Bigelow MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bigelow, Missouri.
1. Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch in St. Louis is a towering tribute to America's exploration and expansion. Its observation deck offers visitors spectacular views spanning up to 30 miles in all directions. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for an unforgettable experience of this 630-foot stainless steel marvel.
2. Jim the Wonder Dog Museum
MISSOURI'S LEGENDARY CANINE
The Jim the Wonder Dog Museum & Garden showcases the life of a remarkable Llewellyn setter whose powers of prediction were legendary. This amazing canine puzzled psychologists with his abilities to pick Kentucky Derby winners, predict the sex of unborn babies, and perform other remarkable feats. In 2017, Jim was officially recognized as 'Missouri's Wonder Dog' by state lawmakers.
3. World's Largest Ball of Twine
QUIRKY ROADSIDE ODDITY
Ripley's Believe It Or Not! Odditorium in Branson proudly displays the World's Largest Ball of Twine, a peculiar attraction that draws curious visitors. With a circumference exceeding 41 feet, this massive ball of string is an impressive sight regardless of disputed record claims. The odditorium also features hundreds of other entertaining curiosities and oddities for visitors to explore.
4. Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum
FAMOUS AUTHOR'S HERITAGE
The Mark Twain Boyhood Home and Museum in Hannibal includes six historic buildings and two museums dedicated to Missouri's most famous author. Visitors can see the actual spot that inspired the scene where Tom Sawyer convinced his friends to whitewash a fence. The complex provides a comprehensive look into the early life and inspirations of Samuel Clemens before he became Mark Twain.
5. Gary's Gay Parita
ROUTE 66 NOSTALGIA
Gary's Gay Parita in Ash Grove offers visitors a glimpse into the heyday of Route 66 through its authentic recreation of a 1930s Sinclair gas station. The site features original gas pumps and various memorabilia from the iconic 'Mother Road' era. This roadside attraction preserves a slice of Americana and the golden age of highway travel.
6. Sliced Bread Mural
ARTISTIC CULINARY TRIBUTE
The Sliced Bread Mural celebrates Chillicothe's claim to fame as the home of sliced bread, first commercially produced there in 1928. This colorful public artwork commemorates an invention that revolutionized American food culture and shopping habits. Visitors can take photos with this unique tribute to an everyday innovation that changed how the world enjoys bread.
7. Riverview Park
MISSISSIPPI RIVER VIEWS
Riverview Park offers visitors a commanding view of the Mississippi River that inspired much of Mark Twain's writing. A stately statue of Samuel Clemens overlooks the mighty river that played such a significant role in his life and works. The park provides beautiful scenery, hiking trails, and a peaceful setting to contemplate the river that has shaped American history and literature.
8. Walt Disney Hometown Museum
ANIMATION PIONEER'S ROOTS
The Walt Disney Hometown Museum showcases the early life and influences of one of America's most beloved creative geniuses. Located in Marceline, where Disney spent formative childhood years that would later inspire Main Street USA at his theme parks. The museum houses a unique collection of Disney family artifacts and memorabilia from Walt's early years before he became a household name.
9. Jesse James Home Museum
NOTORIOUS OUTLAW HISTORY
The Jesse James Home Museum is housed in the actual building where the notorious outlaw was shot and killed in 1882. Visitors can see the bullet hole in the wall created when Robert Ford infamously shot James in the back of the head. The museum displays artifacts from James' life and explores the complex legacy of this controversial figure in American frontier history.
10. Pony Express National Museum
HISTORIC MAIL SERVICE
The Pony Express National Museum commemorates the legendary mail service that operated for just 18 months but became an enduring American icon. Housed in the original Pony Express stables, the museum features interactive exhibits about the brave riders who carried mail across the frontier. Visitors can learn about this short-lived but influential chapter in American communication history that helped connect East and West.
11. Glore Psychiatric Museum
MENTAL HEALTH HISTORY
The Glore Psychiatric Museum offers a fascinating and sometimes disturbing look at the history of mental health treatment through the centuries. Housed in a former state mental hospital, the museum features exhibits on treatments ranging from lobotomies to electroshock therapy. Its collection includes patient artwork, treatment devices, and educational displays that document the evolution of psychiatric care.
12. Remington Nature Center
MISSOURI RIVER ECOLOGY
The Remington Nature Center showcases the natural history and ecology of the Missouri River region through interactive exhibits and displays. Visitors can explore dioramas featuring native wildlife and learn about the area's indigenous cultures and early settlers. The center also offers beautiful views of the Missouri River and access to hiking trails along its banks.
13. Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge
BIRD MIGRATION HAVEN
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge is a premier destination for birdwatching, especially during the spring and fall migrations when hundreds of thousands of snow geese create spectacular scenes. The refuge encompasses nearly 7,500 acres of wetlands, grasslands, and forests that provide habitat for numerous species of birds and other wildlife. Visitors can enjoy a scenic 10-mile auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation platforms throughout the sanctuary.
14. Lewis and Clark State Park
HISTORIC EXPEDITION SITE
Lewis and Clark State Park offers visitors the chance to experience landscapes similar to those encountered by the famous explorers during their historic journey. The park features a 100-acre oxbow lake perfect for fishing, boating, and observing wildlife in a tranquil setting. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and interpretive displays about the Corps of Discovery make this an educational and recreational destination.
15. Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge
UNIQUE GEOLOGICAL FORMATION
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is characterized by its rare wind-deposited loess soil formations that create a unique habitat for diverse wildlife. The refuge is renowned for its massive gatherings of migratory birds, including bald eagles and snow geese, making it a photographer's paradise during peak seasons. Visitors can enjoy the auto tour route, hiking trails, and observation decks that provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities throughout the year.