Our Regional Area Guidebook

Doug & Cindy
Doug & Cindy
Our Regional Area Guidebook

Explore the Ozark Foothills

Things of interest you may want to take time to see in the Ozark Foothills and surrounding areas. Here are just a few things you might look at doing or going to while you are in our area: Poplar Bluff History Museum* Sports Hall of Fame, 1012 N. Main Street, Poplar Bluff, MO Call for hours: (573) 785-2220 The Old Mark Twain School was built in 1910 and converted to Poplar Bluff Museum a few years after it was closed as a school in 1988. It features the neo-classical style and is the oldest school building in the city. This museum features the history of Poplar Bluff and Butler County. There are displays including a Sports Hall of Fame, U.S. Postal Service, Boy and Girl Scouts and much more. National Register of Historic Places 1998. City landmark. Claudia House* 686 Cynthia Street, Poplar Bluff, MO | (573) 686-3040 www.claudiafoundation.org During your stay in Poplar Bluff, you are invited to tour the Claudia House, which headquarters the Claudia Foundation founded in 1989 by television writer, producer and director Linda Bloodworth-Thomason. The original red brick Queen Anne style cottage built around 1910 was the home of the C.T. Bloodworth family for many years. Today, this home has been restored as an English Baroque stately home in the style of the William and Mary Period (1689-1702). Hydro Adventures* 2801 Cheshire Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO | Phone: (573) 727-9322 Hydro Adventures features a wet and dry side that the ENTIRE family is sure to love! The wet side is full of attractions that are one of a kind in the Poplar Bluff area. The newest water attraction, Twisted 6, has six super soaking, plummeting ways to slide down! Poseidon’s Pipeline is a three-slide complex that twists and turns right into a pool at the bottom! Grab a tube and ride the waves of Crashing Waves Bay. Looking for something more relaxing? Lay back and float the gentle currents of the Easy river. Splish Splash Bay is perfect for the kids with a shallow bottom that offers endless adventures of slides, soaking, and splashing! The dry side at Hydro offers just as much fun, if not MORE! Single and double go karts fly around the track! A challenging 18-hole mini golf course will have you hitting and hoping for a hole in one. A NEW 55-foot Galaxy coaster will give you that extreme thrill every amusement lover craves. The Scrambler, Hydro Maiden, and Tip n Twirl are three separate rides that will spin and twist you in all different directions. The Poplar Hopper will shoot you up and down right into the sky. A smaller tiger coaster offers the kids their own thrill along with the Truck Stop ride that will drive them around and bring out their inner truck driver. The MEGA ARCADE is new and improved and features ROUTE 66 MINI BOWLING which is all is all the fun of normal bowling but half the size. LASER TAG has landed at Hydro Adventures. Get your team together and see if you have what it takes to beat the other team in this fast paced, high energy attraction. Xtreme Family Fun 525 Ashcroft Road, Poplar Bluff, MO | (573) 714-8229 Enjoy laser tag, bounce houses, and Toddler Town! Birthday parties, group pricing, gift certificates, and church discounts available. AMC Classic Poplar Bluff 8 3525 S. Westwood Blvd, Poplar Bluff, MO | (573) 776-7612 Get exactly what you love about the classic movie theatre experience! AMC Classic brings you the best of times at affordable prices, offering you the same great atmosphere with a few new and fantastic additions. Offering RealD 3D Movie experiences. 21 DRIVE IN* Address: MO-34, Van Buren, MO (Carter CO) Phone: 573-945-2121 FLOAT CURRENT RIVER Lower Current river, Van Buren Recreation Address: 501 East Chicopee Van Buren, MO 63965 Phone: 573-323-8328 We hope it helps you enjoy your travels just a little bit more. :-)
Big Spring Van Buren, MO 63965 | (877) 444-6777 Big Spring was one of Missouri's first state parks. It was a state park from 1924 until 1969 when the people of Missouri donated it, along with Alley and Round Spring State Parks to the National Park Service to become a part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. A gift from Missouri to America. The Big Spring area contains the Big Spring of course, but also a campground, a picnic area, a dining lodge, trails and housekeeping cabins. It is easily located four miles south of Van Buren at the end of State Route 103. The Big Spring is sometimes called America's biggest spring. In reality there are three contenders for that title: Big Spring, Idaho's Snake River Spring Complex and Florida's Silver Spring. Since the flow from springs varies with local rainfall, any of these three might be biggest on any given day depending on the weather in Missouri, Idaho and Florida! The truth is they are all about the same size. In any case, at an average daily flow of 286 million gallons of water, Big Spring is an awesome sight and a geologic wonder. Underground passages carry water from as far as 45 miles away to emerge at the spring. Studies have shown that the water is carrying a load of dissolved limestone equivalent to 70 tons a day! This dissolved rock gives the spring its color and is also carving out a huge conduit underground. Should the spring ever go dry, a huge cave will be the result. The spring can be seen from the parking area, and a wheelchair accessible walkway leads right to it. The accessible Slough Trail is nearby, along with several other trails that are not suitable for wheelchairs. Picnic Shelter The Peavine Shelter Big Spring Campground has sites for tents as well as RVs. Some have electric hook-ups and some do not. There are no water or sewer hook-ups, but a dump station is located nearby. During the warmer months reservations are recommended for electric sites. www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Rangers present campfire programs on weekend evenings in the campground amphitheater during the summer. Various special events are held near the spring as well. Check out our calendar page for details on special events. Picnic Areas are located throughout the area, with tables and grills. There are two picnic shelters, Big Spring Shelter, located near the Spring and Peavine Shelter, located near the campground, that can be reserved. www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
