Missouri is “the place” for outdoor enthusiasts. Missouri contains hundreds of conservation and natural areas; 50 state parks; the vast Mark Twain National Forest; the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; the Katy Trail, America’s longest rail-to-trail walking/biking trail at more than 225 miles; major sections of the Ozark Trail for those who enjoy hiking and backpacking; fishing from rainbow trout to bass, huge paddlefish to tiny sunfish; hunting from turkey to pheasant, deer to elk; vast wilderness areas to ancient swamp lands. If you can do it outdoors, you can do it in Missouri.
Enjoy a fun-filled day of food, crafts, entertainment, kid's activities, carnival, inflatables, a petting zoo, as well as educational opportunities. The festival includes the Lake's Got Talent Contest and the Bow Wow Contest. Stop by the Osage Beach City Park to enjoy this family fun event.
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The lights come on Thanksgiving evening for one of the Lake's longest running drive-thru Christmas displays. With 4,000 strings of lights, the Festival of Lights is a major holiday attraction. Instead of animated displays, the focus is on the true meaning of Christmas: Jesus and His Mother, Mary. See it at the shrine of St. Patrick, Route 5, in Laurie.
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Wander back in time at Alley Spring's annual festival of storytelling, music and traditional crafts. Storytellers weave their spells around you in the darkness of a fall evening. During the day, enjoy demonstrations of traditional Ozark crafts and lifestyles from the 1800s. There is live music, food and lots to see and do. Bring a blanket or chair to sit on.
The Haunting is the same weekend as the big Craft Show in Eminence, so be sure to catch both and make a full weekend of it. Alley Spring is located six miles west of Eminence, on Route 106.
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Missouri is “the place” for outdoor enthusiasts. Missouri contains hundreds of conservation and natural areas; 50 state parks; the vast Mark Twain National Forest; the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; the Katy Trail, America’s longest rail-to-trail walking/biking trail at more than 225 miles; major sections of the Ozark Trail for those who enjoy hiking and backpacking; fishing from rainbow trout to bass, huge paddlefish to tiny sunfish; hunting from turkey to pheasant, deer to elk; vast wilderness areas to ancient swamp lands. If you can do it outdoors, you can do it in Missouri.
We provide professional bass fishing guide services on Table Rock Lake and Bull Shoals Lake. Fish from a fully rigged 2007 Triton 21-X High Performance Bass Boat with a Mercury Optimax 225, a trolling motor and color GPS/Sonar. We supply all of the equipment needed, or bring your own. See our Web site for details, schecules and rates.
Captain Joe is Coast Guard licensed, commercially insured, and Red Cross certified.
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Facilities includes: seven-unit motel; 17 cabins-some riverfront; 45 RV hook-ups; 60 tent sites; a small general store; arcade; public laundry facilities; and a shower house.
Canoes, rafts, kayaks, and tubes are available for rent. On the banks of the Jacks Fork River. Open April-October.
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Surrounded by water on three sides, the park encompasses the tip of a peninsula jutting into Truman Lake. The park offers a marina, camping, hiking, picnic sites, a shelter, swimming, boat rentals and ramps, and great fishing. It is located west of Warsaw off Route 7.
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Canoe, kayak, raft and tube rentals for the Jacks Fork and Current Rivers. Shuttle service available. Camp store with floating and camping supplies. An authorized concessionaire for the Ozark National Scenic Riverways.
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All rooms are ground level with parking right outside the door. Weekly rates available; four-day discounts. Daily housekeeping.
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Three lakefront condos in the Heron Bay Complex. Each condo sleeps four: view of the lake; one-bedroom; one-bath; TV/VCR; balcony with barbecue grill; fully equipped kitchen. Heron Bay features: tennis court; boat ramp and docks; outdoor pool; ample parking; and guest laundry. Children younger than 21 must be accompanied by an adult. At the 21-mile marker by water.
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We offer two guestrooms with queen sized beds, private bath, fireplace and sitting area. Guests enjoy the eight-person hot tub and four acres of wooded grounds. Our library contains books on local history, old campus yearbooks and other topics. A work space is provided with Wi-Fi, a phone and a printer. We serve house made cookies, snacks, beverages and a full hot breakfast. Within 25 miles of the Inn, you can visit wineries, fish for trout at Maramec Spring, and take a float trip on a spring fed stream.
