Graham Cave State Park is giving hikers and history buffs unique learning opportunities throughout summer.
The park will be hosting "story hikes," which will teach participants the history of the Native Americans who lived in Graham Cave and how they adapted to environmental changes over the course of 9,000 years. The hikes will be guided by naturalist Lorie Volenberg.
"We get a lot of people that ask about (the history), so we decided to make a program out of it," park site specialist Alice Johnson said.
The 0.3-mile, moderate-level hike will take place on the Graham Cave Trail and last approximately 30 minutes. Participants are encouraged to dress appropriately for weather and wear sturdy shoes.
"By the time we reach the cave, we want to give participants the history and give them a chance to ask any questions," Johnson said.
The event will run 3:30-4 p.m. July 6, July 20, Aug. 17, Aug. 31 and Sept. 28.
Additionally, the park will host "Raptor Day in the Park" on July 5 in partnership with the World Bird Sanctuary of St. Louis. The event will feature live birds of prey in an hour-long raptor basics program highlighting the importance of these birds in the enviroment.
For more information about Missouri state parks and historic sites, visit mostateparks.com.