Central Missouri practically explodes with color this time of year. From the array of local flora and fauna to the amazingly vivid songbirds returning from wintering neotropical grounds in Central and South America, nature is celebrating the return of summer in Fulton and Callaway County. Although May 13th is the official World Migratory Bird Day, the entire month of May is the sweet spot for epic birding. Prairie Garden Trust in New Bloomfield was even noted as a birding hotspot on E-Bird! Prairie Garden Trust or PGT as the locals refer to it also provides lush, wooded areas, serene ponds, trickling streams, tall rocky bluffs and rolling fields all adorned with native plants and animals. Masses of native wildflowers can be seen during the day and blazing stars paint the prairie purple as spring turns into summer.

Other nature area are scattered throughout the county, including Little Dixie Lake near Millersburg, Whetstone Creek and Prairie Fork near Williamsburg, and Dry Fork and Pine Ridge recreation areas in the Mark Twain National Forest area between Fulton and Columbia.

And now for a little bragging, the Katy Trail was recently named the nation’s 13th best state park by Travel Awaits. This 220-mile trail travels along the Missouri River through the southern border of Callaway County. Not only is it popular with hikers and bicyclists, the Callaway County section from Portland to Tebbetts is also one of just two equestrian friendly areas on the trail! Saddle up for a truly fun and memorable ride on the Katy Trail.

Tanglewood Golf Course is Central Missouri’s premiere public golf facility, the perfect stop to get your swing on. Located in Fulton, it’s known for having the best greens in the area and was awarded Missouri state high school women’s championship venue for 3 years!

A day outside in the Fulton area can also mean reliving your days of youth out and about playing and discovering new places with friends. And what’s more nostalgic than strolling along the brick lined streets of a cute downtown? In Fulton’s Brick District, you can share a banana split, an old-fashioned phosphate or a made-to-order, handcrafted shake at the 1930s soda fountain at Saults Drug Store. If frozen yogurt is more your cold treat of choice, then head on over to Lulu’s on Fifth street. You can fill your cup by weight and choose from a myriad of toppings. The kid in you will always go for the sprinkles!

Here’s one last must do in the Brick District. Stop in at The Station and treat yourself to a boozie slushy! These unique frozen concoctions are guaranteed to cool you off quickly and get you refreshed for your next day of Fulton fun. They even have a wonderful patio area and a Friday night music series, so you can make the most of this perfect time between spring and summer. All in all, the Fulton area is a wonderful visit for a weekend of adventure full of fun and new experiences.