Mo. Rev. Stat. § 253.220: Erection of structure in park to accommodate visitors — may acquire land.

1. The department of natural resources is authorized to acquire, construct, erect, equip, furnish, operate, control, manage and regulate a project as in the judgment of the department of natural resources may be necessary, advisable and suitable for the use and improvement of the state's parks and their facilities.

2. The department of natural resources has the power to use real property, now or hereafter belonging to the state for park purposes, as a site for a project or to acquire by purchase, lease, gift or otherwise such real or personal property as in the judgment of the department of natural resources shall be necessary, advisable and suitable for the project, except that real property acquired as a site for a project shall be contiguous to and become a part of a state park.