Sequiota Park is a popular park located in Springfield, MO. “Sequiota” is said to be a Native American word meaning “many springs.” The main features of the 13-acre park are the caves and spring. The park also includes a playground, pavilion, pond, a large rock formation, as well as access to the Greenway Trail. Prior to 1830 Native American tribes inhabited the area including the Osage, Kickapoo, Cherokee, Sauk, and Meskwaki.
Sequiota Park History
The first time that Sequiota was mentioned was in 1894 to encourage locals to enjoy a picnic at “Fisher’s Cave” as it was known as at that time. It closed to the general public in 1909 and remained closed until 1913 when H.E. Peterson purchased the property for $10,000. Peterson worked to improve the area by creating a 6.5 mile paved road for easier access, as well as adding other features of the park. These repairs were such a success that the Frisco Railway agreed to improve its Chadwick line so that it would accommodate a line going to the park. In 1920, Peterson sold the park to the state of Missouri for $23,00 where it operated as a hatchery until 1959, when they decided to move the hatchery near the newly created Table Rock Lake. It was then sold to the Springfield-Greene County Park Board for $2,000.
“Girls Swimming at a Party” Photo from the Springfield News Leader
Sequiota Park Natural Features
Sequiota park features two caves, a natural spring, and the Sequiota Spring branch which comes out of the cave and flows into Galloway Creek. Around the park there are multiple rock outcroppings as well as the iconic large rock formation that serves as a fun attraction for children and adults alike.
Sequiota spring and caves
Sequiota Park Wildlife
While the Sequiota Caves were once open to the public, the Missouri Department of Conservation has closed both caves due to the spread of White-Nose Syndrome, a lethal fungus that these bats are susceptible to. Since closing, the bat populations within the cave has improved. Tri-colored bats are one of the smallest bats native to North America and are listed as an endangered species.
Tri-colored bats in Sequiota Cave by Springfield News Leader
Sources:
”Sequiota Park a longtime Ozarks favorite” article by Springfield News-Leader
”Bat population spikes in Sequiota Cave, researchers find” article by Springfield News-Leader
”Sequiota Park” entry by The Historical Marker Database
”Sequiota Park” entry by the Springfield Missouri Convention & Visitors Bureau