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Canoe, kayak, inner tube and small raft floats. Facilities include pool, dining, general store, hot showers, modern restrooms and electric hook-ups. Camping, RV sites and cabins available. You can cross the Current River on the ferry. Located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, 21 miles south of Salem, off Route 19, at the junction of Routes K and KK.
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On the shores of Lake of the Ozarks, at the end of Horseshoe Bend; the eight-mile marker by water. We offer 60 units ranging from motel style to spacious four-bedroom units with a spectacular main channel view. Heated indoor and outdoor pools plus toddler pool and two hot tubs await your pleasure. Enjoy dining in our casual Bobber's Restaurant, serving breakfast, lunch, and supper; the lounge serves cocktails or other libations We can accommodate groups of all sizes. Private banquet facilities and decks provide groups with a private setting.
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In 1894, this roller mill and one-room schoolhouse was the focal point of the Alley Spring community. Park rangers in period costume show you how the mill worked, and how school was taught in the one-room schoolhouse. A variety of historic programs are offered. Open June thru August.
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The Conservation Department purchased this 160-acre tract of land in 1982. It contains quality examples of lowland swamp and bottomland forest in Missouri. A 76-acre portion of the area is designated as a Missouri Natural Area and is managed and protected for its educational and scientific values. The area's bottomland forests support bald cypress, swamp tupelo, water locust, sweetgum, willow oak, overcup oak, water hickory, swamp chestnut oak, water elm, swamp privet, and many other species. A seven-acre natural lake, near the center of the area, is ringed with cypress-tupelo swamp. Some of the bald cypress trees are more than 500 years old. The lake contains swamp species, including the endangered taillight shiner and swamp darter. A boardwalk and platform have been constructed on the western side of the lake for nature viewing and photography. Tree seedlings and acorns have been planted in most open fields to help restore the diverse forest communities the land once supported. Over time, these areas will add to our dwindling supply of lowland bottomland forests.
Hunting, fishing, trapping, camping, dog training, launching and landing boats are allowed 24 hours a day on areas where these activities are permitted.
Allred Lake Natural Area is five miles east of Neelyville on Route 142 and 2.5 miles south on Route H to a southbound gravel road.
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Individual A-frame cottages overlooking Table Rock Lake. One-, two- and three-bedroom units are available with kitchenette and air conditioning. The resort offers bass boat and pontoon rentals; a dock; a launch ramp; playground; and a pool. Less than one mile to Silver Dollar City.
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Located off I-44 at exit 184. Secured parking for cars, trucks, RV and buses.
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Our 90 guestrooms and 10 suites include free Internet, microwave, mini-fridge, hair dryer, free local calls, and cable TV with HBO. Our property has a fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, picnic area, business center with copy and fax assistance, USA Today, and a free continental breakfast. I-70, exit 126 at Providence Road.
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Three of our suites have jetted tubs. Be sure to see our Lionel model trains layout when you stay with us. We are located seven miles north of Jefferson City, on Route 54 at the Route OO exit. The Katy Trail is four miles; Lake of the Ozarks is 40 miles, there is a winery four miles away. We have a large parking area.
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Amidon Memorial Conservation Area is a 1,630-acre area located on the upper reaches of the Castor River. The forest's timber species range from mixed hardwoods to shortleaf pine to cedar glades. A granite shut-ins on the Castor River adds an interesting geologic feature. The Driscoll Tract contains two old grist mill sites that date to the mid 1800s, lending a historical flavor to the area. The area is located south of Route J, eight miles east of Fredericktown. County Road 208 fords the Castor River.
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On the shores of Table Rock Lake, in a wooded lakeside atmosphere. Our four modern guestrooms feature: two-person jetted tub; king or queen luxury bed and linens; private bath; private entrance; private deck or balcony, electric fireplace; cable TV with DVD; and Wi-Fi. In addition to a full breakfast, the Inn provides free soft drinks and snacks. Breakfast is served in the dining area or on the screened porch overlooking the lake.
Located 30 minutes west of Branson; 20 minutes from Silver Dollar City; a one minute walk to Table Rock Lake.
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This rugged forest and old fields area has a hiking trail and 25 miles of field roads open to horseback riders. It also offers access to the Jacks Fork and Current rivers. The 39,325-acre area is north of Eminence and extends 15 miles west to near Summersville. It can be accessed by Routes 19 and 106, or Route D.
