Trail
Remember and commemorate the survival of the Cherokee people, forcefully removed from their homelands in Georgia, Alabama, and Tennessee to live in Indian Territory, now Oklahoma. They traveled by foot, horse, wagon, or steamboat in 1838-1839.
Alabama · Arkansas · Georgia · Illinois · Kentucky · Missouri · North Carolina · Oklahoma · TennesseeNational Historic Trail
In 1857, businessman and transportation entrepreneur John Butterfield was awarded a contract to establish an overland mail route between the eastern United States and growing populations in the Far West. What became known as the Butterfield Overland Trail made an arcing sweep across the southern rim of the country. Stagecoaches left twice a week carrying passengers, freight, and mail.
Arizona · Arkansas · California · Missouri · New Mexico · Oklahoma · TexasNational Historic Trail
Follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who traveled to the gold fields and rich farmlands of California during the 1840s and 1850s: the greatest mass migration in American history. The California National Historic Trail is over 5,000 miles long and covers portions of 10 states. Step into history along more than 1,000 miles of ruts and traces from travelers and their overland wagons.
California · Colorado · Idaho · Kansas · Missouri · Nebraska · Nevada · Oregon · Utah · WyomingNational Historic Trail
It is hard to believe that young men once rode horses to carry mail from Missouri to California in the unprecedented time of only 10 days. This relay system along the Pony Express National Historic Trail in eight states was the most direct and practical means of east-west communications before the telegraph.
California · Colorado · Kansas · Missouri · Nebraska · Nevada · Utah · WyomingNational Historic Trail
You can almost hear the whoops and cries of "All's set!" as trail hands hitched their oxen to freight wagons carrying cargo between western Missouri and Santa Fe, New Mexico. Follow the Santa Fe National Historic Trail through five states and you'll find adventure and evidence of past travelers who made this remarkable trip before you!
Colorado · Kansas · Missouri · New Mexico · OklahomaNational Historic Trail
The Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail winds nearly 4,900 miles through the homelands of more than 60 Tribal nations. It follows the historic outbound and inbound routes of the Lewis and Clark Expedition of 1803-1806 from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to the Pacific Ocean. Follow the trail to find the people, places, and stories that make up the complex legacy of the expedition.
Idaho · Illinois · Indiana · Iowa · Kansas · Kentucky · Missouri · Montana · Nebraska · North Dakota · Ohio · Oregon · Pennsylvania · South Dakota · Washington · West VirginiaNational Historic Trail
Imagine yourself an emigrant headed for Oregon: would promises of lush farmlands and a new beginning lure you to leave home and walk for weeks? More than 2,000 miles of trail ruts and traces can still be seen along the Oregon National Historic Trail in six states and serve as reminders of the sacrifices, struggles, and triumphs of early American settlers.
Idaho · Kansas · Missouri · Nebraska · Oregon · Washington · WyomingNational Park
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates President Jefferson’s vision of a continental nation, the individuals and cultural groups who helped shape its history, St. Louis’ role in westward expansion, and Dred and Harriet Scott, who sued for their freedom in the Old Courthouse.
MissouriNational Monument
The young child known as the "Plant Doctor" tended his secret garden while observing the day-to-day operations of a 19th century farm. Nature and nurture ultimately influenced George on his quest for education to becoming a renowned agricultural scientist, educator, and humanitarian.
MissouriNational Historic Site
President Harry S Truman took America from its traditional isolationism into the age of international involvement. Despite his power, he never forgot where he came from. Today, visitors can experience the surroundings Truman knew as a young man of modest ambition through his political career and final years as a former president.
MissouriNational Scenic Riverways
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system. The Current and Jacks Fork rivers are two of the finest floating rivers found anywhere. Spring-fed, cold and clear: they are a delight to canoe, swim, boat, or fish. Besides these two famous rivers, the park is home to hundreds of freshwater springs, caves, trails, and historic sites such as Alley Mill.
MissouriNational Historical Park
Established by 1750, Ste. Geneviève was the first permanent European settlement in Missouri. Early French Canadian settlers were drawn here by the rich agricultural land known as Le Grand Champ (the Big Field). After the flood of 1785, the town relocated to its present location on higher ground approximately three miles to the northwest of its original site.
MissouriNational Historic Site
Ulysses S. Grant is known as the victorious Civil War general who saved the Union and the 18th President of the United States. He first met Julia Dent, his future wife, at her family home, named White Haven. From 1854 to 1859 the Dents, Grants and an enslaved African-American workforce lived on the property.
MissouriNational Battlefield
Wilson's Creek was the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River, and where the first Union general was killed in action. The costly Southern victory on August 10, 1861, focused national attention on the war in Missouri. Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield commemorates and interprets the battle within the context of the war in the Trans-Mississippi West.
MissouriDestination directory sourced from NPS state listings, October 3, 2026. Official NPS directory