Experience 'Night on the Prairie' July 31 or Aug. 8 at Prairie State Park

Get out and explore nightlife on a tallgrass prairie on either Friday, July 31 or Saturday, Aug. 8 at Prairie State Park near Mindenmines. Sponsored by the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, these programs will be held in the park's picnic area from 2 to 9 p.m. and are free and open to the public.

Earn your Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites Explorer patch by attending one of these "Night on the Prairie" programs. Learn about the nighttime prairie animals and insects, play games and decorate your nightlife T-shirt. Be prepared to spend the day and much of the evening outdoors by wearing long pants, socks, sturdy shoes and insect repellent. You will also need to bring along a black T-shirt, water, a flashlight and your own dinner. These programs are open to anyone ages 6 and older. Guests are encouraged to register in advance by calling the park at (417) 843-6711 before July 24.

Prairie State Park is located 17 miles west of Lamar on Highway 160 to State Road NN. For more information about this event, contact the park at (417) 843-6711 or the Department of Natural Resources toll free at (800) 334-6946 (voice) or (800) 379-2419 (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf). For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit www.mostateparks.com.