7 Hidden Attractions Locals Keep To Themselves In Missouri
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
No one knows a town likes the townspeople. Locals are who we go to when we want recommendations for the best restaurants, coolest attractions, and cozy accommodations. However, there are some hidden attractions in Missouri that are just waiting to be uncovered. Here are seven hidden gems in Missouri that you might want to add to your must-visit list.
Boathenge, Columbia, MO 65203, USA
England has Stonehenge, and Missouri has…Boathenge? Yep, it’s a real destination in Columbia. However, little is known about this hidden gem. Legend says that local artists anonymously placed the boats in Columbia in the early 1990s. Today, the six boats of Boathenge draw locals and those who know about it. Read more about this mysterious hidden gem in Missouri.
Painted Rock Conservation Area, Westphalia, MO 65085, USA
The best way to get to know Painted Rock Conservation Area is to set off on one of its picturesque hiking trails. Spanning more than 1,400 acres, the conservation area sits in a forested area, making it particularly beautiful during autumn. Plan a visit during the spring, too, when the fields of flowers begin to bloom. Take a peek at the scenic Missouri trail that wanders through Painted Rock Conservation Area.
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Burr Oak Road, Burr Oak Rd, McBaine, MO 65203, USA
McBaine Burr Oak in Columbia is said to be between 300 and 400 years old, earning status as the oldest living tree in Missouri. It’s faced its fair share of challenges over the years, including a fire in recent years. Sat on private property, the owner allows visitors to snap photos of this magnificent tree, and you can have a picnic under its branches. Learn more about the oldest living tree in Missouri.
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Castor River Shut-Ins, Fredericktown, MO 63645, USA
It’s probably fair to say that Johnson’s Shut-Ins are perhaps the most famous and well-known shut-ins in Missouri. However, Castor River Shut-Ins are equally beautiful. A popular swimming hole during the summertime, the shut-ins can be admired from afar any time of the year. Read more about this natural wonder in Missouri.
Hickory Canyons Natural Area, New Offenburg, MO 63670, USA
An hour or more spent chasing waterfalls is time well spent. Hickory Canyons Natural Area provides a pretty backdrop for a day of exploring. Follow one of two trails, dotted with small waterfalls. The Western Trail, however, leads straight to the Hickory Canyons waterfall. Be forewarned, however, that this is a wet-weather waterfall, so you’ll want to visit after it has rained. Get a glimpse of this natural wonder in Missouri in our previous article.
Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden, 2400 S Scenic Ave, Springfield, MO 65807, USA
Nestled within the Springfield Botanical Gardens, the Mizumoto Japanese Stroll Garden is small at just seven acres. However, each acre is packed with natural beauty – waterfalls, lush green, and local wildlife. Add a fairytale footbridge, and you've got an idyllic setting for a relaxing hour or two. Read more about this hidden gem in Missouri in our previous article.
Klondike Park, 4600 S Missouri 94, Augusta, MO 63332, USA
We don’t usually associate white sand beaches with Missouri, but there’s one hiding at Klondike Park in Augusta. While you can’t swim in the Missouri River, you can stroll barefoot on the beach and admire the white sand. The park is also popular for hiking, fishing, and picnicking. Read more about this unique destination in Missouri.
What are some other hidden attractions in Missouri? Share with us in the comments! Sometimes nothing cures our wanderlust like a road trip. Next time you’re itching for an adventure, follow this rural road trip to some of the best hidden gems in Missouri.
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