Hunnewell MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Hunnewell, Missouri.
1. Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area
OUTDOOR RECREATION AND WILDLIFE
Hunnewell Lake Conservation Area spans 1,905 acres and features a 228-acre lake, making it a prime spot for fishing, boating, and wildlife observation. The area includes a fish hatchery that produces hundreds of thousands of fish annually for Missouri's public lakes. Visitors can enjoy scenic prairie remnants, wooded trails, and a unique stand of old-growth white oak forest.
2. Hunnewell Access
FISHING AND BOATING SPOT
Hunnewell Access provides a concrete boat ramp and easy entry to the North Fork of the Salt River, making it ideal for anglers and boaters. The site is popular for fishing and offers access to a scenic stretch of river just upstream from its confluence with Mark Twain Lake. It's a quiet area favored by locals seeking an uncrowded spot to launch boats or enjoy nature.
3. Mark Twain State Park
HISTORIC LAKESIDE PARK
Mark Twain State Park offers picturesque lake views, camping facilities, and a network of hiking trails amid rolling Missouri hills. The park is located near Mark Twain Lake and is a favorite destination for boating, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. Its visitor center and shaded picnic areas draw families and outdoor enthusiasts from across the region.
4. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
LITERARY HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the modest cabin where Samuel Clemens, known as Mark Twain, was born in 1835. Visitors can explore exhibits about the author's early life and view first editions of his famous works. The site stands as a tribute to one of America's best-known writers and offers insight into his formative years.
5. Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
HISTORIC 19TH-CENTURY BRIDGE
Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site preserves one of Missouri's last remaining covered bridges, originally constructed in 1871. The bridge spans the Elk Fork of the Salt River and is a prime example of Burr-arch truss architecture. Visitors can picnic nearby and admire this unique piece of transportation history set in a tranquil rural landscape.
6. Riverview Park
SCENIC OVERLOOK AND TRAILS
Riverview Park in Hannibal offers breathtaking vistas of the Mississippi River from its elevated bluffs. The park features walking trails, gardens, and a historic stonework overlook, making it a favorite for photographers and hikers. It's also a peaceful spot for picnics and wildlife observation.
7. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PROTECTED RIVER RECREATION
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is a designated national park protecting the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers and their surrounding natural habitats. The park offers opportunities for canoeing, fishing, hiking, and exploring historic landmarks like Alley Mill. It's celebrated for its clear springs and unspoiled beauty, attracting visitors from all over the Midwest.
8. Alley Mill
HISTORIC WATER-POWERED MILL
Alley Mill, known as "The Old Red Mill," is a beautifully restored 1894 grist mill nestled beside Alley Spring. Visitors can tour the mill's interior to see original machinery and learn about Missouri's milling history. The spring's crystal-clear water and surrounding trails make this site a favorite for both history buffs and nature lovers.
9. Welch Hospital
HISTORIC MEDICAL LANDMARK
Welch Hospital is a preserved historical structure reflecting early 20th-century rural medical practice in Missouri. The site forms part of the cultural heritage preserved in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways park. It offers insight into the evolution of rural healthcare through exhibits and guided tours.
10. Poplar Bluff History Museum
REGIONAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
Poplar Bluff History Museum is located in a century-old former school building and houses diverse exhibits showcasing the history of Butler County. Displays include local sports, postal history, and military memorabilia, giving a glimpse into the area's cultural heritage. The building itself is a neo-classical landmark listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
11. Margaret Harwell Art Museum
FINE ARTS AND CULTURE
Margaret Harwell Art Museum offers rotating contemporary art exhibitions and community cultural events. Housed in a historic residence, the museum fosters local and regional artistic talent. It is known for its welcoming atmosphere and lively schedule of gallery openings and educational programs.
12. Pioneer Heritage Homestead
LIVING HISTORY EXPERIENCE
Pioneer Heritage Homestead is a living history museum featuring restored log cabins, barns, and a working blacksmith shop. The site hosts tours and events that demonstrate rural pioneer life in Missouri. It provides hands-on experiences and educational opportunities for visitors of all ages.
13. Battle of Fort Benton Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
The Battle of Fort Benton Site commemorates one of Missouri's Civil War skirmishes through interpretive markers and guided tours. Located near Patterson, the area offers visitors a chance to explore preserved earthworks and learn about local military history. The site is an educational resource for Civil War enthusiasts.
14. Mark Twain Memorial Shrine
TRIBUTE TO FAMOUS AUTHOR
Mark Twain Memorial Shrine honors the legacy of Samuel Clemens, widely known as Mark Twain, in his birthplace town of Florida, Missouri. The shrine contains memorabilia, rare books, and personal items connected to his life and literary career. It serves as a pilgrimage site for fans of classic American literature.
15. Salt River
SCENIC RIVER ACTIVITIES
The Salt River meanders through the region and offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, wildlife spotting, and fishing. Its tree-lined banks and gentle currents make it a popular waterway for families and outdoor adventurers alike. The river is especially beautiful in the fall when the foliage turns vibrant colors.