Pinhook MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Pinhook, Missouri.
1. Pinhook Access
CREEK ACCESS AND HISTORY
Pinhook Access offers 4 acres of land providing entry to Muddy Creek, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and anglers. The site features a Pettis County historical marker commemorating St. Helena, the first settlement in the area. Visitors enjoy a peaceful natural setting and an opportunity to explore local heritage.
2. Pinhook Historic Site
AFRICAN AMERICAN HERITAGE
The Pinhook Historic Site marks the location of a village founded in 1927 by Black sharecroppers, significant for its unique history and heritage. Though the village was devastated by a levee breach in 2011, the site remains an important symbol of community resilience. It provides insight into the challenges and achievements of African American settlers in the region.
3. Muddy Creek
SCENIC WATERWAY SPOT
Muddy Creek is a tranquil natural waterway accessible from near Pinhook, ideal for fishing, kayaking, and peaceful nature walks. The creek enhances the area's appeal for those seeking a quiet escape in a rural Missouri landscape. It offers abundant opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying native wildlife.
4. Alley Mill
HISTORIC WATER MILL
Alley Mill, located within the Ozark National Scenic Riverways, is an iconic red water mill that offers a glimpse into early 20th-century rural life. Visitors can tour the mill, hike the surrounding trails, and learn about its role in local milling history. The scenic grounds are especially popular for photography and picnics.
5. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
RIVERS AND OUTDOOR ADVENTURE
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects the pristine currents of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, offering memorable canoeing, fishing, and swimming. The park preserves beautiful springs, caves, and historical landmarks, drawing outdoor enthusiasts from across the region. It is well known for its camping, wildlife viewing, and tranquil natural setting.
6. Welch Hospital
HISTORIC RURAL HOSPITAL
Welch Hospital is a preserved historic facility on the grounds of Ozark National Scenic Riverways, illustrating early medical care in rural Missouri. Today, the site offers interpretive displays about the hospital's history and its role in the community. It is a point of interest for both history and architecture buffs visiting the area.
7. Columbus-Belmont State Park
CIVIL WAR HISTORY SITE
Columbus-Belmont State Park, located just across the Mississippi River from Pinhook, interprets a key Civil War battlefield and offers sweeping river vistas. The park includes a well-maintained museum, preserved earthworks, and miles of walking trails. It is a favorite destination for history lovers and families.
8. Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area
WETLANDS AND WILDLIFE
Ten Mile Pond Conservation Area is a vast preserve featuring managed wetlands, forests, and grasslands, ideal for birdwatching, hunting, and fishing. The area attracts waterfowl and migratory birds, making it a prime spot for nature photography. Visitors enjoy peaceful scenery and ample opportunities for outdoor recreation.
9. Big Oak Tree State Park
CHAMPION TREES AND TRAILS
Big Oak Tree State Park is known for its record-setting hardwood trees, beautiful boardwalks, and diverse wetland habitat. Visitors can explore miles of walking trails through ancient forests, and the park offers excellent opportunities for birdwatching. It is considered a natural wonder of southeast Missouri.
10. Mississippi River Levee
FLOOD MANAGEMENT LANDMARK
The Mississippi River Levee near Pinhook is an essential part of local flood control infrastructure, with a dramatic past including the 2011 levee breach. The site offers a stark reminder of the power of the river and the ongoing efforts to manage its impact on local communities. Educational markers and views of the river draw visitors interested in engineering and history.
11. Battle of Belmont Site
CIVIL WAR BATTLEFIELD
The Battle of Belmont Site marks the location of a significant Civil War engagement, with interpretive signs explaining troop movements and the battle's outcome. The quiet site along the river invites reflection on regional and national history. It is a destination for Civil War enthusiasts and history tours.
12. New Madrid Historical Museum
QUAKE AND SETTLEMENT HISTORY
The New Madrid Historical Museum showcases the dramatic story of the 1811-1812 earthquakes and the early settlement of the region. Exhibits cover geological phenomena, local artifacts, and evolving community life in southeast Missouri. It is a must-visit for those interested in earth science and regional heritage.
13. New Madrid Riverfront Park
SCENIC RIVER VIEWS
New Madrid Riverfront Park offers panoramic views of the Mississippi River, walking paths, and picnic areas along the waterfront. It is a popular spot for relaxing and watching river traffic. The park provides access to interpretive panels about the river's importance to the region.
14. Trumpet Vine Trail
NATURE HIKE PATH
The Trumpet Vine Trail in East Prairie is a scenic walking path through natural prairie and wetland environments. It is suitable for hikers of all ages and offers interpretive signs about local flora and fauna. The trail is especially popular in spring and early summer when wildflowers bloom.
15. Hickman Heritage Museum
LOCAL HISTORY EXHIBITS
The Hickman Heritage Museum highlights the cultural and economic history of the area with exhibits on river life, agriculture, and regional development. The museum is housed in a historic building and features artifacts, photographs, and educational programs. It attracts visitors interested in learning about life along the Mississippi.