Brownington MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Brownington, Missouri.
1. Truman Reservoir Management Lands
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Truman Reservoir Management Lands in Brownington spans across 58,133 acres distributed around the reservoir in parts of Henry, Benton, Hickory, and St. Clair counties. The vast area offers numerous outdoor recreational opportunities including fishing, boating, hiking, and wildlife watching. Visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Missouri while enjoying the serene reservoir surroundings.
2. Ha Ha Tonka State Park
HISTORIC CASTLE RUINS
Ha Ha Tonka State Park features the striking ruins of a European-style castle that overlooks the beautiful Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can explore the historic stone castle remains while enjoying panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The park combines fascinating history with natural beauty, making it a must-visit destination in the region.
3. General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
HISTORIC MILITARY FIGURE
The General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home State Historic Site preserves the childhood residence of the famous World War I commander. Visitors can tour the home and learn about Pershing's formative years that helped shape his legendary military career. The site offers a glimpse into rural Missouri life in the late 19th century through preserved period furnishings and informative exhibits.
4. Locust Creek Covered Bridge
HISTORIC WOODEN BRIDGE
Locust Creek Covered Bridge State Historic Site features one of Missouri's few remaining covered bridges, built in 1868. The 151-foot long bridge showcases historic timber construction techniques that were once common throughout rural America. Now preserved as a pedestrian walkway, the bridge offers visitors a charming glimpse into 19th-century transportation infrastructure.
5. The Pigskin
LOCAL DINING FAVORITE
The Pigskin is a highly-rated local restaurant that serves up delicious comfort food in a friendly atmosphere. Known for its generous portions and homestyle cooking, this eatery has become a favorite among locals and visitors alike. The restaurant offers a taste of authentic Missouri cuisine with a menu featuring regional favorites and specialties.
6. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
FAMOUS AUTHOR'S RESIDENCE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal includes six historic buildings and two museums dedicated to Missouri's most famous author. Visitors can see the actual fence that inspired the famous whitewashing scene from Tom Sawyer and explore the environment that shaped Samuel Clemens' literary career. The museum complex offers comprehensive exhibits featuring artifacts and interactive displays that bring Twain's stories and characters to life.
7. Lewis and Clark Statue
FAMOUS EXPLORERS MONUMENT
A larger-than-life bronze statue in St. Charles commemorates explorers Meriwether Lewis and William Clark who gathered supplies in the city before their famous expedition. Located along the Missouri Riverfront in Frontier Park, the monument stands as a tribute to these historic figures who played a crucial role in American westward expansion. Visitors can appreciate the artistic craftsmanship while learning about the explorers' historic 1804 journey into the Louisiana Purchase territory.
8. Graham Cave State Park
ANCIENT ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITE
Graham Cave State Park preserves a significant 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 combines fascinating ancient history with beautiful natural surroundings, offering hiking trails and outdoor recreational opportunities.
9. Gary's Gay Parita
ROUTE 66 NOSTALGIA
Gary's Gay Parita offers a nostalgic glimpse into Route 66 history through its recreation of a 1930s Sinclair gas station. The attraction features original gas pumps and memorabilia from the golden age of America's 'Mother Road'. Visitors can step back in time and experience the charm of roadside Americana that defined travel in the mid-20th century.
10. Riverview Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
Riverview Park in Hannibal features a stately statue of Samuel Clemens (Mark Twain) overlooking the majestic Mississippi River. The park offers panoramic views of the river that played such an important role in Twain's life and literary works. Visitors can enjoy the scenic beauty while reflecting on the connection between the famous author and the mighty waterway that inspired many of his stories.
11. Community Bookshelf
UNIQUE LITERARY LANDMARK
The Community Bookshelf is an extraordinary architectural feature of the Kansas City Public Library's parking garage facade. Designed to look like a row of gigantic books, this unique installation showcases spines of literary classics measuring 25 feet tall and 9 feet wide. The creative public art piece has become an iconic landmark that celebrates literature and adds character to the city's downtown area.
12. Harry S. Truman Presidential Library
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY MUSEUM
The Harry S. Truman Presidential Library and Museum houses extensive collections related to the 33rd U.S. President who was born in Missouri. Visitors can explore exhibits chronicling Truman's life and presidency, including his famous decision to drop atomic bombs and the implementation of the Marshall Plan. The library features Truman's office exactly as he left it, along with his grave site on the peaceful grounds of the museum.
13. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the top for spectacular views of the city and the Mississippi River. The accompanying museum beneath the arch tells the story of westward expansion and the architectural marvel of the structure itself.
14. Fantastic Caverns
AMERICA'S RIDE-THROUGH CAVE
Fantastic Caverns is America's only ride-through cave, allowing visitors to experience the underground wonders from the comfort of a jeep-drawn tram. The cave features spectacular formations including stalactites, stalagmites, and flowstones that have formed over thousands of years. With a constant 60-degree temperature year-round, the cave offers a unique geological adventure regardless of weather conditions outside.
15. Silver Dollar City
HISTORIC THEME PARK
Silver Dollar City is an 1880s-themed amusement park featuring traditional crafts, thrilling rides, and live entertainment. Visitors can watch skilled craftsmen demonstrate glassblowing, blacksmithing, and woodworking while enjoying the park's numerous attractions. The park's combination of Ozark culture, exciting roller coasters, and family-friendly shows has made it one of Missouri's premier tourist destinations.