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Big Spring
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Big Spring Van Buren, MO 63965 | (877) 444-6777 Big Spring was one of Missouri's first state parks. It was a state park from 1924 until 1969 when the people of Missouri donated it, along with Alley and Round Spring State Parks to the National Park Service to become a part of the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. A gift from Missouri to America. The Big Spring area contains the Big Spring of course, but also a campground, a picnic area, a dining lodge, trails and housekeeping cabins. It is easily located four miles south of Van Buren at the end of State Route 103. The Big Spring is sometimes called America's biggest spring. In reality there are three contenders for that title: Big Spring, Idaho's Snake River Spring Complex and Florida's Silver Spring. Since the flow from springs varies with local rainfall, any of these three might be biggest on any given day depending on the weather in Missouri, Idaho and Florida! The truth is they are all about the same size. In any case, at an average daily flow of 286 million gallons of water, Big Spring is an awesome sight and a geologic wonder. Underground passages carry water from as far as 45 miles away to emerge at the spring. Studies have shown that the water is carrying a load of dissolved limestone equivalent to 70 tons a day! This dissolved rock gives the spring its color and is also carving out a huge conduit underground. Should the spring ever go dry, a huge cave will be the result. The spring can be seen from the parking area, and a wheelchair accessible walkway leads right to it. The accessible Slough Trail is nearby, along with several other trails that are not suitable for wheelchairs. Picnic Shelter The Peavine Shelter Big Spring Campground has sites for tents as well as RVs. Some have electric hook-ups and some do not. There are no water or sewer hook-ups, but a dump station is located nearby. During the warmer months reservations are recommended for electric sites. www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777. Rangers present campfire programs on weekend evenings in the campground amphitheater during the summer. Various special events are held near the spring as well. Check out our calendar page for details on special events. Picnic Areas are located throughout the area, with tables and grills. There are two picnic shelters, Big Spring Shelter, located near the Spring and Peavine Shelter, located near the campground, that can be reserved. www.recreation.gov or call 877-444-6777.
Alley Spring / Alley Mill Six miles west of Eminence, MO on State Route 106 | (573) 323-4236 The Alley Community... A Gathering Place Alley was home, farm, and school for people who lived here a century ago. Dances, baseball games, and roller skating were all part of Alley’s busier days. John Knotts purchased the 80 acre site in 1902 and diversified the enterprises to include a well-stocked store and blacksmith shop. A mill was vital to community life, where grain was ground to provide the daily bread. The present building was constructed during 1893-1894 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill. It was larger than most mills in the Jacks Fork area and replaced an earlier mill on this same site that was built by 1868. Originally unpainted, it was first painted white with green trim, then later the famous red color associated with Alley Mill today. FROM WHEAT TO FLOUR..... The process of converting wheat into flour was lengthy and time-consuming. The farmer brought his grain, either wheat or corn, to the miller who made an agreement to either buy the grain or make a trade. Often he would take a “toll” or percentage of the grain in exchange for grinding. Since the water supply of Alley Spring was constant, it seemed to be an ideal place for a mill. Free water power provided energy for the machines; however, recurring floods made the operation only marginally successful. The Alley roller mill was designed to process wheat flour in an area where corn was the main crop. This marketing error presented another setback for mill owners. A TOUR OF THE MILL The Back Porch Located under the back porch is the turbine pit. In it sat a thirty five inch Leffel turbine. Belts from the turbine brought power into the basement. A control wheel on the porch allowed the miller to control how much water entered the turbine and thereby control its speed. This ability to control the speed was one of the innovations that made turbines preferable to the old water wheels. Basement This is where all power was transmitted to the machinery. Elevators and belts operated from a driveshaft running the length of the building. This section of the mill is not open for public visits. First Floor Whole grain (corn or wheat) entered the mill here. The grain was put into bins, then elevated to chutes that were connected to milling machines. These are the large iron and wood machines near the back of the room. Here the grain was ground, picked up in another elevator, taken back up and dropped down into the next machine. This process allowed the grain to be ground repeatedly to a fine flour suitable for baking. Bins for storage were also located on this floor, as well as the miller's office. Second Floor Sifting was the main activity here. The large cube shaped machine was called a swing sifter. It shook the ground grain through a series of sieves to achieve a uniform consistency. The rectangular machines were an earlier way to do the same thing. In these machines, flour was filtered or sifted through silk. The Attic Belts that operated the second floor machines were located here. The attic is not restored and is not open for public visits. Alley Mill is an example of over 100 historic structures found within Ozark National Riverways. By protecting this landmark, we are preserving the heritage of all Americans. Please help by respecting all historic and archeological artifacts in the park. It is illegal to remove artifacts, including arrowheads, from Park Service or other Federal lands. It is also disrespectful to the memories of those who went before us. Please leave them for the next person to enjoy.
