Walker MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Walker, Missouri.
1. Osage Village State Historic Site
NATIVE AMERICAN HISTORY
Osage Village State Historic Site offers visitors a glimpse into the lives of the Osage Native Americans who once inhabited the area. The site preserves archaeological remains of a major Osage village that existed in the region. Visitors can explore interpretive displays and walking trails that highlight the cultural significance of this historic settlement.
2. Bushwhacker Museum
CIVIL WAR HISTORY
The Bushwhacker Museum showcases the tumultuous history of Missouri during the Civil War era, with a focus on the guerrilla fighters known as bushwhackers. The museum features exhibits on local history, including artifacts, photographs, and documents that tell the story of the region. Visitors consistently rate this museum highly for its comprehensive historical displays and educational value.
3. DeLaney Vineyard & Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING
DeLaney Vineyard & Winery invites visitors to experience wine tasting in the heart of Missouri wine country. The winery produces a variety of wines made from locally grown grapes in a picturesque rural setting. Guests can enjoy wine tastings, vineyard tours, and special events throughout the year.
4. Opera House Cinema
HISTORIC MOVIE THEATER
Opera House Cinema represents a beautifully preserved piece of small-town Americana, offering modern films in a historic setting. The theater maintains its vintage charm while providing contemporary movie experiences for local residents and visitors alike. Its perfect 5.0 rating reflects the community's appreciation for this cultural landmark.
5. Big Mouth
LOCAL CULINARY FAVORITE
Big Mouth serves as a popular dining establishment in Walker, known for its generous portions and homestyle cooking. The restaurant offers a menu of American classics in a casual, family-friendly atmosphere. Visitors and locals alike enjoy the welcoming environment and hearty meals that have earned this eatery its reputation.
6. Radio Springs Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION AREA
Radio Springs Park provides a serene natural escape for visitors seeking outdoor recreation near Walker. The park features walking trails, picnic areas, and open spaces perfect for family outings and community gatherings. Nature enthusiasts appreciate the park's well-maintained grounds and peaceful atmosphere throughout all seasons.
7. Bennett Spring State Park
PREMIER TROUT FISHING
Bennett Spring State Park attracts anglers from across the region with its world-class trout fishing opportunities. The park centers around a spring that produces an average of 100 million gallons of water daily, creating ideal conditions for rainbow trout. In addition to fishing, visitors enjoy hiking trails, camping facilities, and the natural beauty of the Ozarks.
8. Missouri Welding Institute
TECHNICAL EDUCATION CENTER
Missouri Welding Institute stands as a premier educational facility specializing in professional welding techniques and certification. The institute draws students from across the country seeking specialized training in various welding methods and industry standards. Visitors can learn about career opportunities in welding and observe the technical skills being developed at this respected training center.
9. Cottey College
HISTORIC WOMEN'S COLLEGE
Cottey College represents a unique educational institution with a rich history as an independent liberal arts and sciences college for women. The campus features distinctive architecture and beautiful grounds that reflect its founding in 1884. Visitors can explore the historic buildings and learn about the college's tradition of empowering women through education.
10. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns offers an impressive underground journey through one of Missouri's largest cave systems, spanning over 4.6 miles. The caverns feature spectacular formations including the massive Stage Curtain and the Wine Table, which have formed over millions of years. Guided tours provide fascinating insights into the caverns' natural history and their role as a hideout for the infamous outlaw Jesse James.
11. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
NATURAL RIVER PARADISE
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating America's first federally protected river system. The park encompasses over 80,000 acres of scenic beauty featuring clear spring-fed waters, towering bluffs, and lush forests. Visitors enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing, hiking, and camping in this pristine natural environment.
12. Missouri Botanical Garden
WORLD-CLASS HORTICULTURAL DISPLAY
Missouri Botanical Garden stands as one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States, founded in 1859. The garden spans 79 acres with magnificent horticultural displays including a Japanese garden, a geodesic dome conservatory, and numerous themed gardens featuring plants from around the world. Visitors can experience seasonal events, educational programs, and the beauty of meticulously maintained landscapes throughout the year.
13. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
PREMIER ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an internationally recognized collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity. The museum is particularly known for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and modern sculptures including the iconic Shuttlecocks on its lawn. Visitors can explore more than 42,000 works of art in a stunning neoclassical building surrounded by a 22-acre sculpture park.
14. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch stands as a symbolic monument to America's westward expansion, soaring 630 feet above the Mississippi River. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the observation deck at the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the surrounding area. The adjacent museum chronicles the history of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and the architectural marvel of the arch itself.
15. Warm Springs Ranch
BUDWEISER CLYDESDALES BREEDING FARM
Warm Springs Ranch serves as the breeding facility for the world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales, spanning 300 acres of rolling Missouri countryside. Visitors can tour the state-of-the-art breeding facility, meet the magnificent Clydesdale horses, and learn about the breeding program that produces these gentle giants. The ranch offers a unique behind-the-scenes look at the care and training of these iconic horses that have represented Anheuser-Busch since 1933.