| Top 10 Camping Hidden Gems in Missouri |
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Camping Gems - MissouriPony Express Museum Founded by William H. Russell, William B. Waddell, and Alexander Majors in April of 1860, the Pony Express was created to spread news of the impending Civil War to areas further west. The express crossed 2000 miles of trail with a relay of riders, each covering 250 miles within a 24-hour period. These valiant riders were paid $50 per day to endure great hardships as they covered our vast country on horseback. Branson Scenic Railway On this 40-mile round trip you'll be taken by Ozark valleys and streams, and ride over high trestles and through long tunnels. Learn about the history of the area and get a feel for the beautiful Ozarks! (206 E Main Street, 417-334-6110) Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area Just west of Branson lies the Ruth and Paul Henning Conservation Area, set in the White River Balds Natural area. This 1,534-acre area includes hilly oak and hickory forests, the Dewey Bald Mountain, and many other nature trails. Lake of the Ozarks This is Missouri's premier fishing, golfing, and outdoor entertainment site. Whether you're looking for a great bass fishing spot, a boating destination, or a place to take the kids horseback riding, caving, and out for days on the beach, this is the spot. Lake of the Ozarks is conveniently located right in the middle of Missouri. Jamesport Amish Jamesport is the largest Old Order Amish colony in Missouri. Would you like to learn more about local history and the life style of the Amish? Then arrange to take a tour with the folks from Amish Country Bus Tours or Hook & Eye Amish Tours. If you're hungry, a good first stop is Anna's Bake Shop, where you can load up on donuts and fresh baked goods, then head to the City Hall on Broadway for a map of the local area. Lewis and Clark Trail Follow in the footsteps of those famous explorers, Meriwether Lewis and William Clark, whose journey began in Missouri and ended at the Pacific Ocean. You'll find trail to hike along right near St. Louis, St. Charles, and Kansas City. You'll feel more than a sense of history -- you'll also get to enjoy beautiful Ozark scenery. Osage Village State Historic Site When explorers Louis Joliet and Jacques Marquette first visited this area in 1673, they entered a territory claimed by the Osage Indians, a tribe that governed a vast stretch of land that spread from Missouri to Arkansas, eastern Kansas, and Oklahoma. One particular Osage settlement, set on a hilltop near the Osage River, is preserved in the Osage Village State Historic Site. Pay a visit to this site and learn about the pottery, tools, and weapons used by the Osage, as well as their farming and fur-trading techniques. Shoal Creek, Independence If you'd like to combine your history tour with some outdoor beauty, head up north of the river to Shoal Creek at Hodge Park. Here you'll find elk, buffalo, log cabins, restored homes, a church, a mill, a school, doctor's office, a newspaper office, a jail, and other period buildings moved here from their original sites. (7000 NE Barry Road, 816-781-4152) Laura Ingalls Wilder Home and Museum, Mansfield This is the actual home where the Little House books were authored. In addition to seeing Laura's handwritten manuscripts, you'll find family photos, Pa's fiddle and other family artifacts. If you've only seen the TV show and never read the books, why not treat yourself to one of them at the Gift Shop. (3068 Hwy A, Mansfield, 417-924-3626) Saint Genevieve Believed to be the oldest permanent settlement in Missouri, Saint Genevieve got its start in the 1740s. This is when French Canadian folks decided this would be a good place to begin farming, trading furs, and shipping salt and lead to other parts of the wilderness.You can still see some of the sturdy houses these pioneers built. |