When MPA was founded in 1982 at a time of crisis for state parks, its leaders recognized the need for a richly illustrated book that would inspire an appreciation of each of our parks and historic sites and of the system as a whole as special places worthy of Missourian's love, enjoyment, and protection. The result was Exploring Missouri's Legacy: State Parks and Historic Sites (1992), considered by many to be the finest state park book in the nation.
A newly updated edition of that remarkable book is now available, and those who have seen it regard it as better even than the first edition. Missouri State Parks and Historic Sites: Exploring Our Legacy boasts more than 500 new color photographs and fully revised essays including eleven new parks, taking readers on a captivating tour through Missouri's natural, cultural, and historic treasures. Co-published by Missouri Parks Association and Missouri Life, this collection draws upon the expertise, experience, and passion of MPA leaders, and illustrates Missourians' enduring commitment to their extraordinary system of parks and historic sites.
Because of limited orders through our website, we have decided no longer to sell the book online, but you can still get it at the 20 percent discount for MPA members ($40 for members, $50 for non-members) and also save the $10 shipping fee if you buy it cash and carry at an MPA special event or by arrangement from MPA leaders: Executive Director Kendra Varns Wallis in Kansas City (kendra.wallis@missouriparks.org), Editor Susan Flader in Columbia (fladers@missouri.edu), Vice President Shirley Wolverson in St. Louis (wolverson9@aol.com), Board Member Deb Schnack in Jefferson City (debdon49@aol.com), or President Terry Whaley in Springfield (info@missouriparks.org).
The book is also available at retail rates at most state park visitor centers, several other conservation or history-related stores or visitor centers, and at some bookstores. It may be ordered on-line from Missouri State Parks Online Store, Shop Missouri Life, or the University of Missouri Press.