Blackburn MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Blackburn, Missouri.
1. Hasselbring's Harmony Alpaca Ranch
UNIQUE ALPACA EXPERIENCE
Hasselbring's Harmony Alpaca Ranch offers visitors a chance to interact with alpacas in their natural environment. Visitors can learn about alpaca farming, fiber production, and even purchase unique alpaca products. The ranch provides educational tours that are suitable for all ages and provides a peaceful countryside experience.
2. Central Park
COMMUNITY GREEN SPACE
Central Park serves as the main community gathering space in Blackburn. The park features open green spaces, picnic areas, and recreational facilities for local residents and visitors alike. It hosts various community events throughout the year, making it a social hub for the town.
3. Baltimore Bend Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
Baltimore Bend Winery produces award-winning wines in the heart of Missouri wine country. Visitors can enjoy tastings of various locally produced wines while taking in the scenic vineyard views. The winery offers a relaxing atmosphere where guests can learn about winemaking processes and purchase bottles of their favorite varieties.
4. Saint Paul's Lutheran Church
HISTORIC RELIGIOUS SITE
Saint Paul's Lutheran Church stands as a historic landmark in the Blackburn community. The church features traditional architecture and serves as both a place of worship and a piece of local heritage. Visitors can appreciate the craftsmanship of the building and learn about its significance to the area's history.
5. Boone's Lick
HISTORIC SALT SPRINGS
Boone's Lick is a historic site named after Daniel Boone's sons who operated a salt manufacturing business there. The natural salt spring was an important economic resource in Missouri's early development and settlement. Today, visitors can explore the interpretive trails and learn about the site's significance in Missouri history.
6. Blackburn Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Blackburn Park spans nearly 36 acres and offers numerous recreational facilities including ballfields, tennis courts, and playgrounds. The park features walking paths and a bird sanctuary that is listed on the Great Missouri Birding Trail. Donated to the city in 1949 by Margaret Blackburn in honor of her husband Jasper Blackburn, the park underwent renovations in 2000 and received a new playground in 2023.
7. Meramec Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a popular stop on Route 66 known for its stunning natural formations and rich history. The caverns are famous for legends claiming they were used as a hideout by outlaw Jesse James. Guided tours take visitors through the impressive underground chambers featuring colorful stalactites and stalagmites.
8. Missouri Botanical Gardens
LUSH BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Gardens is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, featuring 79 acres of horticultural displays. Visitors can explore themed gardens including a Japanese strolling garden, Victorian district, and a tropical rainforest inside the Climatron geodesic dome. The gardens host seasonal events and educational programs throughout the year, making it a year-round attraction for nature lovers.
9. St. Louis Zoo
WORLD-CLASS ANIMAL EXHIBITS
The St. Louis Zoo is consistently ranked among the top zoos in the nation and offers free admission to its world-class animal exhibits. Home to over 12,000 animals representing 500+ species, the zoo provides both entertainment and education about wildlife conservation. Visitors can explore various zones including Big Cat Country, River's Edge, and the Penguin & Puffin Coast.
10. Grants Farm
HISTORIC BUSCH FAMILY ESTATE
Grants Farm is a 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family, featuring wildlife preserves and historic buildings. Visitors can see the famous Budweiser Clydesdales, feed baby goats, and encounter exotic animals like bison, zebras, and camels. The farm also offers tram tours, animal shows, and demonstrations that showcase the property's rich history and diverse wildlife.
11. Lex La-Ray Technical Center
CAREER EDUCATION HUB
Lex La-Ray Technical Center provides career and technical education for students in the region. The center offers hands-on training programs in various fields including healthcare, agriculture, and skilled trades. Visitors can tour the facilities during open house events to learn about educational opportunities and see student projects.
12. Wentworth Military Academy
HISTORIC MILITARY INSTITUTION
Wentworth Military Academy was a prestigious military school with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1880. The campus features historic buildings and monuments that showcase the institution's legacy in military education. Though the academy closed in 2017, the historic grounds remain a point of interest for visitors interested in military history.
13. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
PRESERVED 19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a once-thriving 19th-century Missouri River community. Visitors can explore more than a dozen historic structures, including the J. Huston Tavern, which dates back to 1834 and is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. The site offers guided tours, living history demonstrations, and special events that bring Missouri's past to life.
14. Fort Osage National Historic Landmark
WAR OF 1812 FORT
Fort Osage National Historic Landmark is a reconstructed early 19th-century fort overlooking the Missouri River. Built under the direction of William Clark in 1808, the fort served as a military outpost and trading post for American expansion into the Louisiana Territory. Visitors can explore the reconstructed buildings, interact with costumed interpreters, and learn about frontier life and Native American relations during this pivotal period in American history.
15. Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center
NATIVE WILDLIFE SANCTUARY
Burr Oak Woods Conservation Nature Center offers over 1,000 acres of protected forest, glades, and prairie habitats to explore. The center features interactive exhibits about Missouri wildlife, educational programs, and miles of hiking trails for all skill levels. Visitors can observe native plants and animals in their natural habitats while learning about conservation efforts in the region.