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Alley Spring
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Alley Spring / Alley Mill Six miles west of Eminence, MO on State Route 106 | (573) 323-4236 The Alley Community... A Gathering Place Alley was home, farm, and school for people who lived here a century ago. Dances, baseball games, and roller skating were all part of Alley’s busier days. John Knotts purchased the 80 acre site in 1902 and diversified the enterprises to include a well-stocked store and blacksmith shop. A mill was vital to community life, where grain was ground to provide the daily bread. The present building was constructed during 1893-1894 by George Washington McCaskill as a merchant mill. It was larger than most mills in the Jacks Fork area and replaced an earlier mill on this same site that was built by 1868. Originally unpainted, it was first painted white with green trim, then later the famous red color associated with Alley Mill today. FROM WHEAT TO FLOUR..... The process of converting wheat into flour was lengthy and time-consuming. The farmer brought his grain, either wheat or corn, to the miller who made an agreement to either buy the grain or make a trade. Often he would take a “toll” or percentage of the grain in exchange for grinding. Since the water supply of Alley Spring was constant, it seemed to be an ideal place for a mill. Free water power provided energy for the machines; however, recurring floods made the operation only marginally successful. The Alley roller mill was designed to process wheat flour in an area where corn was the main crop. This marketing error presented another setback for mill owners. A TOUR OF THE MILL The Back Porch Located under the back porch is the turbine pit. In it sat a thirty five inch Leffel turbine. Belts from the turbine brought power into the basement. A control wheel on the porch allowed the miller to control how much water entered the turbine and thereby control its speed. This ability to control the speed was one of the innovations that made turbines preferable to the old water wheels. Basement This is where all power was transmitted to the machinery. Elevators and belts operated from a driveshaft running the length of the building. This section of the mill is not open for public visits. First Floor Whole grain (corn or wheat) entered the mill here. The grain was put into bins, then elevated to chutes that were connected to milling machines. These are the large iron and wood machines near the back of the room. Here the grain was ground, picked up in another elevator, taken back up and dropped down into the next machine. This process allowed the grain to be ground repeatedly to a fine flour suitable for baking. Bins for storage were also located on this floor, as well as the miller's office. Second Floor Sifting was the main activity here. The large cube shaped machine was called a swing sifter. It shook the ground grain through a series of sieves to achieve a uniform consistency. The rectangular machines were an earlier way to do the same thing. In these machines, flour was filtered or sifted through silk. The Attic Belts that operated the second floor machines were located here. The attic is not restored and is not open for public visits. Alley Mill is an example of over 100 historic structures found within Ozark National Riverways. By protecting this landmark, we are preserving the heritage of all Americans. Please help by respecting all historic and archeological artifacts in the park. It is illegal to remove artifacts, including arrowheads, from Park Service or other Federal lands. It is also disrespectful to the memories of those who went before us. Please leave them for the next person to enjoy.
Sam A. Baker State Park Route 1 Box 113, Patterson, MO | (573) 856-4411 With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. Access to both the river and creek gives anglers the opportunity to hook many varieties of fish and canoeists the chance to float year-round. Several miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails provide glimpses of the area as the earlier settlers found it. Exhibits in the park’s nature center interpret the natural and cultural history of the park. Visitors can spend the night in either a rustic cabin or one of two large campgrounds. For horse lovers, there is a separate equestrian camp. Shaded picnic areas are available for small and large groups. At Sam A. Baker State Park, the possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours.
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Iparke yaseSam A. Baker
5580 MO-143
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Sam A. Baker State Park Route 1 Box 113, Patterson, MO | (573) 856-4411 With the ancient St. Francois Mountains, the unspoiled natural landscape and the cool waters of the St. Francis River and Big Creek, Sam A. Baker State Park has something for everyone. Access to both the river and creek gives anglers the opportunity to hook many varieties of fish and canoeists the chance to float year-round. Several miles of hiking, backpacking, bicycling and equestrian trails provide glimpses of the area as the earlier settlers found it. Exhibits in the park’s nature center interpret the natural and cultural history of the park. Visitors can spend the night in either a rustic cabin or one of two large campgrounds. For horse lovers, there is a separate equestrian camp. Shaded picnic areas are available for small and large groups. At Sam A. Baker State Park, the possibilities are endless and the choice is all yours.
Greenville, MO For nearly 150 years, the small town of Greenville thrived on the banks of the St. Francis River. As a frontier town, a county seat of Wayne county and later a lumber and railroad town, this community was a commercial and political center for the region. Although the town was moved to avoid flooding by the river in 1941, the original site now provides a one-mile walk down memory lane and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Old Greenville Recreation Area
Greenville, MO For nearly 150 years, the small town of Greenville thrived on the banks of the St. Francis River. As a frontier town, a county seat of Wayne county and later a lumber and railroad town, this community was a commercial and political center for the region. Although the town was moved to avoid flooding by the river in 1941, the original site now provides a one-mile walk down memory lane and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
Few places in the Ozarks provide a glimpse of earth’s turbulent past as well as Rocky Falls. The reddish-brown rock you see here is rhyolite porphyry. It formed as molten rock deep within the earth and flowed onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. At the time, no living thing existed to see the awesome flow of glowing hot lava slowly advancing over the barren landscape. Normally, a stream eroding softer dolomite, a type of limestone, would make a wider valley for itself. Since the rhyolite is harder, the stream tends to stay within whatever cracks that it finds, deepening them only a little by erosion. Thus a“shut in” is formed where the harder rock has “shut in” the stream. Farther downstream, past the constricting rhyolite, the stream valley widens once again. This allows the stream to expand into a pool. Rocky Falls can be visited year round. It is located on Route NN, off of Route H east of Eminence and Winona. It has a walking trail, bathrooms, picnic tables and fire grills.
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Rocky Falls
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Few places in the Ozarks provide a glimpse of earth’s turbulent past as well as Rocky Falls. The reddish-brown rock you see here is rhyolite porphyry. It formed as molten rock deep within the earth and flowed onto the surface about 1.5 billion years ago. At the time, no living thing existed to see the awesome flow of glowing hot lava slowly advancing over the barren landscape. Normally, a stream eroding softer dolomite, a type of limestone, would make a wider valley for itself. Since the rhyolite is harder, the stream tends to stay within whatever cracks that it finds, deepening them only a little by erosion. Thus a“shut in” is formed where the harder rock has “shut in” the stream. Farther downstream, past the constricting rhyolite, the stream valley widens once again. This allows the stream to expand into a pool. Rocky Falls can be visited year round. It is located on Route NN, off of Route H east of Eminence and Winona. It has a walking trail, bathrooms, picnic tables and fire grills.
