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Contact Big Oak State Park at 13640 South Highway 102; East Prairie, Mo. 63845 or by phone at (573) 649-3149.

Our trip this week is to Big Oak State Park near East Prairie, Missouri.

Driving along the rural highways in Southeast Missouri, travelers may notice an abundance of farmland. Amid this farmland though, near East Prairie, 1,029 acres of the area's original landscape has been preserved and stands out above the rest.

This island of trees in a sea of farm fields is known as Big Oak Tree State Park.

Floodplains covered with giant trees that once greeted early explorers to the Bootheel region of the state have been preserved in Big Oak Tree State Park. Trees within the park are unsurpassed in the state for size, with seven qualifying as state champions of their species and two registered as national champions. Beneath the trees lies a luxurious undergrowth of woody vines that flourish in the swampy land. Large bald cypress trees with their unique "knees" make their home in the park's swamp, the only one of its kind in the state park system.

A boardwalk traverses through the park, providing access to the landscape. An interpretive center near the boardwalk provides educational displays explaining the natural history of the park. With more than 150 species of birds, several considered rare in the state, the park is a favorite with bird watchers. After a nature hike through the forest, visitors can enjoy a picnic lunch under the open shelter or at one of many picnic tables nestled beneath the lofty trees.

While there also see Towosaghy State Park. The remains of an Indian village and ceremonial center make this an important archaeological site.

To get there, go south on Interstate 55 to the East Prairie exit, which is about 10 miles south of Sikeston. Then head into East Prairie and watch for the signs to Highway 102. Since this park is in a remote area, you would do well to take a cooler with drinks and snacks.