Blythedale MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Blythedale, Missouri.
1. Eagleville Welcome Center
GATEWAY TO LOCAL CULTURE
The Eagleville Welcome Center serves as a primary information hub for visitors exploring Blythedale and surrounding areas. Visitors can gather maps, brochures, and insider tips about local attractions and events from knowledgeable staff. The center also showcases local history and cultural exhibits that provide context for the region's heritage.
2. Dunn Ranch
PRAIRIE CONSERVATION AREA
Dunn Ranch is a sprawling tallgrass prairie restoration project where visitors can experience Missouri's original landscape. The ranch is home to reintroduced bison herds and numerous native plant species that once dominated the region. Nature enthusiasts can enjoy hiking trails, wildlife observation platforms, and seasonal guided tours focused on conservation efforts.
3. Amish Country Store
AUTHENTIC HANDCRAFTED GOODS
The Amish Country Store offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional Amish way of life through locally crafted goods and foods. Shoppers can browse handmade furniture, quilts, toys, and sample homemade jams, baked goods, and other culinary delights. The store serves as a cultural bridge between the Amish community and visitors interested in traditional craftsmanship and simpler living.
4. Nine Eagles State Park
SERENE OUTDOOR RECREATION
Nine Eagles State Park features a peaceful 64-acre lake surrounded by lush woodlands just a short drive from Blythedale. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, swimming, and camping in well-maintained facilities throughout the seasons. The park's network of hiking trails wind through diverse habitats, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and nature photography.
5. Little River Lake Recreation Area
FAMILY-FRIENDLY WATER ACTIVITIES
Little River Lake Recreation Area provides a refreshing escape with its crystal-clear waters and scenic shoreline near the Missouri-Iowa border. The lake offers excellent fishing opportunities for bass, crappie, and catfish, along with swimming beaches and boat ramps for water enthusiasts. Surrounding picnic areas and campgrounds make this an ideal destination for day trips or extended stays.
6. Gateway Arch National Park
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
Gateway Arch National Park commemorates St. Louis' role in American westward expansion with its towering 630-foot stainless steel monument. Visitors can ride a tram to the top of the arch for spectacular views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape. The park's museum chronicles the stories of Native Americans, explorers, pioneers, and the cultural influences that shaped the American West.
7. George Washington Carver National Historic Site
AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE PIONEER
The George Washington Carver National Historic Site preserves the birthplace and childhood home of the renowned scientist, educator, and humanitarian. Visitors can explore interactive exhibits detailing Carver's journey from enslaved child to agricultural innovator who revolutionized farming practices in the American South. The site includes nature trails, historic buildings, and a cultural center celebrating Carver's lasting contributions to science and education.
8. Harry S Truman National Historic Site
PRESIDENTIAL HISTORY PRESERVED
The Harry S Truman National Historic Site preserves the home and personal artifacts of America's 33rd President. Visitors can tour the modest Victorian house where Truman lived before and after his presidency, experiencing the everyday surroundings that shaped his character and leadership style. The site offers insights into Truman's decision-making during pivotal moments in American history, including the end of World War II and the early Cold War era.
9. California National Historic Trail
HISTORIC MIGRATION ROUTE
The California National Historic Trail commemorates the greatest mass migration in American history, with segments passing near Blythedale. Travelers can follow in the footsteps of over 250,000 emigrants who journeyed to California during the 1840s and 1850s gold rush era. The trail features preserved wagon ruts, interpretive markers, and historic sites that tell the story of pioneering families seeking new opportunities in the West.
10. Missouri Great River Road
SCENIC MISSISSIPPI RIVERSIDE DRIVE
The Missouri Great River Road offers a picturesque journey along the mighty Mississippi River with cultural and natural attractions along the route. Travelers can experience charming river towns, historic sites, and breathtaking vistas that showcase America's most iconic waterway. The scenic byway celebrates the spirit of Americana with its blend of cultural landmarks, local cuisine, and opportunities to observe river wildlife and commerce.
11. Alley Mill
HISTORIC WATER-POWERED MILL
Alley Mill stands as a vibrant red landmark amid the crystal-clear springs of the Ozarks, representing Missouri's rich milling history. The restored 1894 mill once used water power to grind wheat into flour, showcasing the engineering ingenuity of the era. Visitors can tour the mill's interior mechanisms, explore the surrounding springs and trails, and learn about the vital role such mills played in rural Missouri communities.
12. Jamesport Amish Community
TRADITIONAL LIVING CULTURE
The Jamesport Amish Community offers visitors a glimpse into a simpler way of life maintained through generations of tradition and faith. Travelers can observe horse-drawn buggies along country roads, visit Amish-owned businesses selling handcrafted furniture, quilts, and fresh produce, and learn about sustainable agricultural practices. Guided tours provide respectful insights into Amish customs, beliefs, and daily routines in what has become Missouri's largest Old Order Amish settlement.
13. Harrison County Historical Museum
LOCAL HERITAGE PRESERVATION
The Harrison County Historical Museum chronicles the rich history of the region surrounding Blythedale through artifacts, photographs, and interactive exhibits. Visitors can explore displays highlighting pioneer life, agricultural development, and notable local figures who shaped the community over generations. The museum houses an extensive archive of genealogical records that attract researchers and family historians from across the country.
14. Grand River
PEACEFUL PADDLING EXPERIENCE
The Grand River offers outdoor enthusiasts a serene waterway for canoeing, kayaking, and fishing near Blythedale. The river winds through picturesque rural landscapes with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities, including bald eagles, herons, and white-tailed deer. Seasonal floating trips allow visitors to experience the natural beauty of northern Missouri from a unique perspective while enjoying the gentle current and occasional sandbars for rest stops.
15. Crowder State Park
FORESTED RECREATION HAVEN
Crowder State Park encompasses over 1,900 acres of rolling hills, mature forests, and open meadows where visitors can enjoy diverse outdoor activities. The park features more than 17 miles of hiking trails, including the challenging 8.6-mile Tall Oaks Trail that traverses ridgetops with spectacular seasonal views. Camping facilities, picnic areas, and a fishing lake make this an ideal destination for nature lovers seeking a peaceful retreat in northern Missouri.