View Missouri’s recently restored elk herd, fall color, spring flowering trees and an Ozark woodland from your car.At Peck Ranch you can also go hiking, fishing, camping, bird watching/feeding, bicycling, and so much more! To give you a chance to see some of Missouri’s first free-ranging elk in nearly 150 years, we’ve set up a self-guided driving tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The route begins at the Peck Ranch office and is marked along the way. Peck Ranch is located near Winona in Shannon County with entrances off both Route 19 and Route 60. Peck Ranch is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week–except during managed deer hunts, fall firearms deer season and in the event roads are closed due to weather. Your best chances of seeing elk are the hours right after sunrise or right before sunset. We can’t guarantee an elk sighting, but the tour is a beautiful drive though fields, forests and glades where you can also see deer and other wildlife. Feel free to take photographs, and get out of your vehicle if needed for a better view, but please do not disturb elk or other wildlife in any way. Note that the gravel roads on Peck Ranch may not be accessible to vehicles without adequate ground clearance, and some roads may also be impassible at times due to high water at stream crossings.
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Peck Ranch Conservation Area
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View Missouri’s recently restored elk herd, fall color, spring flowering trees and an Ozark woodland from your car.At Peck Ranch you can also go hiking, fishing, camping, bird watching/feeding, bicycling, and so much more! To give you a chance to see some of Missouri’s first free-ranging elk in nearly 150 years, we’ve set up a self-guided driving tour at Peck Ranch Conservation Area. The route begins at the Peck Ranch office and is marked along the way. Peck Ranch is located near Winona in Shannon County with entrances off both Route 19 and Route 60. Peck Ranch is open sunrise to sunset seven days a week–except during managed deer hunts, fall firearms deer season and in the event roads are closed due to weather. Your best chances of seeing elk are the hours right after sunrise or right before sunset. We can’t guarantee an elk sighting, but the tour is a beautiful drive though fields, forests and glades where you can also see deer and other wildlife. Feel free to take photographs, and get out of your vehicle if needed for a better view, but please do not disturb elk or other wildlife in any way. Note that the gravel roads on Peck Ranch may not be accessible to vehicles without adequate ground clearance, and some roads may also be impassible at times due to high water at stream crossings.
In the rolling, forested landscape of Round Spring, two of America’s most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The spring itself is about 55 feet deep, rising in a nearly circular pool of water before flowing under a natural bridge to join the Current River. On average, 26 million gallons of water a day flow from the spring. At times, otters, wood ducks and great blue herons may be seen in the spring, however, people are prohibited from swimming or wading in it. You may visit and enjoy the wheelchair accessible paved trail around the spring at any time.
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Round Spring
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In the rolling, forested landscape of Round Spring, two of America’s most beautiful spring-fed rivers combine to make up the Ozark National Scenic Riverways. As the first national park area to protect a wild river system, visitors have plenty of scenic water activities to enjoy as well as hiking, horseback riding and wildlife viewing. The spring itself is about 55 feet deep, rising in a nearly circular pool of water before flowing under a natural bridge to join the Current River. On average, 26 million gallons of water a day flow from the spring. At times, otters, wood ducks and great blue herons may be seen in the spring, however, people are prohibited from swimming or wading in it. You may visit and enjoy the wheelchair accessible paved trail around the spring at any time.
A large, beautiful, undisturbed spring and spring branch with associated aquatic plants and animals surrounded by forest in the Current River Hills region of the Ozarks. The Osage Indians reportedly called this spring “Spring of the Summer Sky.” Spring water is actively dissolving away limestone and or dolomite as it moves through the earth. Springs are actually excavating new caves through this process. This dissolved limestone and or dolomite, along with the influence of the spring’s depth and the blue of the sky, impart the blue color of the spring.
Blue Spring
A large, beautiful, undisturbed spring and spring branch with associated aquatic plants and animals surrounded by forest in the Current River Hills region of the Ozarks. The Osage Indians reportedly called this spring “Spring of the Summer Sky.” Spring water is actively dissolving away limestone and or dolomite as it moves through the earth. Springs are actually excavating new caves through this process. This dissolved limestone and or dolomite, along with the influence of the spring’s depth and the blue of the sky, impart the blue color of the spring.
With almost 40,000 acres of public land, the Rocky Creek Conservation Area provides for a wide range of outdoor activities. These include nature viewing, bird watching, hiking, dispersed primitive camping, and, of course, many hunting and fishing opportunities. Rocky Creek provides access to the Current River just south of the Highway 106 bridge near Powdermill and Owls Bend east of Eminence. The conservation area is also home to a auto driving tour that explores a 1300 acre pine oak woodland restoration project.
Rocky Creek Conservation Area
With almost 40,000 acres of public land, the Rocky Creek Conservation Area provides for a wide range of outdoor activities. These include nature viewing, bird watching, hiking, dispersed primitive camping, and, of course, many hunting and fishing opportunities. Rocky Creek provides access to the Current River just south of the Highway 106 bridge near Powdermill and Owls Bend east of Eminence. The conservation area is also home to a auto driving tour that explores a 1300 acre pine oak woodland restoration project.
Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. The park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park’s springs combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day. The cool spring water is perfect for rainbow trout and this makes the park popular with anglers. Picnic areas and two picnic shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet lunch or a family reunion. Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park. Tours of the gristmill, built in 1896, give visitors a taste of the past and help them learn about the history of the Ozark region. For visitors wanting to spend the night, the park offers a variety of choices, including a modern campground, rental cabins and motel rooms. The modern dining lodge will satisfy any appetite.
