Breathtaking natural scenes are a given in Missouri. We might not even fully appreciate the natural beauty that surrounds us. After all, we’re so used to seeing it all of the time. When you visit the oldest living tree in Missouri, however, you’ll probably be struck by its sheer size, beauty, and how much it has seen and endured over the centuries. A visit is more than worthy of a spot on your bucket list.
Experience a rare piece of Missouri’s natural history when you visit the McBaine Bur Oak Tree, a majestic tree that’s estimated to be between 300 and 400 years old.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
Countless visitors flock to the massive tree every year. If you’re doubting just how big Missouri’s oldest tree really is, take a look at its stats.
Google/S. Jewell S. McGhee
The McBaine Bur Oak stands 90 feet tall, has a circumfrence of 287 inches, and a spread of 130 feet. You really have to see it to appreciate it.
Google/Matt Wright
Known by area residents as “The Big Tree,” it stands alone against the gorgeous landscape. The nearest trees, in fact, are at least 1,000 feet from the burr oak.
Google/Steve Baughmann
The tree sits on private land, part of 1,400 acres, owned by John Sam Williamson. His family has owned the property since 1835.
Google/naja kwarkle
McBaine Bur Oak, a Boone County Historical Site, welcomes visitors to take photos, and it’s a popular spot for relaxing under with a picnic or just to admire the views.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig The trail is also along the path of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
If you visit in the fall, you might spot some of the acorns that have fallen from the tree. You definitely do not want to forget your camera.
Wikipedia/Grey Wanderer
The McBaine Bur Oak has caught fire several times, most recently in October 2020 when it was struck by lightning.
Google/Steve Baughmann
Forunately, the tree has healed, and people continue to visit it. If you do visit, treat it and the land around it as you would with anything else in nature - with care. Sadly, the historic tree has been vandalized during its history.
Wikipedia/Grey Wanderer
Learn more from the National Park Service on the McBaine Bur Oak Tree. Here’s the Google Map for the tree. Add your address for directions.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
Have you seen the oldest living tree in Missouri? Share your experience in the comments! To see more of the oldest living trees in Missouri, the cypress bald trees, plan a visit to Allred Lake Natural Area in Neelyville.
Flickr/Heath Cajundig
Google/S. Jewell S. McGhee
Google/Matt Wright
Google/Steve Baughmann
Google/naja kwarkle
The trail is also along the path of the Lewis and Clark National Historic Trail.
Wikipedia/Grey Wanderer
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Address: McBaine Bur Oak, Burr Oak Rd, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
