Verona MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Verona, Missouri.
1. Sunset Drive-In
CLASSIC OUTDOOR MOVIE EXPERIENCE
Sunset Drive-In offers visitors a nostalgic outdoor movie experience in Verona. Visitors can enjoy current films from the comfort of their vehicles under the stars. This classic venue maintains the charm of traditional American drive-in theaters while providing modern amenities.
2. Bill's Extreme Paintball and Laser Tag
ACTION-PACKED ADVENTURE CENTER
Bill's Extreme Paintball and Laser Tag provides high-energy entertainment for visitors seeking adventure in Verona. The facility offers both paintball fields and laser tag arenas suitable for various age groups and skill levels. Guests can enjoy competitive team-building activities in a safe, controlled environment.
3. Harold Bell Wright Pierce City Museum
LOCAL HISTORY REPOSITORY
The Harold Bell Wright Pierce City Museum preserves the history and heritage of Pierce City and its surrounding areas. Named after famous author Harold Bell Wright, the museum houses artifacts, photographs, and documents that chronicle the region's development. Visitors can explore exhibits that highlight local culture, industry, and notable residents.
4. Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park
NATURAL SPRINGS WONDER
Ozark National Scenic Riverways Park is renowned for its impressive concentration of first-magnitude springs and over 400 caves near the Verona area. Visitors can explore natural wonders including Big Spring, one of the largest single-outlet springs in the United States. The park offers opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, fishing, and hiking through pristine Ozark landscapes.
5. Monett Historical Society and Museum
REGIONAL HERITAGE CENTER
Monett Historical Society and Museum showcases the rich history of Monett and the surrounding region through carefully curated exhibits. The museum preserves artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the area's development from pioneer days to modern times. Visitors can learn about local industries, notable residents, and significant historical events that shaped the community.
6. Veterans Memorial Museum
HONORING MILITARY SERVICE
The Veterans Memorial Museum honors the service and sacrifice of American veterans from the 20th century wars. The museum houses an extensive collection of military artifacts, memorabilia, and personal stories from World War I through Desert Storm. Visitors can view exhibits featuring weapons, uniforms, photographs, and vehicles that bring military history to life.
7. General Sweeny's Museum of Civil War History
CIVIL WAR EDUCATION
General Sweeny's Museum of Civil War History offers an in-depth look at Missouri's role in the American Civil War. The museum houses a comprehensive collection of artifacts, weapons, uniforms, and documents from this pivotal period in American history. Visitors can learn about local battles, Missouri's divided loyalties, and the impact of the war on the region's development.
8. Golden Pioneer Museum
RURAL LIFE SHOWCASE
The Golden Pioneer Museum preserves the rural history and cultural heritage of southwestern Missouri through its collection of artifacts and exhibits. Visitors can explore displays featuring agricultural implements, household items, and tools that illustrate daily life in earlier eras. The museum offers insights into the pioneer experience and the development of farming communities in the region.
9. Aviation Cadet Museum
MILITARY FLIGHT HISTORY
The Aviation Cadet Museum documents the history of military flight training in America through its extensive collection of aircraft, training equipment, and memorabilia. Located within driving distance of Verona, the museum highlights the experiences of cadets who trained to become military pilots. Visitors can view vintage aircraft, simulators, and educational exhibits that tell the story of aviation development in the United States.
10. Table Rock Lake
OZARKS RECREATIONAL PARADISE
Table Rock Lake offers visitors a premier outdoor recreation destination within a short drive from Verona. The lake features crystal-clear waters perfect for swimming, fishing, boating, and water sports throughout the warm seasons. Visitors can enjoy scenic views of the Ozark Mountains while exploring over 800 miles of shoreline.
11. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HISTORIC SITE
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield preserves the site of the first major Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The battlefield features a 4.9-mile self-guided tour road, hiking trails, and a visitor center with exhibits explaining the significance of this 1861 Confederate victory. Visitors can explore the restored Ray House, which served as a field hospital during the battle, and view numerous monuments and interpretive markers throughout the grounds.
12. Roaring River State Park
PREMIER TROUT FISHING DESTINATION
Roaring River State Park is one of Missouri's premier trout fishing destinations located within driving distance of Verona. The park features a spring that produces an average of 20 million gallons of water daily, creating ideal conditions for rainbow trout in the park's hatchery. Visitors can enjoy camping, hiking trails, swimming, and picnicking in addition to world-class fishing opportunities.
13. Dickerson Park Zoo
WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER
Dickerson Park Zoo houses over 500 animals representing 160 different species in naturalistic habitats. The zoo participates in several conservation programs, including efforts to protect endangered species like the Asian elephant and cheetah. Visitors can enjoy educational presentations, feeding opportunities, and interactive exhibits that highlight the importance of wildlife conservation.
14. Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art houses a world-class collection of American masterpieces spanning five centuries, from the Colonial era to contemporary works. The museum's innovative design by architect Moshe Safdie integrates stunning architecture with the natural landscape of northwest Arkansas. Visitors can explore both indoor galleries and outdoor sculpture gardens connected by scenic walking trails, all within a day trip from Verona.
15. Fantastic Caverns
AMERICA'S RIDE-THROUGH CAVE
Fantastic Caverns is America's only ride-through cave, allowing visitors to explore the underground wonder from the comfort of a Jeep-drawn tram. The cave maintains a constant 60-degree temperature year-round, making it a perfect attraction in any season. Guided tours showcase massive limestone formations, underground streams, and the fascinating history of the cave's discovery and use over the years.