Wilson City MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Wilson City, Missouri.
1. Wilson City Local Landmarks
SMALL TOWN HISTORY
Wilson City Local Landmarks offer a glimpse into the history and character of this small Missouri community. While the city is quiet, its public spaces and community buildings evoke its unique past. Visitors can explore the town and appreciate its roots within the southeast Missouri Delta.
2. Wilson's Creek National Battlefield
CIVIL WAR SITE
Wilson's Creek National Battlefield is a historic site commemorating a major Civil War battle fought on August 10, 1861. Visitors can tour a 4.9-mile road, explore seven miles of trails, and visit the Civil War Museum which houses artifacts from the battle. This preserved battlefield offers both a deep dive into American history and scenic outdoor recreation.
3. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
AUTHOR'S EARLY LIFE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum preserves the home where Samuel Clemens, later known as Mark Twain, lived from age seven to 18. The museum features first editions, manuscripts, and memorabilia from Twain's celebrated literary career. The site provides insight into the early influences of one of America's greatest writers.
4. Saint Louis Zoo
ANIMAL ENCOUNTERS
The Saint Louis Zoo is a renowned, family-friendly attraction featuring a wide variety of animal habitats and educational programs. It regularly tops lists of the best zoos in the country and is known for its conservation efforts. Admission is free, making it accessible to all visitors.
5. Forest Park
URBAN OASIS
Forest Park is one of the largest urban parks in the United States, offering walking trails, gardens, museums, and recreational areas. It is home to the Saint Louis Art Museum, Science Center, and the Missouri History Museum. The park is a cultural and green centerpiece of St. Louis.
6. The Gateway Arch
ICON OF THE WEST
The Gateway Arch is a striking, 630-foot monument symbolizing the westward expansion of the United States. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for panoramic views of St. Louis and the Mississippi River. The Arch grounds also feature a museum and engaging exhibits on American history.
7. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves an early Missouri River trading post and the historic Bingham House. The town features restored buildings, interpretive programs, and seasonal events that bring the past to life. It is recognized as a National Historic Landmark for its role in Missouri's settlement.
8. Watkins Woolen Mill State Park
INDUSTRIAL HERITAGE
Watkins Woolen Mill State Park showcases a well-preserved 19th-century textile mill and living history farm. Guests can tour the historic mill, enjoy outdoor activities, and learn about Missouri's industrial past. The site is also home to hiking trails and a scenic lake.
9. Big Oak Tree State Park
NATURAL BEAUTY SPOT
Big Oak Tree State Park features some of the largest trees in the state and preserves rare bottomland hardwood forest. The park offers boardwalk trails for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. It's a haven for nature enthusiasts exploring the Mississippi Delta region.
10. Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site
ANTEBELLUM MANSION
Hunter-Dawson State Historic Site centers on a gracious antebellum home built in the 1860s. Visitors can tour the carefully restored mansion and learn about the wealthy families who lived there. Guided tours offer a window into the region's Civil War era history.
11. New Madrid Historical Museum
EARTHQUAKE HISTORY
The New Madrid Historical Museum explores the area's fascinating history, including the famous 1811-1812 earthquakes. Exhibits cover Native American artifacts, the Civil War, and river life on the Mississippi. It's an educational stop for anyone curious about Missouri's seismic past.
12. Columbus-Belmont State Park
CIVIL WAR FORT
Columbus-Belmont State Park preserves a Civil War fortification atop bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River. The park offers museum exhibits, trails, river views, and seasonal reenactments. It is just across the river from Missouri and tells the story of the region's wartime history.
13. Reelfoot Lake State Park
EARTHQUAKE-FORMED LAKE
Reelfoot Lake State Park is known for its shallow, cypress-filled lake formed by the New Madrid earthquakes of the early 1800s. Popular for fishing, birdwatching, and boating, the park highlights the unique landscape of the region. Visitors can also enjoy interpretive programs and nature trails.
14. Towosahgy State Historic Site
ANCIENT NATIVE VILLAGE
Towosahgy State Historic Site preserves the remains of a prehistoric Native American village and ceremonial mound complex. Archaeological exhibits interpret the area's Mississippian culture. Walking trails guide visitors through this significant archaeological site.
15. Felix Valle House State Historic Site
FRENCH COLONIAL HOME
Felix Valle House State Historic Site features a stone house built in the early 1800s in Missouri's oldest town. The site offers guided tours highlighting French colonial architecture and local history. Its setting in historic Ste. Genevieve enhances its period charm.