Stark City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stark City, Missouri.
1. Stark Caverns
UNDERGROUND CAVE ADVENTURE
Stark Caverns offers visitors a journey through amazing geological formations, Native American artifacts, and ancient bear beds near Lake of the Ozarks. Visitors can see Moonshiner's Dam, the Wishing Well, and their own Grand Canyon while learning about stalagmites, stalactites, and fluorescent minerals. The caverns feature daily tours for all ages, with 80% wheelchair accessibility, plus unique experiences like the only Escape Room inside a cave in the U.S. and their Famous Black Light Tour.
2. Newtonia Battlefield
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Newtonia Battlefield preserves the site of two significant Civil War battles that took place in southwest Missouri. The battlefield offers visitors a glimpse into the history of the area with informational markers and preserved structures from the period. History enthusiasts can explore the grounds where troops from both sides clashed during this tumultuous period in American history.
3. Neosho Federal Fish Hatchery
AQUATIC CONSERVATION CENTER
The Neosho Federal Fish Hatchery is one of the oldest operating national fish hatcheries in the United States, established in 1888. Visitors can tour the facility to see a variety of fish species being raised in ponds and tanks for conservation and stocking programs. The hatchery also includes educational displays and offers free guided tours that explain the importance of aquatic conservation.
4. Newton County Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Newton County Museum showcases the rich history of Newton County through a diverse collection of artifacts, photographs, and documents. The museum is housed in a historic building and features exhibits on local pioneers, Civil War history, and the development of the region. Visitors can explore multiple rooms filled with carefully preserved items that tell the story of the area's cultural and historical significance.
5. Antique-ish Mall
VINTAGE SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Antique-ish Mall offers a treasure trove of vintage items, collectibles, and unique finds for shoppers in the Neosho area. The spacious mall features multiple vendors selling everything from genuine antiques to retro items, handcrafted goods, and repurposed treasures. Visitors can spend hours browsing through the diverse selection of merchandise while hunting for that perfect nostalgic piece or one-of-a-kind gift.
6. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis's role as the gateway to the west. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the arch for spectacular views of the city and the Mississippi River. The surrounding Gateway Arch National Park includes a museum that chronicles the history of westward expansion in the United States.
7. Missouri Botanical Garden
LUSH BOTANICAL PARADISE
The Missouri Botanical Garden spans 79 acres and is recognized as one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, founded in 1859. Visitors can explore diverse themed gardens including a Japanese garden, English woodland garden, and a climatron geodesic dome that houses a tropical rainforest. The garden hosts seasonal events, educational programs, and houses an extensive plant collection representing species from around the world.
8. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an encyclopedic collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity from around the world. The museum's grounds feature the iconic Shuttlecocks outdoor sculptures and a serene sculpture park where visitors can enjoy art in a natural setting. Inside, visitors can explore collections of Asian art, European paintings, contemporary works, and one of the country's finest collections of American photography.
9. Meramec Caverns
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cave system in the Ozarks known for its spectacular mineral formations and colorful stalactites and stalagmites. The caverns gained notoriety as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang in the late 1800s, adding historical significance to the natural wonder. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers with formations like the Wine Table and the Theater Room with its curtain-like formations.
10. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PRISTINE NATURAL WATERWAYS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways is America's first federally protected river system, preserving the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers. Visitors can enjoy crystal-clear spring-fed waters perfect for floating, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing amid the scenic Ozark landscape. The park also features hundreds of caves, historic mills, and over 130 miles of waterways surrounded by natural beauty and opportunities for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing.
11. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic 1-mile long pedestrian bridge spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 22-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the bridge now serves as a unique walking and cycling path offering spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. Visitors can spot the river's chain of rocks for which the bridge was named and enjoy interpretive displays about the bridge's history and the surrounding environment.
12. George Washington Carver National Monument
PIONEERING SCIENTIST'S BIRTHPLACE
The George Washington Carver National Monument preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Visitors can explore the 240-acre park featuring a museum with interactive exhibits, a discovery center, and nature trails through the woods and prairies where Carver developed his love of plants. The site offers insight into Carver's journey from slavery to becoming one of America's most respected agricultural scientists and inventors.
13. Grand Falls
MAJESTIC NATURAL WATERFALL
Grand Falls is the largest continuously flowing natural waterfall in Missouri, with water cascading 25 feet down a 163-foot wide ledge of solid chert. The picturesque falls on Shoal Creek create a popular swimming hole and fishing spot for locals and visitors alike. The area surrounding the falls provides opportunities for picnicking, photography, and relaxing while enjoying the soothing sounds of rushing water.
14. Precious Moments Chapel
INSPIRATIONAL ART SANCTUARY
The Precious Moments Chapel is often called America's Sistine Chapel, featuring hand-painted murals and stained glass by artist and Precious Moments creator Samuel J. Butcher. The chapel's interior is adorned with over 84 murals depicting biblical scenes featuring the distinctive teardrop-eyed Precious Moments characters. Visitors can tour the chapel, explore the surrounding gardens with fountains and sculptures, and visit the gift shop featuring collectible figurines and merchandise.
15. Red Oak II
RESTORED HISTORIC VILLAGE
Red Oak II is a recreated ghost town featuring historic buildings that were relocated and restored by artist Lowell Davis to preserve a slice of rural American life. The open-air museum includes a Phillips 66 gas station, blacksmith shop, general store, schoolhouse, and other structures from the early 20th century. Visitors can wander through this nostalgic village and view Davis's artwork while experiencing a step back in time to small-town America.