Missouri is home to one of the best state park systems in the nation. With more than 1,000 miles of hiking and biking trails, fishing, exhilarating bicycle pump tracks, historic buildings and countless other activities, it’s no wonder Missouri’s state parks and historic sites welcomed more than 20 million visitors this past year. And plenty of them took photos. With so much to see and do in the parks system, Rural Missouri was proud to partner with Missouri State Parks for the 13th annual Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest.
The parks are full of activities for Missourians of all ages. You can take in a leisurely bike ride or hike along the Katy Trail, the nation’s longest rails-to-trails project. Or be surrounded by our state’s rich history at the Missouri State Museum inside the Capitol in Jefferson City or visit the First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site in downtown St. Charles.
The parks are accessible to all Missourians with no admission charge thanks to half of the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks, soils and water sales tax that is reconsidered by Missouri voters every 10 years and last approved in 2016.
Our readers are state parks enthusiasts and weren’t shy in sharing their photos in the parks. A panel of judges consisted of staff from Rural Missouri and Missouri State Parks. They had a tall task narrowing the entries down to the top three in each category. They were impressed with the creativity and care that went into the entries and selected a first-, second- and third-place recipient in all five categories. First-place winners will receive a Missouri State Parks prize package valued at approximately $500 with the second- and third-place finishers being awarded $100 and $50 gift cards, respectively. Enjoy this year’s winners!
You can learn more about Missouri State Parks online at www.mostateparks.com or by calling 800-334-6946.
Making Memories
First Place
“Bridge and Boy Over Touque Creek” by Robin Hull, Marthasville. Robin entered many photos of her 2-year-old Walter on their numerous Katy Trail State Park walks, but this was the judges’ favorite.
Second Place
“Snow Day” by Vicki Ventrella-Meyer, St. Ann. Vicki captured some fun with her daughter catching snowflakes on a First Day Hike at Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park.
Third Place
“Trout Fishing at Montauk” by Steve Scheets, Salem. Steve entered this photo fishing with his grandson Wilson early one morning at Montauk State Park.
Capture the Beauty
First Place
“Woodland Sunflowers” by Pamela Murphy, Bloomsdale. Pamela captured the beautiful bridge at the Sandy Creek Covered Bridge Historic Site framed by Woodland Sunflowers.
Second Place
“Johnson’s Shut-Ins in the Fall” by David A. Peterson, Saint Clair. David captured all the color there is to see on an October morning at Johnson’s Shut-Ins State Park.
Third Place
“Reflections at Sunset” by Karen Erickson, Eldon. Karen’s photo showcases a beautiful reflection of clouds off the lake at sunset at Pomme de Terrre State Park.
Discover the Past
First Place
“Night at the Mill” by Angela Labbee, Kirbyville. Angela enjoys taking pictures in the evening and made this 15-second exposure of the Milky Way at Montauk State Park when it was decorated for Independence Day.
Second Place
“Bollinger Mill” by Mary Pisoni, St. Louis. Mary made this photo of Bollinger Mill State Historic Site on a road trip with friends where they visited seven state historic sites.
Third Place
“Sunset” by Becky Ward, Centralia. Becky captured this beautiful frame of the bridge at Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site reflected in the water at sunset.
Parks Less Traveled
First Place
“Sunset” by Becky Ward, Centralia. Becky captured this beautiful frame of the bridge at Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site reflected in the water at sunset.
Second Place
“Golden Sunset” by Lee Castile, Fenton. Lee made this picture of golden flowers highlighting the sun setting along the ridge at Don Robinson State Park.
Third Place
“Sunflower” by Martin J. Casagrand, Republic. Martin made this photo of a unique angle of the Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site.
Colors of the Season
First Place
“Storm’s End” by Steve Ward, Waynesville. Steve and a friend had been taking photos at Ha Ha Tonka on a gloomy, rainy day. They saw a sliver of clear sky headed their way, walked toward the famous castle ruins and found an explosion of color.
Second Place
“Dillard Mill in November” by David A. Peterson, Saint Clair. David visits Dillard Mill State Historic Site throughout the year but fall is his favorite season. He made this gorgeous photo in November.
Third Place
“Snow on Pines” by Twanda Moore, Knob Noster. Twanda says: “Nothing says winter like snow weighing down pine tree branches at Knob Noster State Park.”