Bland MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Bland, Missouri.
1. Wenwood Farm Winery
LOCAL WINE TASTING EXPERIENCE
Wenwood Farm Winery is a popular attraction in Bland offering visitors a chance to taste locally produced wines. The winery provides a relaxing atmosphere where guests can enjoy vineyard views while sampling various wine options. Visitors often appreciate the friendly service and opportunity to learn about the winemaking process.
2. Canaan Conservation Area
NATURAL OUTDOOR RECREATION
Canaan Conservation Area offers outdoor enthusiasts a place to connect with nature near Bland. The conservation area features hiking trails, wildlife viewing opportunities, and spaces for hunting during appropriate seasons. Nature photographers and birdwatchers frequently visit to capture the area's diverse ecosystem.
3. Art Works On Main Gallery
LOCAL ART SHOWCASE
Art Works On Main Gallery showcases the talents of local artists in the Bland community. The gallery features rotating exhibitions of paintings, sculptures, photography, and other art forms created by regional artists. Visitors can browse the collections and potentially purchase unique artwork to take home as souvenirs.
4. Gateway Arch
ICONIC NATIONAL MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is a 630-foot stainless steel monument that serves as the iconic symbol of St. Louis and represents the gateway to the American West. Visitors can take a tram ride to the top for spectacular views of the city and the Mississippi River. The surrounding Gateway Arch National Park includes a museum detailing the history of westward expansion in America.
5. Meramec Caverns
HISTORIC UNDERGROUND WONDER
Meramec Caverns is an extensive cave system located about an hour's drive from Bland, featuring spectacular formations developed over millions of years. The caverns are famous for once serving as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang during their outlaw years. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers with colorful stalactites, stalagmites, and other fascinating geological features.
6. Missouri State Capitol
HISTORIC GOVERNMENT BUILDING
The Missouri State Capitol in nearby Jefferson City houses the state government and features impressive architecture topped by a distinctive dome. The building contains notable murals by Thomas Hart Benton and other artists depicting Missouri's history and culture. Free guided tours offer visitors insights into the state's governmental processes and the building's artistic treasures.
7. Katy Trail State Park
SCENIC RAIL-TRAIL PATH
Katy Trail State Park is a 240-mile-long recreational rail trail that passes through portions of Gasconade County near Bland. The trail follows the former corridor of the Missouri-Kansas-Texas Railroad and offers beautiful views of the Missouri River and surrounding countryside. Hikers, cyclists, and equestrians enjoy the flat, well-maintained path that connects charming small towns along its route.
8. Deutschheim State Historic Site
GERMAN HERITAGE PRESERVATION
Deutschheim State Historic Site in nearby Hermann preserves the German heritage that shaped this region of Missouri in the 19th century. Visitors can tour two historic houses furnished with period pieces that demonstrate the daily lives of German immigrants. The site offers cultural programs and events throughout the year that celebrate the area's German traditions and influence.
9. Stone Hill Winery
HISTORIC WINE PRODUCTION
Stone Hill Winery is one of Missouri's oldest and most awarded wineries, located in the historic German settlement of Hermann a short drive from Bland. The winery features massive arched underground cellars that were dug by hand before the Civil War and are now part of fascinating guided tours. Visitors can sample award-winning wines in the tasting room and learn about Missouri's surprising viticultural history.
10. Maramec Spring Park
NATURAL SPRING RECREATION
Maramec Spring Park features one of Missouri's largest springs, producing an average of 100 million gallons of water daily. The park combines natural beauty with historical significance as the site of an early ironworks operation that was crucial to Missouri's development. Visitors can enjoy trout fishing, hiking trails, picnic areas, and a museum that details the area's industrial heritage.
11. Missouri State Museum
STATE HISTORY COLLECTION
The Missouri State Museum, located inside the State Capitol building in Jefferson City, houses an extensive collection of artifacts that tell the story of Missouri's natural and cultural history. Exhibits cover topics ranging from Native American cultures to the Civil War and Missouri's role in westward expansion. The museum offers free admission and regularly updated displays that engage visitors of all ages.
12. Gasconade County Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE COLLECTION
The Gasconade County Historical Society Museum preserves and displays artifacts related to the history of the county that includes Bland. The museum collection includes photographs, documents, tools, household items, and other objects that illustrate life in rural Missouri throughout different time periods. Volunteer docents often provide personal insights and stories that bring the county's history to life for visitors.
13. Onondaga Cave State Park
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Onondaga Cave State Park features one of the most spectacular caves in the country, with massive formations and underground landscapes that have amazed visitors for over a century. The cave maintains a constant 57-degree temperature year-round, making it a perfect destination regardless of outside weather conditions. Beyond the cave tours, the park offers hiking trails, a visitor center with interpretive displays, and access to the Meramec River for fishing and canoeing.
14. Gasconade River
SCENIC WATERWAY RECREATION
The Gasconade River flows through the county near Bland, offering excellent opportunities for fishing, floating, and other water recreation activities. The river is known for its meandering path, clear waters, and abundance of smallmouth bass, making it popular among anglers. Canoe and kayak enthusiasts appreciate the relatively gentle current and beautiful scenery along the forested banks.
15. Rosati Winery District
ITALIAN WINE HERITAGE
The historic Rosati Winery District showcases the Italian immigrant influence on Missouri's wine industry, located within driving distance of Bland. Established by Italian immigrants in the early 1900s, this area became known for producing quality wines despite Prohibition's challenges. Today, visitors can explore remaining wineries that continue the traditions brought from Italy over a century ago.