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Angler's Paradise is a private fishing camp providing bass, bluegill, and crappie fishing in private reservoirs. Bring your own boat, or rent one from us. We have three modern cabins on the six miles of private shoreline. Guide service is available. Our lake record largemouth bass is 13 pounds. Visit our Web site to see our facilities and some of the great memories from our many years of operation.
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Anglers and Archery guides offer an incredible fly-fishing experience on lake taneycomo. You do not need any fly-fishing knowledge. Some of the region’s best instructors and guides are at your disposal. Our professional staff helps you learn what it takes to locate and catch fish. Already know how to fly fish? Our guides have unparalleled knowledge on hooking some of Taneycomo’s larger trout. Our guide services start at $60 for two hours. We provide all necessary equipment at no extra charge.
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Specializing in the ultimate country experience. View a working cattle farm while taking a guided trail ride through the woods along Stouts Creek, passing a Civil War historic marker. In the spring and fall, you will see baby calves with their mothers. If you are lucky, you might glimpse a beaver at work or the great blue heron. The property is home to countless birds, wild turkey, eagles, and white tail deer. Bring your horse or ride one of ours. We hand-pick the horses to match your riding ability. Trail rides by reservation only. Stall rentals are available. Bed and breakfast inn on site. Trail ride: $30. Guests of our bed and breakfast receive a discount.
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Two furnished, house-trailer cabins; plus a separate acre for riverfront camping, all surrounded by the Mark Twain National Forest. The three-bedroom cabin is on five acres; it sleeps 10, is wheelchair accessible and includes a large pavilion and horse pen. The two-bedroom cabin is on 13 acres; it sleeps eight. Both cabins have private bedroom, full kitchen, fire pit, barbecue grill, picnic table and a screened porch. Pets are welcome, no leash required. Located 90 minutes from St. Louis; five miles from the Berryman Trail; six miles from the Ozark Trail; four miles from the Huzzah and Courtois creeks.
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This charming home, built in 1853, is filled with antiques. It is on the National Historic Register. Two guestrooms, one with a fireplace. Porch swings. Full breakfast.
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Featuring one-, two- and four-bedroom cabins, plus two five-bedroom lakefront houses, and one deluxe suite for two. All accommodations provide guests with full kitchens, some with fireplaces, linens and towels and Wi-Fi. Each two- and four bedroom cabin and lake houses include a deck with table, chairs and grill. Anglers take advantage of one of the best fishing locations on the lake. Children enjoy the playground, basketball court, lighted dock with swimming platform, free paddle boat and tetherball. Located on Table Rock Lake, 11 miles from Silver Dollar City; 14 miles from Branson.
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A microbrewery and restaurant located beside the Katy Trail, overlooking the Missouri River Valley. Our beer selections change seasonally. Great food and great beer are available throughout the day. We offer a children's menu and our own Rocket Root Beer, so bring the kids. We offer a beer dinner on Friday and Saturday evenings. There is live music Sunday afternoons in the summer. We have an indoor dining area and outdoor seating. The dinner menu changes monthly, so check our Web site for the latest offerings. We prepare our food on site. (Closed from mid December through mid January; limited hours November thru April.)
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Missouri is “the place” for outdoor enthusiasts. Missouri contains hundreds of conservation and natural areas; 50 state parks; the vast Mark Twain National Forest; the Ozark National Scenic Riverways; the Katy Trail, America’s longest rail-to-trail walking/biking trail at more than 225 miles; major sections of the Ozark Trail for those who enjoy hiking and backpacking; fishing from rainbow trout to bass, huge paddlefish to tiny sunfish; hunting from turkey to pheasant, deer to elk; vast wilderness areas to ancient swamp lands. If you can do it outdoors, you can do it in Missouri.
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 Look around you. Right now. Do you see walls and windows, a cluttered desk or work area, noisy traffic? Get out!
Get away from the doldrums and the commotion. All you need to do is enjoy nature on one of Missouri’s cool, spring-fed streams. No TV or video games; no yard to mow; no waiting in long lines; and no phone calls or texts . . . just you, the family and nature. Quiet. Peaceful. Relaxing. A great way for a family to get to know each other all over again.
