Gilman City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Gilman City, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC ST. LOUIS MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument in St. Louis that symbolizes the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram to the top for panoramic views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch is part of the Gateway Arch National Park which includes the Museum at the Gateway Arch that documents the history of westward expansion.
2. Missouri Botanical Garden
LUSH BOTANICAL PARADISE
Missouri Botanical Garden is a 79-acre oasis in St. Louis featuring diverse plant collections from around the world. The garden includes a Japanese garden, a tropical rainforest conservatory, and numerous themed gardens that change with the seasons. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and serves as both a recreational space and a center for botanical research.
3. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an extensive collection spanning nearly 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is known for its Asian art collection, European paintings, and modern sculptures, including the iconic giant shuttlecocks on its lawn. Admission to the main collections is free, making it an accessible cultural destination for all visitors.
4. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER WORLD
Meramec Caverns is an extensive cave system in the Ozarks featuring dramatic formations of stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns are famous for once serving as a hideout for the outlaw Jesse James and his gang in the late 1800s. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers with names like the Wine Table, the Mirror Room, and the spectacular Theatre Room with its seven-story formation.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
PRISTINE RIVER ADVENTURE
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is the first national park area to protect a river system, preserving the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. The park offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and swimming in crystal-clear waters flowing through stunning Ozark landscapes. Visitors can also explore caves, springs, historic mills, and over 300 identified caves within the park boundaries.
6. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long bridge spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 22-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge has been converted to a pedestrian and cycling path offering spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. The bridge is known for its unique engineering and the 24 water intake towers visible from its span.
7. Crowder State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Crowder State Park offers visitors over 1,900 acres of rolling hills, open grasslands, and dense forests in northern Missouri. The park features more than 17 miles of hiking trails, including the Thompson House Trail which leads to a restored historic homestead. Visitors can enjoy fishing in the 18-acre Crowder Lake, camping at one of the park's campsites, or exploring the remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp from the 1930s.
8. Adam-ondi-Ahman
SACRED RELIGIOUS SITE
Adam-ondi-Ahman is a historic and religious site significant to members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The 3,000-acre valley features rolling hills, scenic vistas, and a peaceful atmosphere for reflection and contemplation. According to Mormon beliefs, this location is where Adam and Eve lived after being expelled from the Garden of Eden and will be the site of a future gathering before the Second Coming of Christ.
9. Squirrel Cage Jail
UNIQUE HISTORIC PRISON
The Squirrel Cage Jail is one of the few remaining rotary jails in the United States, featuring a unique carousel-like system of cells. Built in 1885, the three-story structure rotated so that only one cell opening aligned with the single door on each floor, minimizing the need for prison guards. Now a museum, visitors can tour this National Historic Landmark and learn about its innovative but problematic design and the history of incarceration in the region.
10. Grand River Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE SHOWCASE
The Grand River Historical Society Museum preserves and displays the rich history of Livingston County and the surrounding area. Exhibits include artifacts from Native American cultures, pioneer settlements, and the development of agriculture and industry in north-central Missouri. The museum is home to a rare Mergenthaler Linotype machine and hosts the annual Sliced Bread Day Festival commemorating Chillicothe as the home of sliced bread.
11. Harrison County Lake
TRANQUIL FISHING DESTINATION
Harrison County Lake is a serene 280-acre reservoir offering excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, catfish, and bluegill. The lake features multiple boat ramps, fishing jetties, and a swimming beach for summer recreation. Surrounding parkland provides picnic areas, hiking trails, and camping facilities for visitors seeking a peaceful outdoor getaway.
12. Jamesport Amish Community
TRADITIONAL AMISH SETTLEMENT
The Jamesport Amish Community is the largest Old Order Amish settlement in Missouri, offering visitors a glimpse into a simpler way of life. Visitors can purchase handcrafted furniture, quilts, baked goods, and bulk foods from the numerous Amish-owned shops and markets. Guided tours are available to learn about Amish history, culture, and traditions while observing their horse-drawn buggies and traditional farming methods.
13. Poosey Conservation Area
RUGGED OUTDOOR WILDERNESS
Poosey Conservation Area encompasses over 5,800 acres of diverse terrain including hardwood forests, open fields, and clear streams. The area offers numerous recreational activities such as hunting, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, and primitive camping. A highlight is the annual Poosey Conservation Area Driving Tour, which allows visitors to experience the area's rugged beauty from their vehicles during the peak of fall colors.
14. Daviess County Courthouse
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Daviess County Courthouse is a stately historic building constructed in 1840 that stands as the centerpiece of downtown Gallatin. The courthouse gained notoriety as the site of the 1883 trial of Frank James, brother of Jesse James and member of the infamous James-Younger Gang. Visitors can admire the building's classic architecture and learn about its significant role in local and state history.
15. Gallatin Memorial Park
COMMUNITY RECREATION SPACE
Gallatin Memorial Park offers a variety of recreational facilities including ball fields, tennis courts, a swimming pool, and playgrounds for family enjoyment. The park hosts community events throughout the year, including summer concerts, festivals, and holiday celebrations. Beautiful walking paths wind through landscaped grounds, providing a peaceful setting for relaxation and exercise in this small Missouri town.