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Iphakamisa yaseMontauk
345 County Rd 6670
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Montauk State Park preserves a shady green retreat that offers visitors plenty of opportunities for fun, whether it is fishing, camping, hiking, picnicking or just relaxing with friends and family. The park is located at the headwaters of the famed Current River. The park’s springs combine with tiny Pigeon Creek to supply more than 40 million gallons of water to the river each day. The cool spring water is perfect for rainbow trout and this makes the park popular with anglers. Picnic areas and two picnic shelters provide the perfect place for a quiet lunch or a family reunion. Three trails provide hikers and bicyclists with an easy way to explore the park. Tours of the gristmill, built in 1896, give visitors a taste of the past and help them learn about the history of the Ozark region. For visitors wanting to spend the night, the park offers a variety of choices, including a modern campground, rental cabins and motel rooms. The modern dining lodge will satisfy any appetite.
The Jacks Fork River is formed by the confluence of two streams: the North Prong and South Prong of the Jacks Fork. The North Prong has its beginnings approximately 9 miles south of Raymondville, Missouri, while the headwaters of the South Prong are located approximately 5 miles east of Cabool, Missouri. Both streams join to form the Jacks Fork River northwest of Mountain View, Missouri. From this point, the Jacks Fork flows in an easterly direction for 49.1 miles before joining the Current River northeast of Eminence, Missouri.
Jacks Fork
The Jacks Fork River is formed by the confluence of two streams: the North Prong and South Prong of the Jacks Fork. The North Prong has its beginnings approximately 9 miles south of Raymondville, Missouri, while the headwaters of the South Prong are located approximately 5 miles east of Cabool, Missouri. Both streams join to form the Jacks Fork River northwest of Mountain View, Missouri. From this point, the Jacks Fork flows in an easterly direction for 49.1 miles before joining the Current River northeast of Eminence, Missouri.
Current River Van Buren, MO Website The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and some 80,000 acres of river, forest, open field and glade environments. Riparian habitats are a major component of the park. Typified by sycamores, maples, cottonwoods and willows, floodplain forests line the rivers. These provide habitat for Swainson’s warblers, wood ducks, great blue herons and a wide variety of other species. As a significant karst resource, the park contains the world’s largest collection of first magnitude springs.
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Current River
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Current River Van Buren, MO Website The Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and some 80,000 acres of river, forest, open field and glade environments. Riparian habitats are a major component of the park. Typified by sycamores, maples, cottonwoods and willows, floodplain forests line the rivers. These provide habitat for Swainson’s warblers, wood ducks, great blue herons and a wide variety of other species. As a significant karst resource, the park contains the world’s largest collection of first magnitude springs.
Located just 15 minutes north of Poplar Bluff, Keener Springs is one of the largest privately-owned springs in the country emitting 28,000,000 gallons per day! The 65 acre property is nestled on the banks of beautiful Black River with the Spring Pond and unique, water-filled cave as the focal points. The spring and the unique, water-filled cave are the focal points of the 65-acre property. Float trips from Markham Springs or Bradley-Hammer can be arranged. Clearwater Lake and Lake Wappapello are nearby for additional water activities. Keener Springs is also frequently used for weddings, family reunions, church functions, company events, class reunions and birthday parties.
Keener Springs
3425 State Hwy JJ
Located just 15 minutes north of Poplar Bluff, Keener Springs is one of the largest privately-owned springs in the country emitting 28,000,000 gallons per day! The 65 acre property is nestled on the banks of beautiful Black River with the Spring Pond and unique, water-filled cave as the focal points. The spring and the unique, water-filled cave are the focal points of the 65-acre property. Float trips from Markham Springs or Bradley-Hammer can be arranged. Clearwater Lake and Lake Wappapello are nearby for additional water activities. Keener Springs is also frequently used for weddings, family reunions, church functions, company events, class reunions and birthday parties.
Wappapello Lake – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers* 10992 Highway T, Wappapello, MO | (573) 222-8562 Lake Stage Information: 573-222-8139 Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake offers activities for all walks of life. Several annual special events are held at the lake, such as the Old Greenville Black Powder Rendezvous, Intertribal Living Indian Village, Disabled Persons Fishing Day, Annual Drag Boat Races, Waterfest, Old Greenville Days and the Festival of Lights. Wappapello Lake has over 44,000 acres of public lands and water, which welcome hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping and picnicking.
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Lake Wappapello
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Wappapello Lake – U.S. Army Corps of Engineers* 10992 Highway T, Wappapello, MO | (573) 222-8562 Lake Stage Information: 573-222-8139 Lake Wappapello Corps of Engineers Nestled in the foothills of the Ozark Mountains, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers at Wappapello Lake offers activities for all walks of life. Several annual special events are held at the lake, such as the Old Greenville Black Powder Rendezvous, Intertribal Living Indian Village, Disabled Persons Fishing Day, Annual Drag Boat Races, Waterfest, Old Greenville Days and the Festival of Lights. Wappapello Lake has over 44,000 acres of public lands and water, which welcome hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, camping and picnicking.
