Stoutsville MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Stoutsville, Missouri.
1. Mark Twain State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Mark Twain State Park offers visitors a beautiful natural setting for outdoor recreation near Stoutsville. The park features hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities for visitors to enjoy. It is named after the famous American author Mark Twain who was born in the area.
2. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
LITERARY HISTORICAL LANDMARK
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the birthplace of Samuel Clemens, better known as Mark Twain. Visitors can explore the humble cabin where the famous author was born and learn about his early life through exhibits and displays. The site offers a fascinating glimpse into the origins of one of America's most celebrated literary figures.
3. Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE
Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site features a beautifully preserved 19th-century covered bridge near Stoutsville. The bridge, built in 1871, is one of only four remaining covered bridges in Missouri and showcases the Burr-arch truss design. Visitors can walk through this historic structure and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the site.
4. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
Gateway Arch stands as the iconic symbol of St. Louis and serves as a national park and monument. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top of the 630-foot stainless steel arch for spectacular views of the city and the Mississippi River. The arch commemorates the westward expansion of the United States and is part of the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial.
5. Audrain County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
Audrain County Historical Museum preserves and showcases the rich history of the region surrounding Stoutsville. The museum features exhibits on local pioneer life, agricultural development, and significant historical events. Visitors can examine artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of Audrain County's past.
6. Mark Twain Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER ACTIVITIES
Mark Twain Lake offers 18,000 acres of water activities and outdoor recreation near Stoutsville. The lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and water sports throughout the warmer months. Surrounding the lake are numerous hiking trails, picnic areas, and campgrounds that make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts.
7. Salt River
SCENIC PADDLING DESTINATION
Salt River flows near Stoutsville and offers scenic paddling opportunities for kayakers and canoeists. The river winds through beautiful forested areas and provides habitat for diverse wildlife and bird species. When water levels are favorable, paddlers can enjoy a peaceful journey through the natural beauty of northeast Missouri.
8. Monroe County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
Monroe County Historical Society Museum houses collections that document the history and development of the area around Stoutsville. The museum displays artifacts, photographs, and documents that illuminate the lives of early settlers and the evolution of local communities. Visitors can gain insights into rural Missouri life through carefully curated exhibits spanning multiple historical periods.
9. Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD WATCHING PARADISE
Clarence Cannon National Wildlife Refuge provides critical habitat for migratory birds and other wildlife near the Mississippi River. The refuge features wetlands, forests, and prairies that attract numerous bird species, making it an excellent destination for birdwatching enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the area via walking trails and observation platforms that offer views of diverse ecosystems.
10. Paris Courthouse
HISTORIC ARCHITECTURAL LANDMARK
Paris Courthouse stands as an impressive example of historic architecture in Monroe County near Stoutsville. The courthouse, built in 1913, features a distinctive dome and classical design elements that make it a notable landmark. Visitors can admire the building's exterior and interior craftsmanship while learning about its role in local government history.
11. Spalding Recreation Area
LAKESIDE OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Spalding Recreation Area offers lakeside amenities and outdoor activities on the shores of Mark Twain Lake. The area includes boat ramps, swimming beaches, picnic shelters, and camping facilities for visitors to enjoy. Scenic hiking trails wind through the surrounding woods, providing opportunities to observe local wildlife and natural beauty.
12. Indian Creek Recreation Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY OUTDOOR DESTINATION
Indian Creek Recreation Area provides family-friendly outdoor activities near Mark Twain Lake. The area features camping sites, picnic areas, and easy access to water recreation on the lake. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a peaceful natural setting not far from Stoutsville.
13. General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home
MILITARY HISTORY SITE
General John J. Pershing Boyhood Home preserves the early residence of the famous World War I military leader. The site includes the restored home, a museum with exhibits about Pershing's life and military career, and historic prairie school building. Visitors can gain insight into the formative years of the general who commanded American forces in Europe during the First World War.
14. Long Branch State Park
LAKESIDE RECREATION AREA
Long Branch State Park offers diverse recreational opportunities centered around Long Branch Lake near Stoutsville. The park features swimming beaches, boat launches, fishing areas, and miles of trails for hiking and mountain biking. Campsites and picnic areas make this an ideal destination for day trips or extended outdoor adventures.
15. Hannibal Historic District
MARK TWAIN'S HOMETOWN
Hannibal Historic District preserves the charming riverside town where Mark Twain spent his boyhood years. Visitors can explore locations that inspired Twain's most famous works, including the Mark Twain Boyhood Home, Becky Thatcher House, and other period buildings. The district offers a glimpse into 19th-century life along the Mississippi River and the environment that shaped one of America's greatest authors.