Our area has more State parks to pick from- nearby!

Mark Twain National Forest

The Mark Twain National Forest is popular with people who enjoy everything about the outdoors.  The Forest has about 320 species of birds, 75 species of mammals and 125 species of amphibians and reptiles.  Game species include whitetail deer, turkey, quail, woodcocks, doves, ducks, geese, rabbits, raccoons, squirrels, opossums, woodchucks, bobcats, and coyotes.  Named after Missouri native, Mark Twain, the Mark Twain National Forest is located in 29 counties across southern and central Missouri.  Our St. Francois Mountain section is known for its clear spring-fed rivers and streams, lakes, rocky bluffs, magnificent views and shaded trails.  If you want to bring and ride your ATV or motorcycle, you may ride them at Sutton's Bluff but will need a county permit to do so.


To read much more about the Mark Twain National Forest and the Sutton Bluff Recreation Area click here.

The Ozark Trail-Missouri Ozarks Sections in Iron and Reynolds Counties

The Ozarks are truly a magnificent masterpiece.  With rolling terrains, green valleys, knobs, hills, mountains, and crystal clear streams and springs the people who visit claim it's the most spectacular places on earth.  In the 1970's work began on a vision to build a scenic and varied route in the Missouri Ozarks, from just outside St. Louis southwest to the Arkansas border, to eventually connect with the Ozark Highlands Trail, creating a 700-mile through-trail.  Governmental agencies, environmental groups and dedicated bands of volunteers have now completed over 350 miles of the Missouri section of the Ozark Trail

To take a deeper look at the Ozark Trail Sections in our region, see missouri-hiking.com.

Council Bluff Lake Recreation Area and Trail

A fun place to visit is the Council Bluff Recreation Area and Trail.  This is home to the largest lake in the Mark Twain National Forest.  You can do almost any recreational activity in this area; fish, camp, picnic, hike, bike, and swim.  You can also fish year around in this 440 acre lake stocked with largemouth bass, redear sunfish, bluegill, crappie, and catfish.  There's sandy beaches, concession stand, changing rooms, flush toilets, water fountains and showers.  There is also a small play area near the beach.  Additionally, there are canoes and paddle boats available for rent when the beach is open.  Council Bluff Trail is a 12-mile loop along the lake shore providing hiking and mountain biking opportunities 

For more about Council Bluff Lake and directions see missouri-hiking.com.

Our area is also home to Missouri State Historic sites!

Fort Davidson State Historic Site & Civil War Battle of Pilot Knob- just 30 miles away!

The nearby towns of Pilot Knob, Ironton and Arcadia Valley are known for their history of MO Civil War lore.  Because of its strategic importance as the southern terminus of the St. Louis & Iron Mountain Railroad, Union soldiers occupied Pilot Knob and the Arcadia Valley throughout the war.  Fort Davidson, the target of the Battle of Pilot Knob in 1864, is a fort constructed by the Union Army and stands 300 yards from the base of Pilot Knob Mountain.  The assault on Fort Davidson by Confederate troops left 1,500 soldiers dead or wounded.  The fort and site are listed in the National Register of Historic Places.  The next full-scale reenactment of the Battle of Pilot Knob will take place during the 150th anniversary of the civil war in September of 2014. 

To learn much more about Fort Davidson and the Battle of Pilot Knob, visit missouricivilwar.net.

Dillard Mill State Historic Site

Completed in 1908, Dillard Mill is one of Missouri's best-preserved examples of a water-powered gristmill.  The red mill overlooking the spring-fed Huzzah Creek and was the second mill built at the site.  Located just a short drive from us, the mill is absolutely a photographers dream.  The setting is gorgeous and the history is amazing.  We encourage you to visit this Historic site where you'll witness first-hand how water was turned in to power to grind wheat into flour.  The beautiful blue water rolling over a rock dam create one of Missouri's finest sights! 

To learn more visit Dillard Mill here.

Missouri Historic Towns, Landmarks and Sites

To take an online tour of the history of our area, you can visit the following website to start planning your vacation at The Meadows! 

missourihistorictowns.com

Missouri Horseback Riding Nearby

Trail riding in the Ozarks is something worth the time.  Beautiful scenery and great trails are only a few miles away from us.  Trail riding can be done nearby us at Brushy Creek Resort.  You may choose a 1 hour, 2 hour, or 1/2 day ride with lunch included.  Their trails take you through the Mark Twain National Forest and on the Ozark Trail.  You can visit them at BrushyCreekLodge.com.

Missouri Antiques Shopping

Attention Antique lovers:  antique shops and specialty gift and craft stores surround our region!  Tour these charming shops in the Arcadia Valley Region and Black River area at the following website:

MissouriAntiques.net.

You may also want to visit nearby historic Caledonia, a place where many antique shoppers and collectors love to go!

http://www.missourihistorictowns.com/missouri-historic-places/caledonia-missouri-history-landmarks.htm