Explore Boone County

Boone County is rich in natural resources and public open spaces, such as parks, for people to engage and connect to the environment.

Fields, forests, streams, and other green spaces supply numerous benefits to the community, including clean air, water purification, wildlife habitat, timber, food, nutrient cycling, and recreation for Boone County residents and visitors.

Spending time in accessible outdoor environments allows community members to connect with nature in new ways and enhances community member's understanding of complex environmental issues such as watershed protection.

Ways You Can Explore Boone County's Natural Resources & Notable Places

Missouri Explorer Campaign

March 14th - May11th, 2025

In response to the huge demand for free fun active outdoor experiences, partners including: Wonders of Wildlife, the U.S. Forest Service - Mark Twain National Forest, the Missouri Department of Conservation, Boone County, Ancient Ozarks Natural History Museum, Dogwood Canyon, Lost Canyon Cave and Nature Trail, Kansas City, McDonald County Historical Society, and the Lee’s Summit Parks and Recreation have come together to get people exploring, learning, and having fun with their families. The Campaign uses Agents of Discovery, an educational technology platform that enables educators to create their own augmented reality games - think Pokémon Go for parks and education.

The Missouri Explorer will run from March 14th to May 11th, 2025. Anyone can join in by downloading the free Agents of Discovery mobile app and completing “Missions”, or games at participating locations. Each Mission is made up of educational “Challenges” that teach players about local history, culture, ecosystems, and safety. For example, in Boone County you can lean about the courthouse plaza or the garden surrounding the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture.

The Campaign includes amazing prizes to reward players, or “Agents” who participate. Once an Agent completes a Mission, they’ll earn a lanyard and a player card. If Agents complete three Missions, they will receive a Missouri Explorer Patch, and they’ll be entered into a raffle to win
prizes.

Email Boone County Stormwater to receive your lanyard and Missouri Explorer Patch

Playing Agents of Discovery

Perfect for families looking to spend time outdoors, Agents of Discovery is a free educational app that gets youth active and engaged while learning about the world around them. Natural resources professionals have created missions that require participants to complete game-filled missions and learn about the environment. Challenges (or questions) are geo-triggered as participants walk the trail. The game is free to download and, once downloaded, does not require any data or WiFi to play. Download Agents of Discovery on your Devices app store.

Featured Mission

Boone County House Plaza

Join the game to learn about Boone County Courthouse Plaza. Explore the area to uncover and solve questions highlighting Boone County's history, monuments, stormwater, and how we can be good stewards of our natural resources.
On the app, blue dots will direct you to the Challenges. The Challenges appear on your Mission Map as a pinpoint with a question mark "?" in the middle. Once you're close enough to play them, they will change color. Good luck, and have fun!

This Mission is outdoor based, so make sure the weather is safe before you begin. Always watch where you are walking, and remember to look around!

Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture

Welcome, Agent! Your mission today is to explore the Columbia Center for Urban Agriculture Park and learn all about the food that is grown here and the water that supports these plants!
On the app, blue dots will direct you to the Challenges. The Challenges appear on your Mission Map as a pinpoint with a question mark "?" in the middle. Once you're close enough to play them, they will change color. Good luck, and have fun!

This Mission is outdoor based, so make sure the weather is safe before you begin. Always watch where you are walking, and remember to look around!

Tips for Playing Missions

• Download the app and the Mission you want to play while you are at home or anywhere with WiFi. Then you will not need to use any data while visiting the mission location.
• You can turn on the text-to-speech feature by going into Settings in the app. A Play/Stop button will appear on the corner of every dialog box, allowing you to mute the audio if needed.
• This same Settings screen allows you to change the unit of measure and turn on the power saver mode.
• Use the Diagnostics button on the Settings screen to confirm whether your phone supports the game's components or is disabled.

City of Ashland Parks

The City of Ashland is proud of its small but growing park system. Residents passed a half cent sales tax for Parks and Stormwater Management in 2018 that is helping fund repairs and future improvements. Parks information can be found on the City of Ashland's Website.

City of Columbia Parks and Recreation

The City of Columbia has a wide variety of parks and recreation facilities to serve its citizens. Parks and Recreation locations can be found on the City of Columbia's Website.

City of Centralia Parks and Recreation

The Centralia Park System began in the 1940's with the purchase of 30 acres of land through the combined efforts of A.B. Chance Co., Kiwanis Club, Rotary Club, and the Centralia Mayor and Board of Aldermen. Through the years the Park Board has added to the original 30 acres and today maintains four parks and the Centralia Municipal Swimming Pool located in the City Recreation Park. Parks and Recreation information can be found on the City of Centralia's Website.

City of Hallsville Parks and Recreation

The City of Hallsville Tribble Park is located on Highway OO. The six-acre City of Hallsville Park was the result of a community-wide effort to serve its citizens. Learn more about the park on the City of Hallsville's Website.

City of Sturgeon Parks and Recreation

Sturgeon residents enjoy a City Park with; Shelter House, Basketball Court, Tennis Court, Horseshoe pit and Playground equipment. There is also the relatively new Creek Park located in the Southeast Corner of the town. Parks and Recreation locations can be found on the City of Sturgeon's Website.

Missouri Department of Conservation

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) offers various areas to explore nature, including conservation areas, nature centers, shooting ranges, natural areas, and more. Find places to go by searching for conservation areas by location, activities, natural features, and more on MDC's website.

Missouri State Parks

Missouri state parks and historic sites are owned by the people of Missouri. Opportunities for people to connect to its recreational resources, experience nature and learn about the state's history should be available to everyone. Discover destinations using the Park and Site Map Viewer.