Missouri
The rivers arrived first, carving their priceless art into the Missouri landscape. They were our first trails, cutting a path for hundreds of explorers and thousands of settlers. The early pioneers branched out, forming their own trails, establishing towns along the way.As you follow those first settlers through the Gateway to the West, you too will carve a path. One filled with memories from an adventure second to none. Branch out, like the pioneers did, covering the trails that launched thousands of prairie schooners.
Along the way, experience Missouri's natural beauty and neighborliness, with a lifetime of navigable rivers. Just ask the ghosts of Lewis and Clark, who started - and ended - their 1804 Corps of Discovery in St. Charles. Carve your own path of discovery along Missouri's rivers. Blaze your own trails and write your own journals.
All across the state, you'll find plenty of opportunities to take home Missouri memories. Our shops are like our rivers. No two are the same. Each offers something new. So take off antiquing through Missouri's rich history. Browse through hundreds of shops at two of the world's largest railroad stations turned into shoppers' paradise, they're the state's biggest bookends, both named Union Station - one in Kansas City, one in St. Louis. From either spot, you can do more than read about Missouri's past, you can jump right in.
Explore Missouri
City Parks
Williams Creek Park and the "Spirit of 76" Recreation Complex - Mt. Vernon's largest and newest park is the "Spirit of 76"
Mt. Vernon, MO RecreationStockton Lake Fishing
Stockton Lake is a fishing paradise. Small coves along the lakeshore provide hundreds of protected fishing spots. The lake, fed by clear streams, is populated with many different species of fish. With depths sometimes exceeding 100
, MO FishingMansfield Bank
The main portion of the Mansfield Bank building was built in 1917
Mansfield, MO ArchitectureEdwin P. Hubble, American Astronomer
Marshfield is the hometown of the famous astronomer, Edwin Powell Hubble. He was born on November 29, 1889 to an insurance executive in Marshfield and passed away in California on September 28, 1953.
Marshfield, MO Famous PeopleThe 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 LifeMark Twain Lake Fishing
With over 18,000 acres of water, Mark Twain Lake offers anglers thriving populations of catfish, bass, crappie, walleye, bluegill and sunfish. Timber has been left in the upper ends of the lake and in selected coves to improve fish habitat. According to 2004 reports: Bass. Based on 2003
, MO FishingStockton Lake Campgrounds
Eleven campgrounds are conveniently located around Stockton Lake. Eight are managed by the Corps of Engineers (Cedar Ridge, Crabtree Cove, Hawker Point, Masters, Orleans Trail North, Orleans Trail South, Ruark Bluff East, and Ruark Bluff West); two are operated by marina concessionaires (
, MO CampingShepherd Sawmill - Jolly Mill Park
The Shepherd family has operated sawmills in this area for many years. The family built this sawmill to honor all members of the family. The sawmill is steam powered by a 1918
Pierce City, MO Historic MillsBank of Aurora
The Bank of Aurora was organized in 1887. It was robbed in the 1930
Aurora, MO ArchitectureLake of the Ozarks Trails
For a different perspective of Ozark nature, the Lake offers outstanding hiking, biking and walking trails, several of which are located at two state parks. The 17,000-acre Lake of the Ozarks State Park is the largest in the Missouri Park system, and Ha Ha Tonka State Park, one of the state'
, MO Trails