Whether the river is slow and ...
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 Whether you’re a bicyclist, walker, a nature lover or history buff, Missouri’s Katy Trail State Park offers an opportunity to explore Missouri’s natural beauty and rich history year-round. Motor or engine driven vehicles are not allowed on the trail. Horseback riding is allowed on a 25-mile stretch between Sedalia and Calhoun. Parking lots along this section accommodate trailer parking.
This long-distance walking and biking trail, winding more than ...
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We don’t mean to brag, but Missouri really is one of the greatest states for fishing. Everyone from the amateur enthusiast to the veteran angler can find the perfect fishing experience in our state. Our lakes, streams and rivers provide the setting for countless afternoons of fishing fun.
At Mark Twain Lake, the crappie and bass are plentiful. Tow your boat to the lake, or leave the vessel at home and enjoy a day of fishing at one of Mark Twain’s several well-stocked ponds.
Also, the ...
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Does your definition of “adventure” combine athleticism and a love of the great outdoors? If that’s the case, then rock climbing in Missouri has your name written all over it.
Prepare to be wowed by the amazing formations at Elephant Rocks State Park, where the enormous boulders look like a line of – you guessed it – circus elephants. These rocks began forming more than 1.5 billion years ago; today, they represent one of Missouri’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Rock-climbing ...
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 Indians roamed Missouri long before Europeans arrived in the new world. There were no pigs or sheep or cattle or horses, and no guns . . . all of those things were brought by the invading Europeans. Missouri Indians, mainly the Illinois, Missouria and Osage, were nomadic, moving from area to area with the crops and the availability of game.
The state of Missouri and the Missouri River took their names from the Missouria tribe. In the language of the Illinois Indians, Missouria means ...
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 Tired of the crowds; the hustle of the city; long waits at the airport; Interstate highways teeming with road-hogging 18-wheelers; fast-food restaurants? Want to rediscover your family all over again? These are all good reasons to enjoy America’s great wilderness areas—right here in Missouri.
Wilderness? In Missouri? Absolutely! There are eight congressionally designated Federal Wilderness Areas in Missouri.
The Wilderness Act of 1964 describes wilderness in these terms: A wilderness, ...
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A cemetery or a graveyard is not always a place of sadness and reverence.
A cemetery is often a place of history and education and enlightenment. There you can trace your ancestry, learn about great people who have gone before you, follow the history of your community and gain insight into life itself.
A graveyard is almost always owned by the church on whose property it sits and is reserved for members of that congregation. The use of graveyards was largely discontinued in the mid 1800s ...
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 Going to the mill in the 1800s was much like going to a county fair is today.
In pioneer Missouri, villages and towns were often built around a grist mill, where grains were ground into flour or meal, and a saw mill, where timber could be worked into useable lumber. These water-driven mills were plentiful in Missouri, especially in the southern regions where spring-fed streams provided an almost inexhaustible supply of water power.
In fast-running rivers, such as Shoal Creek near ...
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 Thinking about a relaxing float on one of Missouri's cool, spring-fed streams? Here are some points you need to know in order to make that a safe and enjoyable day.
1. Canoe and floating outfitters operate on 29 rivers and streams throughout Missouri.
2. Eight to 10 miles is a good length for a leisurely day on the river. With a stop for lunch on a gravel bar, an eight-mile float will take four to five hours.
3. Wear the proper shoes, a hat, and sun screen. A tight-fitting, water ...
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 The Missouri Department of Conservation, www.MissouriConservation.com, has put together a list of the top 10 public areas for birding in Missouri, http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/birds/emobirds/birding.htm. These locations are chosen because their rich and diverse areas attract a large variety of birds. Looking for one closer to your hometown, the Missouri Audubon Society offers an extensive list along with birding tips at www.MoBirds.org. Maybe you will be one of the lucky few to spot the ...
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 Enjoy everything Missouri’s major lakes have to offer, without all of the hassle. No need to move from motel to motel . . . rent a ‘floatel’ instead. Swim, fish, dive, eat, drift with the breeze, kick back, relax and take your luxurious accommodations along for the ride. Discover all there is to do – or not do – on the water in a houseboat. It’s a family vacation like no other. Now get out there and have a really great time exploring Missouri by water.
The morning sun breaks out from its ...
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