Clearwater Lake Piedmont, MO 63967 | (573) 223-7777 The US Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Clearwater Lake Dam in 1948, with the prime purpose of maintaining flood control for the Black River drainage around the Poplar Bluff region. At a conservation pool of 1,630 acres, the lake is a great size for recreational and fishing boats up to 30’ long, with a keel depth of 1.5’ or less. At maximum flood level, the lake increases over 6 times in size to 10,350 acres. The Corps of Engineers maintains a summer pool at 498’, and a winter pool at 494’. For the current water levels, the USGS maintains water level monitors, which can be accessed here. What to do at Clearwater Lake: While not the largest of lakes, Clearwater still has plenty to offer the visitor. Fishing is primarily focused on the spring and winter spawn, and crappie and catfish during the summer months. A great resource for the fisherman can be found here. The Corps periodically drops trees in the lake to provide fish habitat. A map of the brush areas can be found here. If fishing up the Black River, it is best to have a jet prop due to the shallow water levels above the Bluff View Area. The Logan and Webb Creek branches are shallow as well, it would be wise to check in with the local marinas to get their input on the current fishing conditions.During the summer months the lake becomes a recreational playground, with boating enthusiasts hitting the water primarily during the weekends. Pulling water toys, skiing, wake boarding, and knee boarding are popular activities that elicit shrieks of glee on all areas of the lake. The weekday visitor can find that the lake is quite peaceful and not quite as busy. Most of the dedicated fishermen leave the lake to the “weekenders” then hit the fishing holes during the weekdays.When visitors tire of the waters, there are still many activities that can make for pleasurable days. The Corps maintains several hiking trails around the lake, and a biking trail at the River Road campground. Also at the River Road campground is a tournament volleyball pit, as well as basketball courts, playgrounds, and a great view of the spillway. Golfing enthusiasts can visit the Canyon Club Golf Course in Piedmont, while hikers can visit the nearby Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area for a scramble over the shut-ins of McKenzie Creek.At night time, the casual visitor only has to gaze upwards to see sights that are simply not available in the big towns as the Milky Way comes out to dance in the skies. A popular time to visit is during August 11-13 to view the biggest celestial event of the year – the Perseid Meteor Shower. With upwards of 100 meteors per hour, the clear skies of Clearwater Lake makes for a memorable evening.
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Clearwater Lake
10 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Clearwater Lake Piedmont, MO 63967 | (573) 223-7777 The US Army Corps of Engineers completed construction of the Clearwater Lake Dam in 1948, with the prime purpose of maintaining flood control for the Black River drainage around the Poplar Bluff region. At a conservation pool of 1,630 acres, the lake is a great size for recreational and fishing boats up to 30’ long, with a keel depth of 1.5’ or less. At maximum flood level, the lake increases over 6 times in size to 10,350 acres. The Corps of Engineers maintains a summer pool at 498’, and a winter pool at 494’. For the current water levels, the USGS maintains water level monitors, which can be accessed here. What to do at Clearwater Lake: While not the largest of lakes, Clearwater still has plenty to offer the visitor. Fishing is primarily focused on the spring and winter spawn, and crappie and catfish during the summer months. A great resource for the fisherman can be found here. The Corps periodically drops trees in the lake to provide fish habitat. A map of the brush areas can be found here. If fishing up the Black River, it is best to have a jet prop due to the shallow water levels above the Bluff View Area. The Logan and Webb Creek branches are shallow as well, it would be wise to check in with the local marinas to get their input on the current fishing conditions.During the summer months the lake becomes a recreational playground, with boating enthusiasts hitting the water primarily during the weekends. Pulling water toys, skiing, wake boarding, and knee boarding are popular activities that elicit shrieks of glee on all areas of the lake. The weekday visitor can find that the lake is quite peaceful and not quite as busy. Most of the dedicated fishermen leave the lake to the “weekenders” then hit the fishing holes during the weekdays.When visitors tire of the waters, there are still many activities that can make for pleasurable days. The Corps maintains several hiking trails around the lake, and a biking trail at the River Road campground. Also at the River Road campground is a tournament volleyball pit, as well as basketball courts, playgrounds, and a great view of the spillway. Golfing enthusiasts can visit the Canyon Club Golf Course in Piedmont, while hikers can visit the nearby Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area for a scramble over the shut-ins of McKenzie Creek.At night time, the casual visitor only has to gaze upwards to see sights that are simply not available in the big towns as the Milky Way comes out to dance in the skies. A popular time to visit is during August 11-13 to view the biggest celestial event of the year – the Perseid Meteor Shower. With upwards of 100 meteors per hour, the clear skies of Clearwater Lake makes for a memorable evening.
Eleven Point River The Eleven Point River has been recognized and loved for its rich history and outstanding scenic beauty since early settlement days. A 44-mile portion of the Eleven Point between Thomasville, Missouri, and the Highway 142 Bridge became one of the eight initial components of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1968. About half of the lands within the Eleven Point Scenic River area are private lands, while the remainder of the area is National Forest System land. The private lands along the river are managed by scenic easements to assure protection of their scenic values and natural resources. Public entry of these lands is prohibited. River users should study the river map and be alert for private property or scenic easement signs located along the river course to avoid trespass. The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, Missouri, it gains considerable width and depth as it proceeds southeastward. Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss-covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees. River birch is abundant along the shore, and aged sycamores lean out across the river from their shoreline moorings. In some places, the canopy of green closes overhead. To the experienced canoeist, the Eleven Point is a relatively easy river (Class I and Class II on the International Scale) requiring intermediate experience. Snags, trees and root wads still remain the most dangerous of all obstacles and on occasion may require scouting from shore. Although canoes are the time-tested means of travel through fast water, kayaks are more and more common, and flat bottom John boats are used on the river, primarily for fishing trips. You may encounter boats with motors. Motor boats are restricted to a 25 hp limit. Particularly during the late summer, you may also encounter some float tubes, but the cold water and longer distances between river accesses limits this use. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye and trout are eagerly sought by anglers on the Eleven Point. All fishing is subject to state of Missouri regulations. Non-residents may purchase a three-day or annual license. A trout permit is also required if you are in possession of trout. Gigging is popular, but not permitted within the Wild Trout Management Area. To prevent illegal fishing practices and possible citations, review and study the latest fish and game regulations published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eleven Point River
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eleven Point River The Eleven Point River has been recognized and loved for its rich history and outstanding scenic beauty since early settlement days. A 44-mile portion of the Eleven Point between Thomasville, Missouri, and the Highway 142 Bridge became one of the eight initial components of the National Wild and Scenic River System in 1968. About half of the lands within the Eleven Point Scenic River area are private lands, while the remainder of the area is National Forest System land. The private lands along the river are managed by scenic easements to assure protection of their scenic values and natural resources. Public entry of these lands is prohibited. River users should study the river map and be alert for private property or scenic easement signs located along the river course to avoid trespass. The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys and low-lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, Missouri, it gains considerable width and depth as it proceeds southeastward. Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss-covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees. River birch is abundant along the shore, and aged sycamores lean out across the river from their shoreline moorings. In some places, the canopy of green closes overhead. To the experienced canoeist, the Eleven Point is a relatively easy river (Class I and Class II on the International Scale) requiring intermediate experience. Snags, trees and root wads still remain the most dangerous of all obstacles and on occasion may require scouting from shore. Although canoes are the time-tested means of travel through fast water, kayaks are more and more common, and flat bottom John boats are used on the river, primarily for fishing trips. You may encounter boats with motors. Motor boats are restricted to a 25 hp limit. Particularly during the late summer, you may also encounter some float tubes, but the cold water and longer distances between river accesses limits this use. Smallmouth bass, rock bass, walleye and trout are eagerly sought by anglers on the Eleven Point. All fishing is subject to state of Missouri regulations. Non-residents may purchase a three-day or annual license. A trout permit is also required if you are in possession of trout. Gigging is popular, but not permitted within the Wild Trout Management Area. To prevent illegal fishing practices and possible citations, review and study the latest fish and game regulations published by the Missouri Department of Conservation.
