Hunter's Moon Hike

10/26/2026 | Mastodon State Historic Site | Imperial, Mo.

Join us on Monday, Oct. 26, for a guided night hike under the hunter's moon. This is a unique opportunity to visit the park after hours.

the Hunter's Moon

The hunter's moon is name of the first full moon after the harvest moon, which is the full moon that occurs closest to the fall equinox. The hunter's moon gets its name from Native Americans' practice of using light from this full moon to hunt animals that would feed on their last harvest. Spiritually, the hunter's moon signifies a chance to reflect on the year and prepare for the beginning of winter. 

The Hike

We will check in at the museum parking lot at 6:45 p.m. and begin the hike at 7 p.m. We will hike up to 1.5 miles on Limestone Hill Trail, which consists of natural, rugged surfaces. During the hike, we will rely on our five senses and the light of the full moon to make it through the woods. We will return to the parking lot by 8:15 p.m. 

Things to Bring

Although we should have a good amount of moonlight, we encourage you to bring a flashlight in case of emergency. You should also dress for the weather and bring sturdy shoes, a water bottle and a snack.

Registration, Cancellation and Contact Information

This event is free and open to the public, but registration is required. To register, call the site office at 636-464-2976 or email the historic specialist at Erik.Ferguson@dnr.mo.gov. Participation is limited to 25 people, and the hike is subject to cancellation due to inclement weather.

Mastodon State Historic is located at 1050 Charles J. Becker Drive, just off Interstate 55 near Imperial. For more information, call the office or visit the historic site's Facebook page.

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To see more events like this, please visit our guided hikes page.