Knox City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Knox City, Missouri.
1. Smurfwood Trails ATV Park
OFF-ROAD ADVENTURE PARADISE
Smurfwood Trails ATV Park is a highly-rated off-road and ATV trail destination in Knox City. Visitors can experience thrilling rides through diverse terrain designed for various skill levels. The park offers a unique outdoor adventure experience for ATV enthusiasts and families looking for excitement.
2. Downing House Museum Complex
HISTORICAL HERITAGE SITE
The Downing House Museum Complex preserves the rich history of Knox City and the surrounding region. This well-maintained historical museum features authentic artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that tell the story of the area's past. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about local heritage and the people who shaped this part of Missouri.
3. Lookout Point Park
SCENIC VISTA DESTINATION
Lookout Point Park offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding Knox City landscape. The observation area has received excellent reviews from visitors who appreciate its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere. It's an ideal spot for photography, picnicking, and enjoying Missouri's countryside vistas.
4. Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park
OUTDOOR ART GALLERY
Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park showcases impressive outdoor sculptures spread across 22 acres of beautifully landscaped grounds. Visitors can wander among contemporary and classical works of art while enjoying the peaceful natural setting. The park offers a perfect blend of culture and nature for art enthusiasts and casual visitors alike.
5. Thornhill Historic Site
GOVERNOR'S HISTORIC HOME
Thornhill is the historic home built in 1818 by Frederick Bates, Missouri's second governor. The well-preserved property offers visitors a glimpse into 19th-century life through guided tours and educational programs. The "Farmsteading at Thornhill" experience allows guests to participate in activities typical of daily life in the 1800s.
6. Faust Historic Village
LIVING HISTORY MUSEUM
Faust Historic Village features 16 historic structures and four homes that have been carefully preserved. Located within the 200-acre Faust Park, this living history museum showcases architecture and daily life from Missouri's past. Visitors can step back in time as they explore these authentic buildings and learn about regional history.
7. St. Louis Carousel
HISTORIC MERRY-GO-ROUND EXPERIENCE
The St. Louis Carousel features 60 hand-carved horses and deer originally built in 1921. This beautifully restored carousel offers a nostalgic ride experience for visitors of all ages within Faust Park. The intricate craftsmanship and artistry of this historical amusement make it a must-see attraction.
8. Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House
TROPICAL BUTTERFLY CONSERVATORY
The Sophia M. Sachs Butterfly House is a magical indoor tropical conservatory home to thousands of butterflies from around the world. Visitors can walk among free-flying butterflies in a lush garden setting maintained at tropical temperatures year-round. Educational exhibits explain butterfly life cycles, conservation efforts, and the importance of these beautiful insects to our ecosystem.
9. Governor Bates Walking Trail
SCENIC NATURE PATH
The Governor Bates Walking Trail offers peaceful natural surroundings for hiking and wildlife observation within Faust Park. This well-maintained path winds through wooded areas and open spaces on land once owned by Missouri's second governor. Visitors can enjoy exercise and relaxation while connecting with nature in this accessible trail system.
10. Schowengerdt House
VICTORIAN ARCHITECTURAL MARVEL
The Schowengerdt House is a stunning Victorian gem built in 1866 that now stands as a National Register of Historic Places site. Its recently restored architecture showcases an impressive blend of Queen Anne and Classical Revival styles with intricate details throughout. Visitors can tour this grand home to experience the elegance of 19th-century Missouri upper-class living.
11. Warren County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Warren County Historical Society Museum houses dozens of interactive displays featuring artifacts that tell the story of the region's past. Exhibits include historical photographs, documents, arrowheads, and other items that rotate seasonally to showcase different aspects of local history. Visitors can engage with the rich heritage of Warren County through carefully curated collections and educational presentations.
12. Alexandria and Bloomington Railroad Historic Site
TRANSPORTATION HERITAGE LANDMARK
The Alexandria and Bloomington Railroad Historic Site preserves the legacy of this important transportation route that connected Alexandria in Clark County to Bloomington in Macon County. The railroad played a crucial role in the development and economic growth of northeast Missouri in the 19th century. Visitors can learn about the impact of rail transportation on rural Missouri communities through interpretive displays and preserved artifacts.
13. Alred's Hill Historic Station
RAILROAD HERITAGE SITE
Alred's Hill Historic Station was established as a station on the Atchison, Topeka, and Santa Fe Railroad line in 1887. The site represents an important part of Knox County's transportation history, as the town that grew around it was incorporated in 1889. Visitors can explore the remains of this historic railroad stop that was funded by the famous Baring Brothers of London, who invested $70,000,000 in establishing the railroad.
14. Allen Township Historical Marker
PIONEER SETTLEMENT MEMORIAL
The Allen Township Historical Marker commemorates one of Knox County's earliest settlements, organized in 1836 and named for its first settler, Samuel Allen. This historical site honors the brief but significant existence of Allen Township, which was later divided into three Lewis County townships when Scotland County was organized in 1841. Visitors can connect with the pioneering spirit of Missouri's early settlers through this memorial to the region's formative years.
15. Northeast Missouri Hidden Gems Trail
REGIONAL DISCOVERY ROUTE
The Northeast Missouri Hidden Gems Trail connects visitors to undiscovered treasures throughout this scenic region of the state. This self-guided tour route highlights unique attractions, natural wonders, and historical sites that showcase the authentic character of Northeast Missouri. Travelers can explore off-the-beaten-path destinations identified by Missouri Life Ambassadors who have uncovered special places in each county.