Runge Nature Center
The Runge Nature Center is located on 112 Acres in the heart of central Missouri. It consists of 5 nature trails, an interpretive center, gift shop, live critters and Naturalist led programs. The Center is open year round. Contact them at 573-526-5544 for hours or current programs or visit them on line at mdc.mo.gov/runge.
Whenever I walk this area I can get a 3 mile workout in. I double back on one section to accomplish this. While visiting this area you might run into the resident flock of Wild- Turkeys, lots of birds, squirrels, and even a Black Snake. There are numerous trees some really large and old, and even a fire tower which you can climb.
Read MoreWhenever I walk this area I can get a 3 mile workout in. I double back on one section to accomplish this. While visiting this area you might run into the resident flock of Wild- Turkeys, lots of birds, squirrels, and even a Black Snake. There are numerous trees some really large and old, and even a fire tower which you can climb.
Fire Tower
The Runge Fire Tower formerly stood at Rocky Mount, southwest of Eldon, MO. Built in 1949 it was staffed by the same man, P.A. Hess for 31 years. The tower was dismantled and move to the Runge in 2000. It was originally 72 feet tall but is now only 55 feet tall.
You can climb to the top, weather permitting and even go inside the Fire Tower if staff is available. There is a building next to the tower which contains an Osborne Fire Finder and for those who choose not to make the climb you can control the camera mounted on top of the tower and the view from above will appear on a monitor.
