Grand Pass MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Grand Pass, Missouri.
1. Grand Pass Conservation Area
MISSOURI RIVER WETLANDS
Grand Pass Conservation Area consists of Missouri River bottomlands, including wetlands, adjacent river islands, agricultural units, and timber tracts. The area has been designated by Audubon Missouri as an Important Bird Area due to the abundance and diversity of birds present. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, bird watching, fishing, and hunting under special regulations.
2. Santa Fe Trail-Grand Pass Trail Segments
HISTORIC TRAIL ROUTE
The Santa Fe Trail-Grand Pass Trail Segments are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. These trail segments were part of the Great Osage Trail that passed through the town, for which Grand Pass was named. Visitors can explore these historic paths that played a significant role in westward expansion and trade during the 19th century.
3. Gumbo Point Archeological Site
ANCIENT CULTURAL SITE
The Gumbo Point Archeological Site in Grand Pass is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The site preserves significant archaeological evidence from past civilizations that once inhabited the Missouri River valley. Visitors can learn about the rich cultural history of the region and the archaeological discoveries that have been made at this important site.
4. Wakenda Bottoms Conservation Area
RIVER FLOODPLAIN ECOSYSTEM
Grand Pass is within the Wakenda Bottoms Conservation Opportunity Area, a broad reach of the Missouri River floodplain. Historically, the dynamic shifting of the Missouri River with its braided channels and fluctuating water levels created a mosaic of marshes and wet prairies here. Nature enthusiasts can experience this unique ecosystem that showcases the natural state of the Missouri River valley before development.
5. Missouri River Access Points
RIVER RECREATION SPOTS
Grand Pass Conservation Area provides multiple access points to the Missouri River for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can launch boats, fish, or simply enjoy the scenic views of America's longest river. These access points serve as gateways to explore the rich biodiversity and natural beauty of the Missouri River ecosystem.
6. Van Meter State Park
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Van Meter State Park, located near Grand Pass in Saline County, preserves the site of the Missouri Indian tribe's village. The park features an interpretive center that tells the story of the Missouri Indians and other tribes that once lived in the area. Visitors can hike trails that lead to ancient burial mounds and explore the natural landscape that supported indigenous communities for centuries.
7. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a 19th-century village that was once a thriving river port on the Missouri River. The village features numerous historic buildings, including the J. Huston Tavern, which is the oldest continuously operating restaurant west of the Mississippi River. Visitors can step back in time and experience life as it was in the 1800s through guided tours and interactive exhibits.
8. Jim the Wonder Dog Garden
FAMOUS CANINE MEMORIAL
Jim the Wonder Dog Garden in nearby Marshall commemorates one of the most famous hunting dogs in American history, known for his seemingly psychic abilities. The garden features a statue of Jim, informational plaques, and beautiful landscaping in honor of the Llewellyn setter who astounded people with his extraordinary intelligence in the 1930s. Visitors can learn about Jim's remarkable story and the nationwide attention he received for his unusual talents.
9. Saline County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Saline County Historical Society Museum showcases the rich history of Saline County, including Grand Pass and surrounding communities. The museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region's development from Native American settlements through pioneer days to the present. Visitors can explore exhibits on local agriculture, military history, and the cultural heritage that shaped this part of Missouri.
10. Indian Foothills Park
RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
Indian Foothills Park in Marshall offers a variety of recreational opportunities within a short drive from Grand Pass. The park features hiking trails, sports facilities, a fishing lake, and picnic areas set among rolling hills and mature trees. Nature enthusiasts can observe local wildlife while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere of this well-maintained community park.
11. Blind Pony Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
Blind Pony Fish Hatchery, operated by the Missouri Department of Conservation, raises various fish species for stocking in Missouri waters. The facility offers tours where visitors can learn about fish breeding, conservation efforts, and the importance of maintaining healthy aquatic ecosystems. The hatchery plays a crucial role in supporting Missouri's recreational fishing opportunities and aquatic biodiversity.
12. Concordia Historic District
GERMAN HERITAGE AREA
The Concordia Historic District showcases the German heritage that influenced much of the region surrounding Grand Pass. The district features well-preserved 19th-century architecture, including churches, homes, and commercial buildings built by German immigrants. Visitors can take a self-guided walking tour to admire the historic structures and learn about the German cultural traditions that continue to shape the community.
13. Confederate Memorial State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR MONUMENT
Confederate Memorial State Historic Site preserves the former Confederate Soldiers Home of Missouri and its 92-acre grounds. The site honors the Confederate veterans who lived there from 1891 to 1950 and includes a chapel, cemetery, and museum with Civil War artifacts. Visitors can explore the peaceful grounds while learning about Missouri's complex role in the Civil War and the experiences of veterans in the post-war era.
14. Waverly Apple Jubilee
ANNUAL HARVEST FESTIVAL
The Waverly Apple Jubilee is an annual fall festival celebrating the apple harvest in the Missouri River Valley near Grand Pass. The event features apple products, crafts, music, food vendors, and family-friendly activities that highlight the agricultural heritage of the region. Visitors from throughout Saline County gather to enjoy this community tradition that has been held for decades in the historic river town of Waverly.
15. Lewis & Clark Trail
HISTORIC RIVER ROUTE
The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail passes through Saline County along the Missouri River near Grand Pass. This historic route follows the path of the Corps of Discovery's expedition from 1804 to 1806, which was commissioned by President Thomas Jefferson to explore the newly acquired Louisiana Purchase. Travelers can visit interpretive sites along the river that explain the expedition's journey, discoveries, and interactions with Native American tribes in the region.