Places to Go: Locust Creek CA

Locust Creek Conservation Area

A variety of habitats, wildlife, and blooms

Located on more than 3,700 acres in north-central Missouri, Locust Creek Conservation Area (CA) has something to offer nearly anyone seeking some summer relief in nature.

“To me, Locust Creek is one of our more diverse areas that we have in the region,” said Wildlife Management Biologist Nathan Hubbard. “You’re going to have a really good woodland aspect, your tallgrass prairie aspect, and then we also have agriculture on the area.”

The variety of habitats leads to a variety of birds for watching, and the time of year leads to peak wildflower blooming. For anglers wanting to cast a line, Locust Creek CA has that covered, too.

“Locust Creek runs through it, so we have those fishing opportunities on Locust Creek,” he said.

In addition to nearly 6 miles of Locust Creek frontage, the area has five fishing ponds and seven fishless ponds maintained to provide amphibian and reptile habitats. Small wetland units provide habitat for fall and spring migrating waterfowl and year-round habitat for resident wetland wildlife. The area’s trail network makes getting from one point to another easier, he said.

“There are gravel roads that run through most of the area,” he said. “And our fire lanes are continually mowed, so there’s very good trails.”