Baker MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Baker, Missouri.
1. Sam A. Baker State Park
SCENIC OUTDOOR RECREATION
Sam A. Baker State Park is one of the oldest parks in the Missouri state park system, offering over 5,000 acres of natural beauty. The park features cool waters of the St. Francois River and Big Creek framing a wooded setting with trails ranging from easy to challenging. Visitors can enjoy camping, canoeing, fishing, horseback riding, and rustic cabins while surrounded by ancient mountains and towering trees.
2. Meramec Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a favorite stop on Route 66 that combines natural beauty with rich history. The cave system is famous for its stunning formations and legends of being used as a hideout by Jesse James. Guided tours take visitors through the impressive underground chambers showcasing thousands of years of natural development.
3. The Nature Cottage
ENVIRONMENTAL LEARNING CENTER
The Nature Cottage serves as an educational hub within the Sam A. Baker State Park area. Visitors can learn about local flora, fauna, and natural history through interactive exhibits and programs. The cottage provides a perfect starting point for nature enthusiasts before exploring the surrounding wilderness.
4. Piedmont Lanes
FAMILY BOWLING FUN
Piedmont Lanes offers a classic bowling experience for visitors of all ages near Baker, Missouri. The facility provides a fun indoor activity option, especially during inclement weather or for evening entertainment. Families and friends can enjoy friendly competition while taking a break from outdoor adventures in the area.
5. Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area
PRISTINE NATURAL WILDERNESS
Lon Sanders Canyon Conservation Area preserves a beautiful section of Missouri's natural landscape near Baker. The conservation area features hiking trails that wind through diverse ecosystems and offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. Nature photographers and outdoor enthusiasts appreciate the unspoiled beauty and peaceful atmosphere of this protected land.
6. Wappapello Lake
WATER RECREATION PARADISE
Wappapello Lake is a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers managed recreation area offering extensive water activities near Baker, Missouri. The lake provides excellent opportunities for boating, fishing, swimming, and shoreline camping throughout the warm seasons. Visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities and the scenic beauty of this significant water resource in southeast Missouri.
7. Margaret Harwell Art Museum
LOCAL CULTURAL TREASURE
Margaret Harwell Art Museum located at 421 North Main in Poplar Bluff showcases artistic works relevant to the region's cultural heritage. The museum hosts rotating exhibitions featuring both local artists and traveling collections throughout the year. Visitors can experience the artistic side of southeast Missouri's cultural landscape in this accessible community art space.
8. Black River
SCENIC WATER TRAIL
The Black River flows through the region near Baker, Missouri, offering exceptional opportunities for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing. The clear, cool waters of this Ozark stream are known for smallmouth bass fishing and leisurely float trips during summer months. Scenic bluffs and forested shorelines create a picturesque setting for outdoor recreation throughout the river corridor.
9. Robbi's Zephyr Cafe
LOCAL CULINARY DESTINATION
Robbi's Zephyr Cafe serves as a popular dining establishment offering American cuisine and vegetarian-friendly options near Sam A. Baker State Park. The cafe provides a welcoming atmosphere for locals and tourists seeking home-style meals after outdoor adventures. Visitors appreciate the reasonable prices and authentic local dining experience in this small-town eatery.
10. Hercules Southern BBQ
AUTHENTIC SMOKEHOUSE FARE
Hercules Southern BBQ delivers authentic regional barbecue to visitors and locals in the Baker, Missouri area. The restaurant specializes in slow-smoked meats prepared according to traditional Southern recipes and techniques. Guests can enjoy hearty portions of classic barbecue favorites in a casual, family-friendly setting.
11. St. Francois River
PRISTINE OZARK WATERWAY
The St. Francois River borders Sam A. Baker State Park and provides outstanding water recreation opportunities throughout the warmer months. Clear running waters and scenic shorelines make this river perfect for fishing, swimming, and casual floating adventures. The river contributes significantly to the natural beauty and recreational appeal of the entire Baker area.
12. Battle of Athens State Historic Site
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
Battle of Athens State Historic Site preserves the location of the northernmost Civil War battle fought west of the Mississippi River. The site includes historic structures and interpretive displays that tell the story of this 1861 conflict between Union troops and Confederate-aligned Missouri State Guard. Visitors can walk the grounds where history unfolded and learn about Missouri's complex Civil War experience through exhibits and seasonal programming.
13. Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center
AFRICAN AMERICAN HISTORY
Bruce R. Watkins Cultural Heritage Center celebrates African American heritage and culture in Missouri through engaging exhibits and educational programs. The center houses historical artifacts, artwork, and multimedia presentations that document the contributions of African Americans to the state's development. Visitors gain insights into the challenges, achievements, and ongoing legacy of African American communities throughout Missouri's history.
14. Arrow Rock State Historic Site
19TH CENTURY VILLAGE
Arrow Rock State Historic Site preserves a once-thriving 19th-century Missouri River town that played a significant role in westward expansion. The site features more than a dozen historic structures including the J. Huston Tavern, Missouri's oldest continuously operating restaurant, dating to 1834. Visitors can explore this well-preserved village that exemplifies the architectural and cultural heritage of early Missouri settlement.
15. Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park
WOODLAND RECREATION HAVEN
Dr. Edmund A. Babler Memorial State Park offers over 2,000 acres of scenic Missouri woodland landscape with well-maintained recreational facilities. The park features an extensive trail system for hiking, biking, and horseback riding through diverse natural environments. Visitors can enjoy picnicking, camping, and seasonal interpretive programs in this accessible natural retreat.