Once an important trail link in the pre-Civil War cattle trade that flowed between Texas and the western Missouri towns of Kansas City and Westport, this 3,635-acre area offers a number of outdoor recreational activities. Owned and managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation, Shawnee Trail primarily consists of grassland habitat. This mix of open grasslands and overgrown fields provides good habitat for a number of songbirds and grassland wildlife species, which makes Shawnee Trail a potential destination for hikers and nature photographers.
Hunting for all major game species is permitted in season. Fishing opportunities exist on a 68-acre lake and a 14-acre lake, both of which have good populations of catfish, bass and sunfish. Call the Missouri Department of Conservation’s Joplin office (417-629-3423) for specific information about regulations pertaining to fishing and hunting at Shawnee Trail.
The area has one site designated for primitive camping. Bicycling is allowed on service roads. Horseback riding is permitted only on roads open to vehicles. Pets must be leashed or confined, except when being used for hunting.