Ash Grove MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ash Grove, Missouri.
1. Gary's Gay Parita
HISTORIC ROUTE 66 REPLICA
Gary's Gay Parita is a recreation of a 1930 Sinclair gas station, lovingly constructed by the late Gary Turner and now cared for by his daughter Barbara and son-in-law George. The site includes a replica station, along with original pumps and other memorabilia from the heyday of Route 66. Barbara and George are wonderful hosts who will go out of their way to ensure that visitors are looked after.
2. Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site
FRONTIER HISTORY PRESERVED
The Nathan and Olive Boone Homestead State Historic Site preserves the historic home of Nathan Boone, son of famous frontiersman Daniel Boone. Visitors can explore the 1830s log house and learn about pioneer life in the Missouri Ozarks. The site offers a glimpse into early 19th century rural living and the Boone family's contribution to Missouri history.
3. Ash Grove City Pool
LOCAL SWIMMING DESTINATION
The Ash Grove City Pool is a popular summer destination for residents and visitors looking to cool off. The facility provides a refreshing escape from the Missouri heat and serves as a community gathering spot. Families appreciate the clean facilities and friendly atmosphere in this small-town swimming venue.
4. Berry Cemetery
HISTORIC BURIAL GROUND
Berry Cemetery is a historical burial ground that offers visitors a glimpse into Ash Grove's past. The cemetery contains markers dating back to the early settlement period of the region. History enthusiasts can explore the grounds to learn about prominent local figures and gain insights into the area's development.
5. Gilmore Octagonal Barn
UNIQUE AGRICULTURAL ARCHITECTURE
The Gilmore Octagonal Barn stands as a distinctive architectural landmark in the Ash Grove area. This unique eight-sided structure represents an interesting chapter in the region's agricultural history. The barn's unusual design and historical significance make it a noteworthy stop for architecture and history buffs.
6. Phenix Marble Quarry
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE SITE
The Phenix Marble Quarry represents an important part of Ash Grove's industrial heritage. This historic quarry once produced high-quality marble that was used in significant buildings across the United States. Visitors can observe the remnants of this once-thriving industry that contributed to the economic development of the region.
7. Original Quarry of Ash Grove Cement Company
LOCAL INDUSTRY LANDMARK
The Original Quarry of Ash Grove Cement Company dates back to the 1800s and represents the beginnings of a major industrial enterprise. This historic site showcases the geological resources that helped establish the town's economy and namesake company. Visitors interested in industrial archaeology can appreciate the quarry's significance to local development and the cement industry.
8. Abandoned "Leaky Roof" Rail Line
HISTORIC TRANSPORTATION ROUTE
The Abandoned "Leaky Roof" Rail Line offers a glimpse into the transportation history of the Ash Grove region. This former railroad got its nickname from passenger complaints about the unreliable roofs on the train cars during rainy weather. Today, portions of the old rail line serve as interesting historical markers of the area's development and connectivity to other regions.
9. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as an iconic symbol of St. Louis, reaching 192 meters tall and equally wide at its base, making it the tallest monument in the United States. Visitors can ascend to the observation deck via a system of pod-like trams for panoramic views stretching up to 30 miles on clear days. This architectural marvel celebrates America's westward expansion and serves as Missouri's most recognizable landmark.
10. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Meramec Caverns has been welcoming travelers to explore its 7.4km cavern system since 1935, offering a cool retreat from Route 66 journeys. Legend claims these caverns once served as a hideout for Jesse James, who reportedly used the underground river as an escape route through the "back door." The attraction offers guided tours year-round and features an outdoor zip-line experience from March through October.
11. Devil's Well
MYSTERIOUS NATURAL FORMATION
Devil's Well is a fascinating natural wonder featuring one of the largest known underground lakes in Missouri. Located near Salem, this sinkhole drops approximately 100 feet to a lake with depths reaching 80 feet and spanning about 400 feet in diameter. Visitors can view this mysterious geological formation from a platform and learn about the underground water system that connects to nearby caves.
12. Jacob's Cave
FAMILY-FRIENDLY CAVE ADVENTURE
Jacob's Cave offers visitors a memorable underground experience featuring impressive reflective pools, geological formations, and prehistoric fossils. The cave is known for its accessibility, with flat walkways making it Missouri's first disability-friendly cave open to the public. Guided tours highlight unique features including prehistoric bones, ancient claw marks, and the cave's signature reflection pools.
13. Onondaga Cave State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL BEAUTY
Onondaga Cave State Park features one of Missouri's most spectacular caves, designated a National Natural Landmark. Visitors can marvel at the impressive formations including towering stalagmites, flowing stalactites, and active flowstone during guided tours through the illuminated underground wonderland. Beyond the cave, the park offers camping, hiking trails, and access to the Meramec River for fishing and canoeing.
14. The Fugitive Beach
QUARRY SWIMMING DESTINATION
The Fugitive Beach is a unique swimming destination created from a transformed rock quarry, offering visitors a refreshing escape during hot Missouri summers. The attraction features sandy beaches, water slides, diving platforms, and volleyball courts for a complete outdoor recreation experience. Families particularly enjoy the varying water depths and supervised swimming areas that cater to different age groups and swimming abilities.
15. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE FORMATIONS
Elephant Rocks State Park showcases massive pink granite boulders that stand end-to-end like circus elephants, with some individual rocks reaching the size of houses. The park's one-mile Braille Trail was designed as one of the first in the nation specifically for visitors with visual or physical disabilities, allowing more people to experience these 1.5-billion-year-old geological marvels. Visitors can climb among the elephantine boulders, explore the abandoned quarry, and enjoy picnicking in this unique natural setting.