Chesapeake Fish Hatchery

The Chesapeake Fish Hatchery produces a variety of warm and cool water fish species. Over one million channel catfish are hatched annually, many of these distributed to private pond owners. Bass and bluegill are also produced for private ponds. Walleye, muskellunge, hybrid striped bass, flathead catfish and grass carp are produced for many of Missouri's lakes.

The hatchery is an ultra-modern facility consisting of 24 ponds, 12 raceways and a large hatchery building. The hatchery is open to the public and tours are available to organized groups.

Address: I-44 at Highway CC
Phone: 417-466-3421

Frisco Caboose and Visitor Center

Mt. Vernon Chamber of Commerce operates an office and visitor center at the start of the Ozark Mountain Parkway (Route 265)

Mt. Vernon, MO Railroad History

The 2nd "Old Jail"

The county's first log jail burned in 1854, and a brick structure was built on Walter Street a block west of the square. It is presently undergoing reconstruction for historical preservation. It was used until 1868, and had an original cost of $3,500.

Mt. Vernon, MO Pioneer Life

Big Spring

When the Moore family first settled there, there were Indian camps all along the bottom land. This spring puts out up to 13 million gallons of water a day, and has been a popular family picnic site for over a hundred years. It is located just beyond Rebel's Bluff and Old Shepherd'

Mt. Vernon, MO Archaeology

Jones Memorial Chapel and Museum

Built in 1961 as a "thank you" to the people of his home county, Lawrence K. Jones provided a beautiful stone building which houses a wedding chapel, a meeting hall, and the Lawrence County Historical Society Museum.

Mt. Vernon, MO Museums