EAST PRAIRIE -- On Friday, Big Oak Tree State Park and Towosahgy State Historic Site in Mississippi County will reopen to the public.
The sites were closed in May after they were covered with 12 to 16 feet of water and sand following the intentional breach of the Birds Point Levee along the Mississippi Ri#ver.
"Our staff monitored these two facilities throughout the summer to determine the impact of the breach. We are pleased to be able to reopen these areas to the public while we continue to make repairs to our facilities," said Bill Bryan, director of Missouri State Parks, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.
At Big Oak Tree State Park, the areas open for visitor use include the main picnic area and the boardwalk, which takes visitors into the heart of the vast swamp forest. Other portions of the park remain closed while assessment continues on the impact from the flooding.
All of Towosahgy State Historic Site will reopen to the public.
To mark the reopenings, two September events will provide l opportunities for the public to revisit these areas.
Visitors will have a chance to celebrate the reopening of Big Oak Tree State Park during its annual Living History Day event Sept. 10. This free event will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the park's main day-use area.
The event will feature demonstrations of old-time skills such as spinning, trapping, flintknapping and making canvas floor cloths. "Bluegrass Revival" and the "Shoestring Band" will provide music throughout the day and barbecue and funnel cakes will be available for purchase.
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