Paris MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Paris, Missouri.
1. Union Covered Bridge State Historic Site
HISTORIC 19TH CENTURY BRIDGE
Union Covered Bridge, built in 1871, is the only one of the four remaining covered bridges that represents the Burr-arch truss design. It served travelers in Monroe County for 99 years and is now preserved as a historic site. The peaceful setting makes it a popular spot for visitors interested in historical architecture and scenic views.
2. Monroe County Courthouse
LAST DOMED COURTHOUSE
The Monroe County Courthouse, constructed in 1912, was the last domed courthouse built in Missouri. It features limestone, marble, and granite construction that cost $100,000 at the time, and showcases the Great Seal of Missouri in mosaic tile on the rotunda floor. The rotunda also displays four murals painted by Mrs. Doris Hill of Paris, each depicting a 50-year period of history.
3. Historical Society Museum
LOCAL HISTORY COLLECTION
The Historical Society Museum houses relics from the early days of Paris and Monroe County. Located on the first floor of the courthouse, it features paintings by Gordon Snidow, a notable Cowboy artist born in Paris. Visitors can explore the rich local history through carefully preserved artifacts and artwork.
4. Veterans Memorial
TRIBUTE TO SERVICE
The Veterans Memorial in Paris was dedicated in 1991 to honor those who served in the armed forces. Located in the city center, it serves as a place of reflection and remembrance for the community. The memorial stands as a testament to the sacrifices made by local veterans throughout America's military history.
5. Male Academy
HISTORIC EDUCATIONAL INSTITUTION
The Male Academy on East Monroe Street was built in 1850 as an educational facility for young men. The historic building contains 13 rooms and originally had space for 30 boarders. This well-preserved structure offers a glimpse into 19th-century educational practices and architectural styles.
6. Judge D.H. Moss Home
QUEEN ANNE ARCHITECTURAL GEM
The Judge D.H. Moss Home at 403 W. Locust was built in 1884 in the Queen Anne Style. It was considered one of the handsomest and most complete residences in Northeast Missouri during its time. The historic home contains 11 large rooms showcasing the elegant lifestyle of prominent 19th-century Missourians.
7. Brace Home
MID-19TH CENTURY RESIDENCE
The Brace Home located on Rock Road was built in 1850 as a residential property. The historic house features two large front rooms separated by a hall, with each room containing a fireplace. This well-preserved home provides visitors with insight into mid-19th century domestic architecture and lifestyle in rural Missouri.
8. Mark Twain Lake
RECREATIONAL WATER PARADISE
Mark Twain Lake is a popular recreational destination near Paris offering boating, fishing, and camping opportunities. The 18,600-acre lake was created by the Clarence Cannon Dam on the Salt River and named after Missouri's famous author. Visitors enjoy the lake's numerous coves, beaches, and wildlife viewing areas throughout the year.
9. Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site
LITERARY LEGEND'S BIRTHPLACE
Mark Twain Birthplace State Historic Site preserves the humble two-room cabin where Samuel Clemens was born in 1835. The site includes a museum housing first editions of Mark Twain's works, a handwritten manuscript of "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer," and numerous personal items. Visitors can explore the beginnings of one of America's greatest literary figures just a short drive from Paris.
10. Alley Mill
HISTORIC OZARK GRISTMILL
Alley Mill is a historic gristmill located in the Ozark National Scenic Riverways that showcases Missouri's cultural heritage. The striking red mill, built in 1894, stands beside the crystal-clear Alley Spring and was once the heart of a small community. Visitors can tour the mill to learn about 19th-century grain processing technology and enjoy the scenic natural surroundings.
11. Welch Hospital
HISTORIC MEDICAL FACILITY
Welch Hospital is a preserved historic medical facility that provides insight into early healthcare practices in rural Missouri. The hospital building, with its distinctive architecture, served the medical needs of Monroe County residents for many decades. Today, it stands as an educational landmark illustrating the evolution of medical care in the region.
12. City of Moberly
HISTORIC RAILWAY TOWN
The City of Moberly, located near Paris, was founded in 1866 and quickly became known as the "Magic City" due to its rapid growth as a railroad town. Visitors can explore the historic downtown district with its well-preserved 19th-century architecture and Railway Museum. Moberly offers a glimpse into Missouri's important railroad history and features several cultural attractions within a short drive from Paris.
13. Clarence Cannon Dam
ENGINEERING MARVEL
Clarence Cannon Dam is an impressive earth-fill dam that created Mark Twain Lake in 1984. The dam serves multiple purposes including flood control, recreation, and hydroelectric power generation for the region. Visitors can tour the dam's facilities to learn about water management and view the powerful spillways and power generation equipment.
14. Long Branch State Park
OUTDOOR RECREATION HAVEN
Long Branch State Park offers outdoor enthusiasts a variety of recreational activities on the shores of Long Branch Lake near Paris. The park features camping areas, hiking trails, picnic spots, and a marina for boating and fishing enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming, wildlife viewing, and exploring the natural beauty of north-central Missouri throughout the year.
15. Salt River
SCENIC WATERWAY
The Salt River is a picturesque waterway flowing through Monroe County that offers opportunities for fishing, canoeing, and wildlife observation. Before being impounded to create Mark Twain Lake, the river was an important transportation route and natural resource for early settlers. Today, the remaining free-flowing sections provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities for visitors to the Paris area.