Missouri State Parks honors military service…

Several parks and historic sites participate in Blue Star Museum initiative

JEFFERSON CITY, MO, MAY 10, 2024 - Missouri State Parks values the tremendous contributions and sacrifices made by members of the military and their families. To show appreciation to active service members, Missouri State Parks is joining the nationwide Blue Star Museums initiative, a program that offers free admission to currently serving U.S. military personnel and their families. The program kicks off on Armed Forces Day, Saturday, May 18, and ends on Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 2.

The Blue Star Museums program is a collaborative effort of the National Endowment for the Arts, Blue Star Families, the U.S. Department of Defense and more than 2,000 museums across the nation. Those currently serving in the United States military and their families receive free admission to museums and historic sites that are part of the Missouri State Parks system by showing their military ID. For more information about participating locations, visit mostateparks.com/page/69416/blue-star-museums-program or for a nationwide list of participating museums, visit arts.gov/BlueStarMuseums.

In addition to the Blue Star Museums program, Missouri State Parks also offers a military camping discount. Military members and veterans receive a $2 discount year-round at state parks campgrounds. The military discount will be given to retired, veteran and active-duty military personnel, as well as family members of active-duty military personnel, by showing a military ID. For additional information about the military camping discount and 2024 camping rates, visit mostateparks.com/page/83631/missouri-state-parks-honors-veterans. During July, visitors to Missouri's state parks and historic sites will have the opportunity to "round up" their purchases to be used for veteran programs, such as the Hero Deer Hunt and Veterans' Deer Hunt.

For more information on the Missouri State Park system, visit mostateparks.com. Missouri State Parks is a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources.