Viburnum MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Viburnum, Missouri.
1. Dillard Mill State Historic Site
HISTORIC RED MILL
Dillard Mill State Historic Site is a beautifully preserved historic grist mill located near Viburnum. The picturesque red mill sits alongside a clear creek, creating a scene reminiscent of Missouri's rural past. Visitors can tour the mill and learn about how water power was harnessed to grind grain in the early 20th century.
2. Red Bluff Campground
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Red Bluff Campground offers outdoor enthusiasts a serene camping experience in the Mark Twain National Forest near Viburnum. The campground features beautiful red clay bluffs overlooking a pristine waterway, providing striking views and photo opportunities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, and wildlife observation in this natural setting.
3. Council Bluff Lake
PRISTINE FOREST LAKE
Council Bluff Lake is a scenic reservoir nestled in the Mark Twain National Forest near Viburnum. The clear, deep lake is surrounded by forested hills and offers excellent opportunities for swimming, boating, and fishing. Its peaceful atmosphere makes it a perfect retreat for nature lovers seeking tranquility.
4. Viburnum Golf & Country Club
LOCAL GOLFING EXPERIENCE
Viburnum Golf & Country Club provides a welcoming golfing experience in the heart of rural Missouri. The course offers challenging play for golfers of all skill levels amid the rolling hills of the Ozarks. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained fairways and the friendly local atmosphere.
5. Holiday Lake & Campground
FAMILY-FRIENDLY RECREATION AREA
Holiday Lake & Campground serves as a popular recreation spot for residents and visitors to Viburnum. The lake offers fishing, swimming, and non-motorized boating in a peaceful setting. Its adjacent campground provides convenient accommodations for those wanting to extend their outdoor adventure.
6. Johnson Shutins
NATURAL WATER PLAYGROUND
Johnson's Shut-Ins State Park features a unique natural water playground where the Black River cascades through ancient volcanic rock formations. Visitors can explore the series of small pools, chutes, and waterfalls created by the river's path through the hard rhyolite rock. This geological wonder offers refreshing swimming opportunities in summer and spectacular scenery year-round.
7. Elephant Rocks State Park
GIANT GRANITE BOULDERS
Elephant Rocks State Park showcases massive elephant-shaped granite boulders standing end-to-end like circus elephants. These billion-year-old pink granite formations were created through the geological process of plutonism and subsequent weathering. Visitors can climb among the giant rocks and enjoy the one-mile Braille Trail, which is designed for people with visual or physical disabilities.
8. Fort Davidson Civil War Site
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
Fort Davidson State Historic Site preserves the location of a significant Civil War battle that occurred in September 1864. The hexagonal earthen fort was the site where 1,450 Union troops faced 12,000 Confederate soldiers in what became known as the Battle of Pilot Knob. Today, visitors can explore the interpretive center, view artifacts, and walk the battlefield grounds to learn about this important Missouri Civil War engagement.
9. Mark Twain National Forest
VAST WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Mark Twain National Forest encompasses nearly 1.5 million acres across southern Missouri, with portions accessible near Viburnum. The forest offers extensive recreational opportunities including hiking, hunting, fishing, and wildlife viewing in a diverse Ozark landscape. Visitors can explore numerous trails, streams, and scenic overlooks within this expansive natural area.
10. Paddy Creek Wilderness Trail
SECLUDED HIKING ADVENTURE
Paddy Creek Wilderness Trail offers hikers a challenging 18-mile loop through rugged Ozark terrain near Viburnum. The trail winds through diverse ecosystems including hardwood forests, pine stands, and rocky creek beds. Hikers can experience solitude while enjoying scenic overlooks, clear streams, and abundant wildlife.
11. Meramec Caverns
FAMOUS UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a 4.6-mile cave system that ranks among Missouri's most visited attractions. The spectacular underground formations include the massive Stage Curtain, a rare onyx formation that stretches 70 feet high and 60 feet wide. Guided tours reveal the cave's history as a hideout for Jesse James and its use as a saltpeter mine during the Civil War.
12. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PROTECTED RIVER CORRIDORS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways preserves 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating the first federally protected river system in America. The crystal-clear waters flow through dramatic limestone bluffs, lush forests, and over 300 documented caves. Visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping along these pristine Ozark waterways.
13. Missouri Trailriders Association Trails
EQUESTRIAN ADVENTURE PATHS
The Missouri Trailriders Association maintains a network of equestrian trails near Viburnum that wind through the scenic Ozark hills. These well-marked paths offer horseback riders varied terrain through forests, meadows, and along streams. Riders can enjoy day trips or extended journeys with designated camping areas along the routes.
14. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long bridge spanning the Mississippi River with its distinctive 30-degree bend in the middle. Originally part of Route 66, the pedestrian-only bridge now offers spectacular views of the river and St. Louis skyline. Visitors can walk or cycle across while appreciating the engineering marvel that served motorists from 1929 to 1968.
15. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing America's westward expansion. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The accompanying museum beneath the Arch explores the history of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and the architectural marvel itself.