Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park

04/26/2026

What is this boy doing? Well, he's launching an Atlatl of course. What's an Atlatl? It's a primitive hunting tool dating back to the Wooly Mammoth. Want to try this? Then come and take aim at Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park, and Learn2Aim. May 9th from 9am -11 am, and again at Noon -2pm on May 9th and again on May 16th. Go online to Missouri State Parks and search for Learn2Aim to register.

(Photograph used with permission)

04/22/2026

Earth Day is a great reminder that some of the best treasures are close to home. 🌎
Annie and Abel Van Meter State Park gives us a place to reconnect with nature, recharge, and appreciate the simple beauty of Missouri’s outdoors. Let’s honor Earth Day by caring for the places that give us so much.

________________________________________

04/10/2026

Calling all mushroom hunters! if you were out scouting the woods last week and realized your phone didn't make it back to the truck with your morels, I might have it. A fellow hunter found your phone last weekend; it still had battery left so I know you couldn't be far. If you think it might be yours, call or stop by the office and identify the case and lock screen and you will be reunited.

03/07/2026

We are looking for Campground Hosts for the months of June & July at the beautiful Annie & Abel Van Meter State Park.
As a host, you’re more than just a volunteer—you’re the "ambassador of the outdoors." You'll help our visitors settle in, answer questions about our trails and keep our campground the welcoming place it is known to be.
The Perks:
A complimentary campsite with hookups in exchange for your service.

A slow paced campground to try out hosting if you have ever wanted to give it a try

Front and center for our Christmas in July if hosting.

Kayaking and fishing beautiful lake Wooldridge is an added perk.

For more information on becoming a campground host, stop by our Cultural Center or visit https://mostateparks.com/page/campground-host-information

03/06/2026

Recently Park Superintendent Daniel Pierce was interviewed about the parks mission to share the history of the Native Americans that still call Missouri Home. As the report shares, they are still here and very much still a part of everyday life.

Native Americans in Missouri say their culture is often treated as history instead of lived reality.

02/13/2026

02/13/2026

Everyone always asks what do you do in the wintertime? Here is one of the many projects we have been working on, replacing aged and faded wayside panels around the park. The process for redesigning these panels is often a lengthy project involving several rounds of revisions and edits as well as approval in our case by tribal representatives.

01/27/2026

01/23/2026

Due to winter weather conditions, the Missouri's American Indian Cultural Center will be closed for this weekend, Saturday 24th and Sunday 25th. Please stay safe and warm and we will see you after the storm.