Sheldon MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Sheldon, Missouri.
1. Plaza Theatre
CLASSIC CINEMATIC EXPERIENCE
Plaza Theatre is a beloved entertainment venue in Sheldon that has received perfect 5.0 ratings from visitors. The theater offers a nostalgic movie-going experience while screening both classic films and new releases. Visitors appreciate the charming atmosphere and reasonable prices for tickets and concessions.
2. Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Harry S Truman Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the humble home where the 33rd President of the United States was born in 1884. The site features a well-maintained small white house with period furnishings and educational displays about Truman's early life and political career. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the only U.S. president born in Missouri and his lasting impact on American history.
3. DeLaney Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
DeLaney Vineyard & Winery offers visitors a delightful wine-tasting experience in the heart of rural Missouri. The family-owned establishment produces a variety of wines from locally grown grapes and has earned an impressive 4.9 rating from visitors. Guests can enjoy tastings, vineyard tours, and special events in a picturesque countryside setting.
4. Bushwhacker Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
Bushwhacker Museum chronicles the turbulent Civil War history of Vernon County and the border region between Missouri and Kansas. The museum houses an extensive collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents related to the guerrilla warfare that characterized this area during the conflict. Visitors can explore exhibits detailing the lives of civilians and soldiers during this tumultuous period in American history.
5. Sheldon Art Galleries
DIVERSE ART COLLECTIONS
Sheldon Art Galleries presents a wide range of exhibits across more than 7,000 square feet of display space. The galleries are dedicated to showcasing St. Louis artists and collections, music, architecture, photography, and children's art. Visitors can experience diverse artistic expressions through regularly changing exhibitions throughout the year.
6. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch dominates St. Louis' skyline as both an architectural marvel and a historical emblem of westward expansion. Visitors can enjoy tram rides to the top of the 630-foot stainless steel structure for panoramic views of the city and Mississippi River. The accompanying museum beneath the Arch tells the story of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and the role St. Louis played in the nation's westward expansion.
7. Schell-Osage Conservation Area
WILDLIFE AND RECREATION
Schell-Osage Conservation Area encompasses over 8,000 acres of wetlands, forests, and prairie habitats near Sheldon. This natural area provides excellent opportunities for hunting, fishing, birdwatching, and wildlife photography throughout the year. Visitors can observe a wide variety of waterfowl, wading birds, and other wildlife while enjoying the serene natural setting.
8. Radio Springs Park
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION
Radio Springs Park offers a variety of recreational facilities for families and visitors of all ages. The park features playgrounds, picnic areas, sports fields, and walking trails spread across well-maintained grounds. Seasonal events and community gatherings make this a popular destination for locals and tourists alike.
9. Fort Scott National Historic Site
FRONTIER MILITARY HISTORY
Fort Scott National Historic Site preserves a military outpost that played a significant role in the opening of the West and the Civil War. The site features restored buildings, including barracks, officers' quarters, and a hospital that illustrate military life on the frontier. Visitors can participate in ranger-led programs, living history demonstrations, and explore exhibits that detail the fort's importance in American history.
10. Prairie State Park
NATIVE TALLGRASS PRAIRIE
Prairie State Park protects one of the last remaining tallgrass prairie ecosystems in Missouri, offering visitors a glimpse of the landscape that once covered much of the state. The park is home to a herd of American bison and elk that roam freely across the rolling hills and grasslands. Hiking trails wind through the prairie, allowing visitors to experience seasonal wildflower displays and diverse wildlife throughout the year.
11. Battle of Carthage State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Battle of Carthage State Historic Site commemorates one of the earliest engagements of the Civil War, fought on July 5, 1861. The site features interpretive panels that explain the battle's significance and its impact on Missouri's divided loyalties during the conflict. Visitors can walk the grounds where Union and Confederate forces clashed in a battle that helped shape the course of the war in the Western Theater.
12. George Washington Carver National Monument
SCIENTIST'S BIRTHPLACE
George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian. The site includes a museum with interactive exhibits detailing Carver's life, discoveries, and his significant contributions to agricultural science and education. Visitors can also explore nature trails through woodlands and prairie that inspired Carver's early interest in plants and natural sciences.
13. Big Brutus
GIANT MINING SHOVEL
Big Brutus stands as the second-largest electric shovel in the world, a 16-story high monument to the area's coal mining heritage. This massive machine, preserved as a museum piece, allows visitors to climb aboard and explore its inner workings while learning about the region's mining history. The surrounding museum features exhibits on coal mining techniques, the lives of miners, and the economic impact of the industry on southeast Kansas.
14. Precious Moments Chapel
INSPIRATIONAL ART DESTINATION
Precious Moments Chapel showcases the artistry of Samuel J. Butcher through murals and stained glass inspired by his famous figurines. The chapel's interior features over 30 murals based on biblical stories, rendered in Butcher's distinctive style with the beloved teardrop-eyed characters. Surrounding gardens, fountains, and additional gallery spaces complete this unique attraction that draws visitors from around the world.
15. Katy Trail State Park
HISTORIC RAIL TRAIL
Katy Trail State Park is America's longest developed rail-trail, stretching 240 miles across Missouri with its western terminus in Clinton, not far from Sheldon. The trail follows the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad, offering a flat, scenic route for hiking, cycling, and horseback riding. Travelers on the trail can experience diverse landscapes including farmland, prairies, wetlands, and dramatic Missouri River bluffs while passing through charming small towns along the way.