Ethel MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Ethel, Missouri.
1. Long Branch State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Long Branch State Park offers visitors a chance to enjoy the natural beauty of north-central Missouri with its 1,828-acre reservoir. The park features numerous recreational activities including fishing, boating, swimming, and camping along its wooded shoreline. Hiking trails wind through the park's diverse landscape, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and scenic views.
2. La Plata Golf Club
SCENIC GOLFING EXPERIENCE
La Plata Golf Club provides golfers with a charming 9-hole course nestled in the rolling hills of north Missouri. The well-maintained fairways and greens offer both novice and experienced players an enjoyable and challenging round of golf. After a game, visitors can relax in the clubhouse which offers refreshments and a friendly atmosphere.
3. Missouri Botanical Garden
FLORAL WONDER WORLD
The Missouri Botanical Garden showcases vast botanical collections spanning 79 acres of horticultural displays. Visitors can explore unique features including a pioneer village and Osage camp in the Children's Garden, along with international gardens representing different global regions. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and a center for botanical research and science education.
4. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS RETREAT
Forest Park spans 1,326 acres of lush greenery, making it one of the largest urban parks in the United States. The park houses several major cultural institutions including the Saint Louis Art Museum, the Saint Louis Zoo, the Missouri History Museum, and the Saint Louis Science Center. Since hosting the 1904 World's Fair, it has remained a beloved recreational hub offering boating, golfing, tennis, and miles of scenic walking and biking paths.
5. The Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot tall stainless steel monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. Completed in 1965, this architectural marvel designed by Eero Saarinen has become the defining landmark of St. Louis.
6. Gateway Arch National Park
HISTORIC RIVERFRONT GROUNDS
Gateway Arch National Park encompasses 91 acres along the Mississippi River, celebrating America's westward expansion. Besides the iconic Gateway Arch, the park includes the Old Courthouse where the Dred Scott case was tried and the Museum at the Gateway Arch with interactive exhibits on American history. The grounds offer beautiful landscaping, walking paths, and riverboat cruises departing from the park's riverfront.
7. Little Turkey Creek Trail
PEACEFUL NATURE WALK
Little Turkey Creek Trail follows the gentle path of its namesake waterway through the quiet countryside of Ethel. The trail offers hikers a chance to observe local wildlife and native plant species in a serene rural setting. Seasonal changes bring a variety of natural experiences, from spring wildflowers to colorful autumn foliage.
8. Maples Repertory Theatre
SMALL-TOWN CULTURAL GEM
Maples Repertory Theatre presents professional productions in a historic renovated theater in downtown Macon. The theater offers a diverse seasonal lineup including musicals, comedies, and dramas performed by professional actors. Founded in 2004, this cultural institution brings high-quality theatrical entertainment to rural north Missouri.
9. Chariton River Conservation Area
WILDLIFE VIEWING HAVEN
The Chariton River Conservation Area preserves natural habitats along one of north Missouri's significant waterways. This protected area offers excellent opportunities for fishing, hunting, wildlife viewing, and nature photography. Visitors can explore bottomland forests, wetlands, and river corridors that support diverse plant and animal communities.
10. Atlanta Historic District
GLIMPSE INTO RURAL PAST
Atlanta Historic District showcases well-preserved buildings from this small town's heyday as a railroad community. Walking through the district, visitors can see examples of late 19th and early 20th century architecture that tell the story of rural Missouri's development. The town's historic charm reflects its connection to the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway that once brought prosperity to the region.
11. Macon County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Macon County Historical Museum houses artifacts and exhibits documenting the rich history of the region. Collections include farm implements, household items, photographs, and documents that illustrate the daily lives of early settlers. The museum provides insight into the agricultural heritage, railroad influence, and community development that shaped Macon County.
12. Macon Lake
RECREATIONAL FISHING SPOT
Macon Lake offers a peaceful setting for fishing, boating, and lakeside relaxation. The 200-acre reservoir is stocked with bass, crappie, catfish, and other game fish, making it popular with local anglers. Walking paths around portions of the shoreline provide scenic views and opportunities to observe waterfowl and other wildlife.
13. Blees Military Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL LANDMARK
Blees Military Academy stands as an impressive historic structure that once housed a prestigious military school founded in 1898. The grand building's distinctive architecture features elements of Romanesque and Gothic styles, making it a notable landmark in the region. Though no longer operating as a school, the building's storied past represents an important chapter in Missouri's educational history.
14. Ethel Historical Society Museum
SMALL TOWN HERITAGE
The Ethel Historical Society Museum preserves artifacts and stories from this small railroad town's past. Exhibits highlight Ethel's founding in 1888 when the Atchison, Topeka and Santa Fe Railway extended to the area, bringing growth and prosperity. Photographs, documents, and personal items tell the story of daily life in a rural Missouri community through the decades.
15. Shoemaker Conservation Area
PRISTINE NATURAL ESCAPE
Shoemaker Conservation Area offers visitors a chance to explore undeveloped natural landscapes in north Missouri. The conservation area features hiking trails through diverse habitats including woodlands, grasslands, and wetlands. Wildlife enthusiasts can observe native species while enjoying recreational activities such as hiking, bird watching, and seasonal hunting.