A popular day hike for Forest visitors. Greer Spring is the second largest spring in Missouri. Its average daily flow of 222 million gallons more than doubles the size of the Eleven Point National Scenic River into which it flows. The spring flows from two outlets about 250 feet apart at the bottom of a steep, shaded ravine at the terminus of the trail. The spring run drops 62 feet in elevation for 1.25 miles where it runs into the Eleven Point National Scenic River. The mill and surrounding land is privately owned and not available for public use. Access to Greer Spring is via a 0.9 mile trail that descends about 250 feet in elevation along a gentle gradient from the trailhead at Missouri Highway 19. The trail to the spring travels through a mixture of hardwoods and pines. The overstory of trees, includes a variety of oaks, shortleaf pine, hickory, maples, basswood, and black gum. Hikers will also see flowering dogwoods, sassafras, persimmon, hazelnut, cedar, and hackberry. The spring flows from the mouth of Greer Spring Cave and boils up from the rugged bed of the spring branch. Flowing down a rock filled canyon for one mile, the spring branch enters the Eleven Point River. There is no fishing, boating, floating or wading allowed in the spring branch.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Greer Spring Trailhead
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
A popular day hike for Forest visitors. Greer Spring is the second largest spring in Missouri. Its average daily flow of 222 million gallons more than doubles the size of the Eleven Point National Scenic River into which it flows. The spring flows from two outlets about 250 feet apart at the bottom of a steep, shaded ravine at the terminus of the trail. The spring run drops 62 feet in elevation for 1.25 miles where it runs into the Eleven Point National Scenic River. The mill and surrounding land is privately owned and not available for public use. Access to Greer Spring is via a 0.9 mile trail that descends about 250 feet in elevation along a gentle gradient from the trailhead at Missouri Highway 19. The trail to the spring travels through a mixture of hardwoods and pines. The overstory of trees, includes a variety of oaks, shortleaf pine, hickory, maples, basswood, and black gum. Hikers will also see flowering dogwoods, sassafras, persimmon, hazelnut, cedar, and hackberry. The spring flows from the mouth of Greer Spring Cave and boils up from the rugged bed of the spring branch. Flowing down a rock filled canyon for one mile, the spring branch enters the Eleven Point River. There is no fishing, boating, floating or wading allowed in the spring branch.
Stars and Stripes Museum/Library* 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825 | (573) 568-2055 www.starsandstripesmuseumlibrary.org The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is a non-profit educational institution. We are dedicated to collecting, documenting, and preserving materials related to the creation and continued history of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper and the people behind it. The museum exhibits the newspapers along with military items/artifacts that represent our military personnel’s continued sacrifices and contributions to keeping our nation free. Without understanding this country’s rich history, future generations run the risk of taking precious freedoms for granted and perhaps even losing those freedoms in the future. The museum’s focus is to present information about the proud, rich military history of this country. Individuals and large or small groups from around the country are welcomed to the museum at absolutely no cost. Tours are free and we are committed to keeping it that way. The museum is staffed by volunteers and dependent on donations to continue operating. The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is a non-profit educational institution. We are dedicated to collecting, documenting, and preserving materials related to the creation and continued history of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper and the people behind it. The museum exhibits the newspapers along with military items/artifacts that represent our military personnel’s continued sacrifices and contributions to keeping our nation free. Without understanding this country’s rich history, future generations run the risk of taking precious freedoms for granted and perhaps even losing those freedoms in the future. The museum’s focus is to present information about the proud, rich military history of this country. Individuals and large or small groups from around the country are welcomed to the museum at absolutely no cost. Tours are free and we are committed to keeping it that way. The museum is staffed by volunteers and dependent on donations to continue operating.
