Arcadia MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Arcadia, Missouri.
1. Elephant Rocks State Park
NATURE'S GIANT PLAYGROUND
Elephant Rocks State Park features giant boulders standing end-to-end like a train of circus elephants. The park offers a one-mile Braille Trail making this natural spectacle accessible to everyone. It's a perfect destination for families, solo nature enthusiasts, and photographers seeking to capture the picturesque scenery.
2. Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park is renowned for its unique geological formations where the Black River cascades through ancient volcanic rock. Visitors can swim in the natural pools formed by the shut-ins during summer months. The park also offers hiking trails, camping facilities, and opportunities to observe diverse flora and fauna.
3. Taum Sauk Mountain State Park
MISSOURI'S HIGHEST PEAK
Taum Sauk Mountain State Park contains Missouri's highest point at 1,772 feet above sea level. The park features scenic overlooks, rugged hiking trails, and access to the Ozark Trail. Visitors can explore the Mina Sauk Falls, Missouri's highest waterfall, especially impressive after heavy rains.
4. Fort Davidson State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the battlefield where the significant Battle of Pilot Knob took place in September 1864. A visitor center and museum interprets the conflict with exhibits, audiovisual presentations, and a fiber optics diorama of the battle. The site includes a playground, picnic area, and hiking trail for visitors to enjoy after learning about this important Civil War engagement.
5. Battle of Pilot Knob
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
The Battle of Pilot Knob was one of the largest and most hard-fought battles waged on Missouri soil during the Civil War. Confederate Major General Sterling Price led an army of 8,000 men against the Union post of Fort Davidson in this significant 1864 conflict. Today, the site commemorates the many Confederate and Union soldiers who lost their lives during this pivotal battle.
6. Ozark Trail
SCENIC HIKING ADVENTURE
The Ozark Trail offers extensive hiking routes through the stunning landscapes of Arcadia Valley. Hikers can choose from various trail sections that range from easy walks to challenging treks through the Missouri wilderness. The trail is particularly beautiful during fall when the foliage displays vibrant autumn colors.
7. Black River
PRISTINE WATERWAY RECREATION
The Black River winds through Arcadia Valley providing opportunities for swimming, fishing, and paddling. Its clear waters are home to various fish species, making it a popular destination for anglers. The river's scenic beauty is complemented by the surrounding forests and rock formations that characterize this region of Missouri.
8. Arcadia Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
Arcadia Academy is a historic former educational institution that now serves as a venue for various community events. The impressive brick building showcases 19th-century architecture and stands as a testament to the educational history of the region. Visitors can appreciate the historical significance while enjoying the restored grounds and facilities.
9. Royal Gorge
STUNNING NATURAL FORMATION
Royal Gorge is a magnificent natural formation featuring towering rock walls and scenic vistas. Visitors can hike through this impressive terrain while enjoying the diverse plant life and potential wildlife sightings. The gorge offers photographers numerous opportunities to capture the rugged beauty of the Ozark landscape.
10. St. Joe State Park
OFF-ROAD VEHICLE PARADISE
St. Joe State Park features 2,000 acres designated for off-road vehicle use, making it Missouri's largest off-road vehicle area. The park also offers swimming, fishing, and hiking opportunities on its 8,000 acres with four lakes. Campers can choose from basic or electric campsites while exploring this versatile outdoor recreation destination.
11. Millstream Gardens Conservation Area
WHITEWATER RAPIDS DESTINATION
Millstream Gardens Conservation Area hosts the annual Missouri Whitewater Championships on the St. Francis River. The area features Class III and IV rapids during spring runoff, attracting kayakers and canoeists from across the region. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails through the scenic woodland and glade habitats when not admiring the rushing waters.
12. Silver Mines Recreation Area
HISTORIC MINING DISTRICT
Silver Mines Recreation Area preserves the remnants of an early 20th-century silver mining operation along the St. Francis River. Visitors can explore hiking trails that pass by historic mine shafts, dam ruins, and the scenic river gorge. The area is popular for fishing, photography, and picnicking amid the historical and natural features.
13. Mark Twain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPANSE
Mark Twain National Forest encompasses portions of Arcadia Valley with over 1.5 million acres of public land throughout Missouri. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, and wildlife viewing. Its diverse ecosystems range from oak-hickory forests to glades and streams, providing habitat for numerous plant and animal species.
14. Bismarck Train Depot Museum
RAILROAD HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Bismarck Train Depot Museum preserves the railroad history of Iron County in a restored historic depot. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and memorabilia documenting the importance of rail transportation to the region's development. Visitors can learn about how the railroad connected Arcadia Valley to the wider world and contributed to its growth.
15. Missouri Mines State Historic Site
LEAD MINING HISTORY
Missouri Mines State Historic Site occupies the former St. Joe Minerals Corporation mine, showcasing the region's rich lead mining history. The powerhouse has been converted into a museum housing mining machinery, mineral specimens, and exhibits on the geology and history of lead mining. Visitors can explore how this industry shaped the economy and landscape of southeast Missouri for generations.