Free Missouri Maps and Outdoor Goodies From the State

You can get free Missouri maps from the state for the Katy Trail, the state parks and the conservation areas around Rocheport, and most take two minutes to request or download. Start with the highway map and the trail map, then add the fishing and hunting booklets if you plan to be on the water or in the woods.

Three state agencies hand these out, and they are not the same office. MoDOT does the highway map. The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) does the booklets and conservation area maps. Missouri State Parks, a division of the Department of Natural Resources, does the park and trail maps. Everything below was checked on the agency’s own page in October 2026.

How do I get the free Missouri state highway map?

Ask MoDOT for one. Its page says the 2025-2026 Official State Highway Map is available free of charge. Use the online request form or call 1-888-ASK-MODOT (275-6636).

You can also download it. The same page offers PDFs of 15 map sections, the full-color front, a legend, and inset maps for Columbia, Jefferson City and the Katy Trail, among others. Editions change every couple of years, so check that you have the current one.

Which free fishing and hunting booklets does MDC offer?

MDC lists 192 free publications on its free publications page. Missouri residents may request print copies with the order form; questions go to Pubstaff@mdc.mo.gov. Each of these is also a download:

MDC also mails the Missouri Conservationist magazine, which its magazines page says is free to Missouri residents.

Where are the free MDC conservation area maps?

On each area’s page. Go to MDC’s Find Places To Go, pick a county from the County by County list, and open the area. Pages for areas near Rocheport carry a downloadable PDF map. Two examples: Diana Bend in Howard County, which has a PDF map, and Eagle Bluffs in Boone County, with an area map and a brochure.

One change to know about: MDC says it is discontinuing its free MO Outdoors app at the end of 2026, and interactive maps will stay on its website. If you use the app for offline maps, save the PDFs you need before January. Camping on MDC land will also need a $5 permit starting in March 2027; see our story on the new permit.

Are Missouri state park maps free?

Getting in is free, and the maps you can download are on each park’s page. The state’s Central Missouri region page lists the cost as free for Rock Bridge Memorial State Park and Katy Trail State Park. Camping, lodging and off-road permits cost extra.

Maps for the parks nearest Rocheport:

Katy Trail State Park: trailhead map, entire-trail page and mileage chart
Rock Bridge Memorial State Park: park map (PDF)
Finger Lakes State Park: park map (PDF)
Boone’s Lick State Historic Site: site map (PDF)

Before you drive, check the state’s Park and Site Status Map for closures. Its locator map lists every park and site by region. We found no state page offering free printed park brochures. The Central Missouri page says a printed Rock Bridge map costs $1.50 at the park office, as of October 2026.

Can I get a free Missouri travel guide?

Yes. The Missouri Division of Tourism will mail a complimentary 2026 Missouri Travel Guide. Fill in your name, address and email on the order form. The same page links a digital edition. It does not mention a state map, so do not expect one in the envelope.

What else is free from the state for getting outdoors?

Free Fishing Days: Anyone may fish state waters without an MDC fishing permit, trout permit or daily tag on the Saturday and Sunday after the first Monday in June. Size and daily limits still apply, and some county, city or private waters may still charge.
Loaner fishing gear: MDC lists places that lend rods and reels at no charge.

Which free maps matter most near Rocheport?

If you only get two, get the Katy Trail map and the highway map. They cover the trail towns and the roads between them. Add the Diana Bend and Eagle Bluffs maps if you bird or fish along the river, and the fishing summary if you fish at all. Riders heading out for the day should also read parking and shuttles for a Katy Trail ride from Rocheport.

In our four counties

We are writing a state parks guide for each county we cover. Boone County: Rock Bridge, Finger Lakes and the Katy Trail. Howard County: Boone’s Lick and the trail. Cooper County: the trail at Boonville, Pilot Grove and Clifton City. Callaway County: the trail at Tebbetts, Mokane and Portland.

Frequently asked questions

Is the Missouri highway map really free? Yes. MoDOT says the 2025-2026 map is available free of charge, by online request or at 1-888-ASK-MODOT.

Can anyone get the free MDC booklets? The downloads are open. The page says Missouri residents may request print copies.

Do Missouri state parks charge to get in? The state lists Rock Bridge and the Katy Trail as free. Camping, lodging, cave tours and permits for off-road riding cost extra.

Do I need a permit to fish on Free Fishing Days? No MDC fishing permit, trout permit or daily tag is needed on those two days. Other rules still apply.

Where do I find a map of a conservation area? Open the area on MDC’s Find Places To Go and look for the PDF map on its page.