Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest M issourians have been spoiled for decades with an unrivaled state park and historic site system. Show-Me State residents are proud of their parks and the memories made in them. The parks have become even more popular recently as the COVID-19 pandemic began pushing people outdoors more often. In 2020, more than 21 million people took in the beauty at one of Missouri's state parks or historic sites. That number was up by nearly 3 million and 14% from the prior year. With a beautiful parks system and that popularity, Rural Missouri is again proud to partner with Missouri State Parks to bring you the 11th annual Missouri Snapshots Photo Contest. Missouri State Parks has something for everyone. Take a trip on the 240-mile Katy Trail. The rails-to-trails project is the perfect spot for a leisurely walk or bike ride. You won't have to pack a lunch either as there are plenty of spots to stop along the way. Anglers annually fl ock to Bennett Spring State Park near Lebanon where the opening day of trout season begins promptly at 6:30 a.m. on March 1. History buffs can take in the castle ruins while hiking at Ha Ha Tonka State Park in Camdenton or even visit the grave of Missouri's 22nd governor, Charles Hardin, at the Jewell Cemetery State Historic Site located just off a busy Providence Road in Columbia. After a day of hiking at Echo Bluff State Park, you can rest your head at one of their campsites or beautiful cabins. The park system offers plenty for Missourians to enjoy, however their best attribute might be the cost of admission: $0.00. It's funded through half of the one-tenth-of-one-percent parks, soils and water sales tax that is reconsidered by Missouri voters every 10 years and was last approved in 2016. Rural Missouri readers and state park enthusiasts fl ooded the contest with more than 1,000 entries in the fi ve categories. The judges were amazed by the photography skills and creativity of those who entered. The judging panel was comprised of staff members from Rural Missouri and Missouri State Parks. They met in November and selected a fi rst-, second- and third-place recipient in all fi ve categories. First-place winners will receive a $500 Missouri State Parks prize package with the second- and third-place fi nishers being awarded $100 and $50 gift cards respectively. Enjoy this year's winners! You can learn more about Missouri State Parks online at www.mostateparks.com or by calling 800-334-6946. Contest sponsored by 18 RURAL MISSOURI | JANUARY 2022http://www.mostateparks.com