Newtown MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Newtown, Missouri.
1. Prairie Trails Museum
LOCAL HISTORY AND HERITAGE
Prairie Trails Museum showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Newtown and the surrounding areas. The museum features artifacts, photographs, and exhibits that chronicle the development of the region from pioneer days to modern times. Visitors can explore the carefully curated collections that offer insights into the daily lives and significant events that shaped the community.
2. Crowder State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION PARADISE
Crowder State Park offers over 1,900 acres of natural beauty with hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and camping facilities near Newtown. The park features the Thompson River and several scenic hiking paths, including the 1.5-mile Tall Oaks Trail and the more challenging 3-mile Thompson River Trail. Nature enthusiasts can observe diverse wildlife while enjoying picnic areas and recreational activities throughout the year.
3. Nine Eagles State Park
TRANQUIL LAKE SETTING
Nine Eagles State Park features a beautiful 64-acre lake surrounded by wooded hills not far from Newtown. Visitors can enjoy fishing for bass, bluegill, and catfish or swimming at the designated beach area during summer months. The park also offers camping sites, picnic facilities, and hiking trails for those seeking to explore its natural beauty.
4. Amish Country Store
AUTHENTIC CULTURAL EXPERIENCE
Amish Country Store provides visitors with a glimpse into the traditional Amish way of life and their handcrafted goods. The store offers a variety of homemade foods, handcrafted furniture, quilts, and other authentic Amish-made products. Visitors can purchase unique souvenirs while learning about Amish culture and traditions from the friendly staff.
5. Ritchey Mansion
HISTORIC CIVIL WAR SITE
Ritchey Mansion is a historic pre-Civil War home that served as headquarters during both battles of Newtonia. The restored mansion showcases period furnishings and artifacts that tell the story of its role in local Civil War history. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about the mansion's architectural significance and the dramatic events that unfolded on its grounds.
6. Newtonia Battlefield
CIVIL WAR HERITAGE
Newtonia Battlefield preserves the site of two significant Civil War engagements that took place in 1862 and 1864. The battlefield features interpretive markers that explain the strategic importance of these battles and their impact on the war in Missouri. History enthusiasts can walk the grounds where soldiers from both sides fought, including notable Native American units that participated in the conflict.
7. Old Newtonia Civil War Cemetery
SOLEMN HISTORICAL MEMORIAL
Old Newtonia Civil War Cemetery serves as the final resting place for soldiers who fought in the Battles of Newtonia. The cemetery contains marked and unmarked graves of both Union and Confederate soldiers who lost their lives during the Civil War engagements in the area. Visitors can pay their respects while reflecting on the human cost of the conflict that divided the nation.
8. New Town Beach
WATERFRONT RECREATION AREA
New Town Beach offers a gorgeous waterfront recreation area with swimming, sunbathing, and relaxation opportunities. The beach is part of New Town's network of lakes and waterways that were designed as both functional storm runoff capture and aesthetic community features. Visitors can enjoy the sandy shores while taking in views of the unique canal-lined community layout.
9. New Town Canals
SCENIC WATERWAY NETWORK
New Town Canals form a picturesque network of waterways connecting the six walkable neighborhoods of this planned community. Residents and visitors can explore the canals via kayak or paddle boat, enjoying the unique perspective of waterfront homes and main streets running alongside the waterways. The canals have become a defining characteristic of New Town, offering both recreational opportunities and visual charm to the community.
10. First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site
BIRTHPLACE OF MISSOURI GOVERNMENT
First Missouri State Capitol State Historic Site preserves the building where Missouri's first state legislature met from 1821 to 1826. The restored brick and frame structure houses period furnishings and exhibits that illustrate early 19th-century governmental functions and daily life. Visitors can take guided tours to learn about Missouri's transition from territory to statehood and the significant decisions made within these historic walls.
11. Commemorative Air Force - Missouri Wing Museum
VINTAGE MILITARY AIRCRAFT COLLECTION
Commemorative Air Force - Missouri Wing Museum houses an impressive collection of restored vintage military aircraft from World War II and other conflicts. Aviation enthusiasts can view these historic planes up close and learn about their roles in American military history through informative displays and knowledgeable volunteers. The museum occasionally offers flight experiences in some of the restored aircraft, providing a unique opportunity to experience flying in these historic planes.
12. Darius Heald Home
PIONEER ARCHITECTURAL TREASURE
The Darius Heald Home stands as a well-preserved example of early Missouri architecture dating back to the mid-1800s. This historic structure features period furnishings and artifacts that provide insight into the daily lives of Missouri's pioneer families. Visitors can tour the home to appreciate its architectural details and learn about the Heald family's contributions to the development of the region.
13. Gateway Arch
ICONIC AMERICAN MONUMENT
Gateway Arch stands as a 630-foot stainless steel monument symbolizing St. Louis' role as the gateway to the American West. Visitors can ride a unique tram system to the top of the arch for panoramic views of the Mississippi River and the surrounding cityscape. The accompanying museum beneath the arch explores the history of westward expansion, Native American cultures, and the architectural marvel of the monument itself.
14. New Town Town Square
COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACE
New Town Town Square serves as the central island of this unique planned community, surrounded by scenic waterways. This gathering place features a mix of residential and commercial spaces designed for walkability and community interaction. Visitors can explore the square's mixed-use buildings, enjoy the waterfront views, and experience the distinctive urban planning that defines New Town.
15. New Town Lakes
RECREATIONAL WATER FEATURES
New Town Lakes consist of three well-stocked bodies of water designed for fishing, swimming, and boating activities. These lakes were originally created for storm runoff management but have evolved into central recreational and aesthetic features of the community. Residents and visitors can enjoy canoeing, kayaking, fishing for various species, or simply admiring the waterfront homes that line these picturesque lakes.