The Scenic Drive To Ted Shanks Conservation Area Is Almost As Beautiful As The Destination Itself
By Beth Price-Williams|Published April 19, 2023
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
A professional writer for more than two decades, Beth has lived in nearly a dozen states – from Missouri and Virginia to Connecticut and Vermont – and Toronto, Canada. In addition to traveling extensively in the U.S. and the U.K., she has a BA in Journalism from Point Park University (PA), a MA in Holocaust & Genocide Studies from Stockton University (NJ), and a Master of Professional Writing from Chatham University (PA). A writer and editor for Only In Your State since 2016, Beth grew up in and currently lives outside of Pittsburgh and when she’s not writing or hanging out with her bunnies, budgies, and chinchilla, she and her daughter are out chasing waterfalls.
A scenic drive in Missouri is sometimes just what we need to clear our heads, let the stress wash away, and soak up the landscape as it passes by. While some scenic drives in Missouri span much of the state – like Route 66 – others are short, sweet, and just what we need for a daylong adventure. That’s just what you’ll find along Little Dixie Highway of Great River Road.
A multi-state National Scenic Byway, Great River Road meanders more than 2,000 miles along the Mississippi River through 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, Missouri, Arkansas, Illinois, and Louisiana.
Slip behind the wheel and explore a tiny slice of it – around 30 miles – along the Little Dixie Highway of Great River Road. If you’re just driving straight through, you could probably finish it in around an hour or so.
However, you might want to make a day trip of it, stopping to visit some notable sites along the way. One thing you’ll notice on your journey is a plethora of spellbinding views of the Mississippi River.
Little Dixie Highway will take you through the river town of Clarksville that’s perhaps best known for its annual Eagle Days, usually held each January. Explore the shops; grab a bite to eat, and stop by Clarksville Riverfront Park for jaw-dropping river views.
The path winds its way through the darling town of Louisiana, too, that’s dotted with Victorian-era buildings. Relax on a bench at Riverfront Park, where you can see all the way to Illinois on clear days.
Another great vantage point for stellar views is Riverview Cemetery. Louisiana, like Clarksville, is also popular for watching bald eagles.
Perhaps the highlight of the scenic drive, especially if you love nature, is Ted Shanks Conservation Area, which spans more than 6,700 acres. The natural area is particularly popular for viewing migratory birds.
Four thousand acres of the conservation area are flooded each year to provide for the migratory birds, so keep that in mind when planning a visit.
The Mississippi River, the Salt River, and Horseshoe Lake also flow through the Missouri natural area, making it easily explored by boat. Fishing is also a popular activity.
Have you followed Little Dixie Highway of Great River Road, a beautiful scenic drive in Missouri? What was your favorite part of the drive? Let us know in the comments! Then check out the three historic destinations in Hannibal, Missouri, that are a must-visit.
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