Star & Stripes Museum/Library
17377 Stars and Stripes Way
Stars and Stripes Museum/Library* 17377 Stars and Stripes Way, Bloomfield, MO 63825 | (573) 568-2055 www.starsandstripesmuseumlibrary.org The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is a non-profit educational institution. We are dedicated to collecting, documenting, and preserving materials related to the creation and continued history of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper and the people behind it. The museum exhibits the newspapers along with military items/artifacts that represent our military personnel’s continued sacrifices and contributions to keeping our nation free. Without understanding this country’s rich history, future generations run the risk of taking precious freedoms for granted and perhaps even losing those freedoms in the future. The museum’s focus is to present information about the proud, rich military history of this country. Individuals and large or small groups from around the country are welcomed to the museum at absolutely no cost. Tours are free and we are committed to keeping it that way. The museum is staffed by volunteers and dependent on donations to continue operating. The Stars and Stripes Museum/Library is a non-profit educational institution. We are dedicated to collecting, documenting, and preserving materials related to the creation and continued history of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper and the people behind it. The museum exhibits the newspapers along with military items/artifacts that represent our military personnel’s continued sacrifices and contributions to keeping our nation free. Without understanding this country’s rich history, future generations run the risk of taking precious freedoms for granted and perhaps even losing those freedoms in the future. The museum’s focus is to present information about the proud, rich military history of this country. Individuals and large or small groups from around the country are welcomed to the museum at absolutely no cost. Tours are free and we are committed to keeping it that way. The museum is staffed by volunteers and dependent on donations to continue operating.
The Headquarters for Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. It’s located at the corner of Watercress Drive and Main Street, across the street from the Van Buren Public School complex. ADDRESS 404 Watercress Rd, Van Buren, MO 63965 PHONE NUMBERS (573) 323-4236 The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is open year-round in Van Buren, Missouri. The Visitor Center is located at park headquarters and contains an Eastern National sales area, park information, exhibits and a historic film made on the Current River. America the Beautiful passes can be acquired at this location
Ozark National Scenic Riverways visitors center
404 Watercress Road
The Headquarters for Ozark National Scenic Riverways is located at 404 Watercress Drive in Van Buren, Missouri. It’s located at the corner of Watercress Drive and Main Street, across the street from the Van Buren Public School complex. ADDRESS 404 Watercress Rd, Van Buren, MO 63965 PHONE NUMBERS (573) 323-4236 The Park Headquarters Visitor Center is open year-round in Van Buren, Missouri. The Visitor Center is located at park headquarters and contains an Eastern National sales area, park information, exhibits and a historic film made on the Current River. America the Beautiful passes can be acquired at this location
CRYSTAL CREEK RANCH HORSEBACK RIDING Feb 14, 2019 | Eminence, Eminence Business, General Recreation, Horse Trail | 0 | Crystal Creek Ranch Horseback Riding Address: HCR 3, Box 55 Eminence, MO 65466 Phone: 573-226-2222
Crystal Creek Ranch
16660 Crystal Creek Road
CRYSTAL CREEK RANCH HORSEBACK RIDING Feb 14, 2019 | Eminence, Eminence Business, General Recreation, Horse Trail | 0 | Crystal Creek Ranch Horseback Riding Address: HCR 3, Box 55 Eminence, MO 65466 Phone: 573-226-2222
Visit our Newest State Park! Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone. An impressive, iconic lodge features guest rooms, indoor and outdoor ADDRESS 35244 Echo Bluff Drive Eminence, MO 65466 PHONE NUMBERS Park Office: 573-751-5211 Lodging: 844-322-3246 Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone. An impressive, iconic lodge features guest rooms, indoor and outdoor casual dining and meeting rooms. Nine full-service cabins with 13 units are a great option for families and groups. Camping opportunities range from primitive to full-service campsites. The bluff-top shelter is perfect for special events and an amphitheater for smaller events offers a dramatic natural backdrop. The park also offers hiking and mountain biking trails.
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Echo Bluff State Park
35244 Echo Bluff Drive
26 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Visit our Newest State Park! Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone. An impressive, iconic lodge features guest rooms, indoor and outdoor ADDRESS 35244 Echo Bluff Drive Eminence, MO 65466 PHONE NUMBERS Park Office: 573-751-5211 Lodging: 844-322-3246 Echo Bluff State Park is a year-round outdoor destination that allows visitors to create new memories as they experience all the Ozarks have to offer. Visitors of all ages can fill their days with floating, hiking, swimming or fishing. While the park has a spectacular natural setting, the modern amenities enhance the experience and make it welcoming for everyone. An impressive, iconic lodge features guest rooms, indoor and outdoor casual dining and meeting rooms. Nine full-service cabins with 13 units are a great option for families and groups. Camping opportunities range from primitive to full-service campsites. The bluff-top shelter is perfect for special events and an amphitheater for smaller events offers a dramatic natural backdrop. The park also offers hiking and mountain biking trails.

Great Rivers for floating / canoeing / kayaking

The Eleven Point National Scenic River was established in 1968 as a 44 mile scenic river, free of impoundments with a largely undeveloped shoreline and watershed. This portion of the river between Thomasville, Missouri and the Highway 142 bridge is near Gatewood, Missouri. It became one of the 8 initial units of the National Wild and Scenic River system in 1968. The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward. Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees. DID YOU KNOW? Eleven Point river gets its name from the French word pointe, referring to a wooded point of land marking a river bend.
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
Eleven Point River
6 icetyiswa ngabantu basekuhlaleni
The Eleven Point National Scenic River was established in 1968 as a 44 mile scenic river, free of impoundments with a largely undeveloped shoreline and watershed. This portion of the river between Thomasville, Missouri and the Highway 142 bridge is near Gatewood, Missouri. It became one of the 8 initial units of the National Wild and Scenic River system in 1968. The Eleven Point River meanders through the picturesque Ozark hills of southern Missouri. Its course is cut in the shadows of steep bluffs, through sloping forested valleys, and low lying riparian ecosystems. Barely more than a small stream at its upper reaches near Thomasville, it gains considerable width and depth as its proceeds south-eastward. Springs pouring from dolomite bluffs or rushing up from a vast network of underground flow systems provide a continuous source of water and beauty. Alternating stretches of rapids and deep clear pools wind around moss covered boulders and shading bottomland hardwood trees. DID YOU KNOW? Eleven Point river gets its name from the French word pointe, referring to a wooded point of land marking a river bend.