National Park Service LogoU.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park ServiceNational Park Service
National Park Service:  U.S. Department of the InteriorNational Park Service Arrowhead
Ozark National Scenic RiverwaysCanoes with rocky bluff in background
view map
text size:largestlargernormal
printer friendly
Ozark National Scenic Riverways
Ranger Programs
 

Alley Mill: You can visit the historic Alley Mill anytime, the grounds are always open. The building itself is open everyday during the summer months from 9:00 to 5:00. Tours by request. Demonstrations of the milling equipment take place Saturdays and Sundays at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. (The Mill will be open every day through September 28. After that it will be open Saturdays and Sundays only through October 25, and then will close for the winter.) Free.

The Alley General Store Visitor Center will be open from 9:00 to 5:00 most days during the summer. It may be closed for a half hour during the lunch hour. This replica general store has historic craft items and books for sale, as well as free park information. 

Storys Creek School located at Alley will be open Saturdays and Sundays, from 10:00 to 4:00, but may be closed at lunchtime. Summer only.

Campfire Programs: Campfire programs have ended for 2008. Join us again next summer in the campground amphitheaters to learn about Ozark wildlife, geology, superstitions, history and a whole lot more.

Round Spring Cave: Cave Tours have ended for 2008. Please join us next summer for an adventure to the wonders below your feet! Cave tours are held daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day at 10:00 am and 2:00 pm. Tickets are $5.00 for adults, $2.00 for children under 12, and go on sale 30 minutes before each tour.  Schools should call 573-858-3297, ext 23 to arrange educational tours.

Alley Overlook Hike: Enjoy this mildly strenuous 1.5 mile nature hike with a ranger. The hike is steep up to the Alley Overlook, but the view is well worth it, and you'll learn a bit more about the Ozark forest along the way. Saturday and Sundays at 9:00 am, meet at the Alley Mill. This activity will continue into the fall as long as there is interest.

Junior Ranger Program: ask a ranger or campground host for a free Junior Ranger book. Complete some of the self-paced activities and turn it in at a Campfire Program, the Alley Mill, Park Headquarters in Van Buren or Round Spring Cave and get the Official Junior Ranger badge you've earned!

Other activities: Special hikes, concerts and cultural demonstrations are scheduled from time to time during the summer months at Alley and Big Spring. Watch this space, and check bulletin boards when you arrive for the latest offerings!

Call 573-323-4236, ext 0 for more information.

 
 
Children enjoying a hike with a ranger
Have fun and learn about nature at the same time! Join a ranger for one of the activities above.
Alley Mill
Alley Mill was built in 1894
Learn more about the history of the "Old Red Mill"
more...
Cave formations
Beautiful cave formations.
Hundreds of caves are to be found in the Ozarks. Round Spring Cave is open for tours in the summer.
more...
Ranger with child
Visiting With Your Students
Information on field trips, contact information, etc.
more...
Ozark hellbender  

Did You Know?
The Ozark hellbender is one of two species of hellbender, a giant salamander, in the United States. Ozark National Scenic Riverways is one of the few places on earth home to the Ozark species. More at www.nps.gov/ozar
more...

Last Updated: September 03, 2008 at 17:33 EST