Visitors Guide to Attractions
Pike County, Missouri
Pike County is home to one of America's newer Scenic Byways - the Little Dixie Highway of the Great River Road. Visitors to Pike County will find spectacular river views, the river cities of Clarksville and Louisiana, a wide variety of places to interact with nature, and a number of historical sites. The area is considered one of the prime bald eagle watching spots in the Midwest.
Edward Anderson Conservation Area
Pike & Ralls Counties, MO
Edward Anderson Conservation Area is a forested area in the rugged Missouri’s Lincoln Hills region. The Missouri Department of Conservation considers the autumn colors at the Edward Anderson Conservation Area to be among the finest in northeastern Missouri. The Mississippi River provides fishing opportunities. Although there are no designated trails, adventurous hikers can explore the area via an access road that leads close to the Mississippi River. Primitive camping is available, and walk-in or float-in camping is permitted except during firearms.
DuPont Reservation Conservation Area
Pike County, MO
The DuPont Reservation Conservation Area is a predominantly forested area offering spectacular views of the Mississippi River floodplain off of the Little Dixie National Scenic Byway. The area borders the Mississippi River and is an excellent place to view fall color. A boat access and primitive campground are located along a portion of 1.5 miles of Mississippi River frontage.
Elgin/Cottrell Home
Clarksville, MO
This Antebellum home (c. 1845) has been restored and been furnished with an extensive collections of antique furniture, decorative accessories, and formal portraits. Open on selected weekends or call ahead to schedule a group tour.
Honey Shuck
Bowling Green, MO
Honey Shuck is the lovely old restored two-story front-gable-and-wing frame home of James Beauchamp “Champ” Clark (1850-1921.) Champ Clark lived in Bowling Green from 1880 until his death in 1921 and served as a U.S. Congressman, Speaker of the House, and 1912 Democratic presidential candidate. The home displays furnishings and memorabilia and is called “Honey Shuck” for the yard’s honey locusts, whose shucks fall to the ground.
Henry Lay Sculpture Park
Louisiana, MO
The 20-acre Henry Lay Sculpture Park is surrounded by a 300-acre natural refuge with a well-maintained path that takes visitors on a 40-minute walk past approximately 20 sculptures by internationally known artists. The Park also features a “Story Woods” for children.
Lock and Dam No. 24
Clarksville, MO
Located just north of Clarksville off Highway 79, this structure was part of the depression era 9-foot channel construction program and the main reason Clarksville is famous for bald eagle viewing during the winter.
Louisiana Area Historical Museum
Louisiana, MO
The Louisiana Area Historical Museum houses artifacts and memorabilia from the town and the region’s past including items covering the Stark Bros. Nurseries, the WWII era Hercules Missouri Ordnance Works, old toys, antique dolls, a collection of lady’s hats, a cast iron stove, military uniforms, and railroad artifacts.
Louisiana Murals
Louisiana, MO
The Louisiana Mural Organization was founded in 2000 to help revitalize the downtown area, and to encourage visitors. Over 20 murals are painted on buildings around the area, and more are planned.
Stark Log Cabin
Louisiana, MO
Situated on top of the limestone bluffs of north Hannibal, Riverview Park offers outstanding views of the Mississippi River, hiking trails, and other recreational opportunities.
Ted Shanks Conservation Area
Ashburn, MO
Located on Highway TT off US 79 between Hannibal and Louisiana, this 6,705 acre area wetlands is teeming with waterfowl, songbirds, mammals and wildflowers. This site features primitive camping, boat ramps, and a staffed office with exhibits. Bald Eagles can be seen from late fall to early spring. Great Blue Herons and Great Egrets can be seen from late spring thru autumn.
Nearby Attractions
Marion and Ralls Counties, Missouri
Hannibal is the hometown of Mark Twain and offers a wide variety of museums, homes, and tours. Palmyra has been called the Handsomest City in Northern Missouri and features a number of historical sites. Mark Twain Lake in western Ralls County features a wide variety of activities including boating, swimming, camping, hiking, and horseback riding.
Lincoln County, Missouri
Lincoln County is home to Cuivre River State Park, one of Missouri's largest and rugged state parks. Other attractions include the bottomlands that are billed as the "Duck Hunting Capitol of the Midwest," several conservation areas, and historical sites.
For Travelers Heading Up River
The Tri-State Region - Iowa, Illinois, & Missouri
Six counties in three states make up this region that marks the upper reaches of the Middle Mississippi River Valley. Large communities with plenty of attractions in the region include Quincy, Keokuk, and Fort Madison. The historic town of Nauvoo is located in this region. A drive along the Great River Road from Nauvoo to Hamilton runs right along the river and is particularly scenic during the fall. Three locks and dams make this prime Bald Eagle watching country during the winter.
For Travelers Heading Down River
Meeting the Missouri
The two longest rivers of the United States, the Missouri and the Mississippi, meet at St. Charles County, Missouri. The Historic St. Charles downtown area offers visitors a variety of attractions including the Lewis and Clark Boat House and Nature Center, The Foundry Art Centre, and Missouri’s First State Capitol. Nearby is Confluence State Park and the Daniel Boone Home.
Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway
The Meeting of the Great Rivers Scenic Byway area is one of America’s newer scenic byways. With over 20,000 acres of forest and wetlands at the heart of the Mississippi Flyway, it is a nature lovers paradise. Visitors will find spectacular colors in the fall and bald eagles in the winter. History abounds in the region ranging from the prehistoric Cahokia Mounds to sites on the National Register of Historic Places.
