Gibbs MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gibbs, Missouri.
1. Missouri Great River Road
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI RIVER BYWAY
The Missouri Great River Road is a historic byway that invites travelers to explore cultural landmarks and natural wonders along the Mississippi River. Visitors can enjoy scenic drives while taking in the beautiful river views and stopping at various historical sites. The byway offers a glimpse into Missouri's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty.
2. Gibbs Historic District
RAILWAY VILLAGE HERITAGE
Gibbs Historic District showcases the village's railway heritage dating back to 1887 when it was established along the Santa Fe Railroad. Visitors can explore the area where the first all-weather road in Adair County once connected this important shipping point. The district reflects the town's past as a promising hub for livestock and agricultural shipping to Chicago and beyond.
3. Exhibition of Amtrak History
RAILROAD HERITAGE MUSEUM
The Exhibition of Amtrak History showcases the rich railroad heritage that shaped the region's development. Visitors can explore historical artifacts, photographs, and exhibits detailing the evolution of rail travel in Missouri. The museum provides an educational experience about the importance of railroads to small Midwestern communities like Gibbs and La Plata.
4. Lookout Point Park
SCENIC OBSERVATION AREA
Lookout Point Park offers visitors breathtaking panoramic views from its observation deck and towers. The park features well-maintained grounds and walking paths for nature enthusiasts to enjoy the surrounding landscape. Visitors appreciate the peaceful setting that makes it perfect for photography, picnics, and connecting with nature.
5. La Plata Station
HISTORIC RAILWAY DEPOT
La Plata Station serves as both a historical landmark and an active Amtrak stop connecting the region to major cities. The station's architecture reflects the golden age of rail travel with its preserved historical features and charm. Visitors can experience the nostalgia of train travel while learning about the station's significance as the preferred shipping outlet for Kirksville merchants over Gibbs in the early 1900s.
6. Former Bank of Gibbs
HISTORIC FINANCIAL INSTITUTION
The Former Bank of Gibbs, established in 1898, served the citizens of Gibbs and surrounding areas until its closure in 1933. The building stands as a testament to the economic aspirations of this small railroad town during its development period. Visitors can appreciate the architectural style typical of rural banking institutions from the turn of the century.
7. Thousand Hills State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Thousand Hills State Park offers visitors a 573-acre reservoir surrounded by forested hills and recreational facilities just a short drive from Gibbs. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, hiking, and camping in this natural oasis. The park also features Native American petroglyphs, adding a cultural dimension to the natural experience.
8. A.T. Still University Museum
OSTEOPATHIC MEDICINE HISTORY
The A.T. Still University Museum chronicles the life and work of Dr. Andrew Taylor Still, founder of osteopathic medicine. Exhibits showcase early medical instruments, personal artifacts, and the evolution of this distinctive approach to healthcare. Visitors gain insight into how this medical philosophy developed in rural Missouri and spread worldwide.
9. Truman State University Art Gallery
COLLEGIATE FINE ARTS
Truman State University Art Gallery presents rotating exhibitions featuring works by students, faculty, and visiting artists throughout the year. The gallery serves as a cultural hub for the region, offering free admission to view contemporary and traditional artwork. Art enthusiasts appreciate the diverse styles and media represented in this academic setting.
10. Long Branch State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Long Branch State Park features a 2,430-acre lake with extensive shoreline perfect for fishing, boating, and water recreation near Gibbs. The park offers well-maintained campgrounds, hiking trails, and picnic areas for day visitors and overnight guests. Wildlife observation opportunities abound with deer, turkey, and various bird species inhabiting the diverse ecosystems.
11. Maples Repertory Theatre
PROFESSIONAL LIVE PERFORMANCES
Maples Repertory Theatre presents professional theatrical productions in a historic venue not far from Gibbs. The theater offers a diverse season of plays, musicals, and special events that attract audiences from throughout northern Missouri. Visitors appreciate the intimate setting that provides an exceptional live entertainment experience in a small-town atmosphere.
12. Former Gibbs Opera House
HISTORIC ENTERTAINMENT VENUE
The Former Gibbs Opera House once served as the cultural centerpiece of this small railway village in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. The historic site represents a time when even small rural communities invested in arts and entertainment venues. Though no longer operating as an opera house, the location remains significant to understanding the cultural aspirations of early Gibbs residents.
13. Adair County Historical Society
REGIONAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Adair County Historical Society preserves and displays artifacts and documents relating to Gibbs and other communities throughout the county. Exhibits showcase the agricultural, railway, and cultural development of the region from settlement through modern times. Visitors can research genealogy and local history through the society's extensive archives and knowledgeable volunteers.
14. Old Santa Fe Rail Depot
TRANSPORTATION HISTORY LANDMARK
The Old Santa Fe Rail Depot site marks where Frank W. Gibbs donated land to establish the railway station that would give the town its name and purpose. This historic location once bustled with activity as cattle, hogs, apples, strawberries, and grain were shipped to markets across America. Visitors can imagine the scene in 1908 when a second trackline was added, symbolizing the town's brief period of prosperity and promise.
15. Perrin's Grain Elevator Site
AGRICULTURAL HERITAGE LANDMARK
Perrin's Grain Elevator Site represents where the Chicago-based company constructed facilities for storing and shipping corn and other grains from the fertile farmlands surrounding Gibbs. The location stands as a reminder of the agricultural economy that sustained the community through its railway era. Visitors interested in agricultural history can appreciate how this infrastructure connected rural Missouri farmers to national markets.