Bosworth MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bosworth, Missouri.
1. World's Largest Pecan
UNIQUE ROADSIDE ATTRACTION
The World's Largest Pecan is a popular roadside attraction in Bosworth that draws curious visitors. This oversized replica celebrates Missouri's agricultural heritage and pecan production. Visitors can take photos with this quirky monument that exemplifies America's love for supersized roadside oddities.
2. Van Meter State Park
HISTORIC NATIVE AMERICAN SITE
Van Meter State Park preserves the site of a former Missouri Indian village and offers both natural beauty and cultural history. The park features hiking trails, picnic areas, and an interpretive center showcasing archaeological artifacts. Visitors can explore the Missouri River overlook and learn about the Native American tribes that once inhabited the region.
3. Bosworth Access
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Bosworth Access is a public recreation area managed by the Missouri Department of Conservation. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, sightseeing, nature observation, and fishing in this natural setting. The area also permits seasonal hunting, camping, and collection of wild edibles like nuts, berries, and mushrooms.
4. Boone's Lick State Historic Site
PIONEER SALT WORKS
Boone's Lick State Historic Site preserves the location of one of Missouri's first industries - a salt manufacturing operation established by Nathan and Daniel Morgan Boone. The site features remnants of the salt works where early settlers extracted salt from natural brine springs. Visitors can learn about frontier life and the importance of salt production through interpretive displays and a short hiking trail.
5. Eleven Point River Canoe Rental
SCENIC RIVER ADVENTURE
Eleven Point River Canoe Rental offers outdoor enthusiasts the opportunity to explore one of Missouri's most scenic waterways. Visitors can rent canoes, kayaks, or rafts to navigate the crystal-clear Eleven Point River. The experience includes stunning views of limestone bluffs, springs, and diverse wildlife along this National Scenic River.
6. Sam A. Baker State Park
OZARK MOUNTAIN WILDERNESS
Sam A. Baker State Park is nestled in the St. Francois Mountains offering visitors a true Ozark Mountain wilderness experience. The park features the St. Francis River and Big Creek, providing excellent opportunities for fishing, swimming, and canoeing. Visitors can also enjoy hiking trails, campgrounds, cabins, and a lodge in this scenic natural setting.
7. Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain
THRILLING CANOPY ADVENTURE
Branson Zipline at Wolfe Mountain offers exciting aerial adventures through the Ozark forests. Visitors can experience multiple ziplines, suspension bridges, and platforms set high in the trees. The attraction provides breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains while delivering an adrenaline-pumping experience for adventure seekers.
8. Museum at the Boonslick
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Museum at the Boonslick showcases the rich pioneer heritage of central Missouri's Boonslick region. Exhibits feature artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of early settlement and development in the area. Visitors can explore the cultural history of this significant region that was instrumental in Missouri's westward expansion.
9. Shaw Nature Reserve
NATIVE LANDSCAPE SANCTUARY
Shaw Nature Reserve encompasses nearly 2,500 acres of diverse natural habitats including woodlands, glades, prairies, and wetlands. Visitors can explore more than 14 miles of hiking trails through these varied ecosystems while observing native plants and wildlife. The reserve also offers educational programs, a visitor center, and seasonal wildflower displays throughout its protected landscape.
10. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
LITERARY HISTORICAL SITE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum preserves the childhood residence of America's beloved author Samuel Clemens. The complex includes six historic buildings and two museums featuring exhibits about Twain's life and literary contributions. Visitors can see the famous fence that inspired Tom Sawyer's whitewashing scene and other locations that influenced Twain's most famous stories.
11. Lewis and Clark Monument
HISTORIC EXPEDITION TRIBUTE
The Lewis and Clark Monument features larger-than-life bronze statues honoring the famous explorers who began their westward expedition from this area in 1804. Located in Frontier Park along the Missouri Riverfront, this impressive sculpture commemorates a pivotal moment in American exploration history. Visitors can learn about the Corps of Discovery's preparations in St. Charles before they embarked on their journey through the Louisiana Purchase territory.
12. Graham Cave State Park
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Graham Cave State Park preserves an archaeological site where artifacts dating back more than 10,000 years have been discovered. Visitors can enter the mouth of the cave and view exhibits explaining the cultural and natural significance of this prehistoric shelter. The park also offers hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive programs focused on the ancient peoples who once inhabited the cave.
13. Gary's Gay Parita
VINTAGE ROUTE 66 RECREATION
Gary's Gay Parita is a loving re-creation of a 1930s Sinclair gas station that celebrates the golden age of Route 66. This roadside attraction features original gas pumps, vintage cars, and period memorabilia from America's most famous highway. Visitors can step back in time and experience the nostalgic charm of travel along the historic 'Mother Road.'
14. Walt Disney Dreaming Tree and Barn
ANIMATION PIONEER'S INSPIRATION
The Walt Disney Dreaming Tree and Barn preserves the childhood inspirations of the legendary animator and entrepreneur. Disney spent formative years in Marceline, where he would daydream under his 'dreaming tree' and practice drawing in the family's barn. Visitors can see the location that influenced Disney's vision and creativity that would later transform entertainment worldwide.
15. Riverview Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER OVERLOOK
Riverview Park offers spectacular views of the mighty Mississippi River from its scenic overlooks. The park features a stately statue of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) gazing over the river that inspired much of his writing. Visitors can enjoy picnic areas, walking paths, and panoramic vistas of the historic waterway that played such an important role in Missouri's development.