Rich Hill MissouriATTRACTIONS & THINGS TO DO
Listed below are the best attractions and things to do near Rich Hill, Missouri.
1. Boathouse Rich Hill
LOCAL DINING HOTSPOT
Boathouse Rich Hill is a popular local dining establishment that serves as a gathering place for residents and visitors alike. The restaurant offers a variety of comfort foods and traditional American cuisine in a relaxed, casual atmosphere. Visitors appreciate the friendly service and hometown feel that makes this eatery a staple in the Rich Hill community.
2. Swope's Drive Inn
NOSTALGIC FAST FOOD
Swope's Drive Inn offers a nostalgic dining experience reminiscent of classic American drive-in restaurants. This beloved local establishment serves up burgers, shakes, and other fast-food favorites that have kept customers coming back for generations. The drive-in combines the charm of yesteryear with satisfying meals at reasonable prices.
3. Rich Hill Cafe
HOMESTYLE COMMUNITY EATERY
Rich Hill Cafe stands as a cornerstone of the community, offering homestyle meals in a welcoming environment. The cafe serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner options that showcase traditional Midwestern cooking with generous portions. Locals and travelers alike enjoy the friendly atmosphere and hearty fare that makes this cafe a Rich Hill institution.
4. Gateway Arch
ICONIC MISSOURI MONUMENT
The Gateway Arch is Missouri's most recognizable landmark, standing 630 feet tall on the banks of the Mississippi River. This stainless steel monument, designed by architect Eero Saarinen, commemorates the westward expansion of the United States and has become an enduring symbol of St. Louis. Visitors can ride a tram to the top for spectacular views of the city and surrounding areas.
5. Missouri Botanical Garden
HISTORIC BOTANICAL PARADISE
Missouri Botanical Garden spans 79 acres and features a diverse collection of plants from around the world in meticulously maintained themed gardens. Founded in 1859, it is one of the oldest botanical institutions in the United States and combines scientific research with stunning horticultural displays. The garden includes special attractions such as the Japanese Garden, Climatron geodesic dome conservatory, and Victorian District.
6. Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
WORLD-CLASS ART COLLECTION
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art houses an impressive collection spanning 5,000 years of human creativity, from ancient artifacts to contemporary masterpieces. The museum is particularly renowned for its extensive Asian art collection, European paintings, and the outdoor sculpture park featuring giant shuttlecocks created by artists Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen. Free to the public, this cultural institution provides an enriching artistic experience for visitors of all ages.
7. Meramec Caverns
UNDERGROUND NATURAL WONDER
Meramec Caverns is a massive 4.6-mile cave system that features spectacular formations of stalactites, stalagmites, and flow stones created over millennia. The caverns gained notoriety as a hideout for Jesse James and his gang, adding historical intrigue to the natural wonder. Guided tours take visitors through illuminated chambers including the spectacular Wine Table and Theatre Room, showcasing the underground beauty of Missouri's karst landscape.
8. Ozark National Scenic Riverways
PRISTINE RIVER WILDERNESS
Ozark National Scenic Riverways protects 134 miles of the Current and Jacks Fork Rivers, creating America's first national park area to protect a river system. The park features crystal-clear spring-fed waters, towering limestone bluffs, and over 300 caves within a landscape of Ozark Mountain beauty. Visitors can enjoy floating, canoeing, fishing, hiking, and camping while experiencing the natural and cultural heritage of the Ozarks.
9. Butler Country Club
LOCAL GOLF DESTINATION
Butler Country Club offers golfers a well-maintained course with challenging play in a picturesque rural setting near Rich Hill. The club provides facilities for both casual and competitive players, with a friendly atmosphere that welcomes visitors. Beyond golf, the country club serves as a social hub for the community, hosting various events throughout the year.
10. Butler Recreational Lake
OUTDOOR WATER RECREATION
Butler Recreational Lake provides a serene setting for fishing, boating, and waterside relaxation just a short drive from Rich Hill. The lake attracts anglers seeking bass, crappie, and catfish, with accessible shores and boat launching facilities. Families enjoy the surrounding parkland for picnics and gatherings during the warmer months.
11. Old Chain of Rocks Bridge
HISTORIC MISSISSIPPI CROSSING
The Old Chain of Rocks Bridge is a historic mile-long structure that once carried Route 66 across the Mississippi River between Missouri and Illinois. Now converted to a pedestrian and cycling path, the bridge offers spectacular views of the river and the St. Louis skyline in the distance. The unique 30-degree bend in the middle of the bridge and its distinctive water intake towers make it a photographer's delight and an important piece of American transportation history.
12. Simple Simon's Pizza
FAMILY-FRIENDLY PIZZA JOINT
Simple Simon's Pizza serves as a favorite dining option for Rich Hill families looking for delicious pizza and casual dining. The restaurant offers a variety of pizza options along with calzones, breadsticks, and other Italian-inspired fare. Its welcoming atmosphere makes it a popular choice for family gatherings and quick meals in the Rich Hill community.
13. Food Fair Rich Hill
LOCAL GROCERY EXPERIENCE
Food Fair Rich Hill serves as the primary grocery destination for residents and visitors to this small Missouri town. The store provides essential food items, household goods, and locally sourced products that reflect the agricultural heritage of the region. Beyond just a shopping venue, the Food Fair functions as a community meeting place where neighbors connect while running daily errands.
14. Rich Hill Historical Sites
LOCAL HERITAGE LANDMARKS
Rich Hill Historical Sites preserve the town's past through various landmarks and buildings that tell the story of this Missouri community. Visitors can explore locations that highlight the area's mining history, agricultural development, and small-town Americana. These sites provide insight into rural Missouri life through different eras, connecting present-day visitors with the rich heritage that gave the town its name.
15. Prairie State Park
TALLGRASS PRAIRIE PRESERVE
Prairie State Park protects one of Missouri's last remaining tallgrass prairie landscapes, offering visitors a glimpse into the ecosystem that once covered much of the state. The park features rolling hills covered with native grasses and wildflowers, along with a resident bison herd that roams freely across the landscape. Hiking trails, interpretive programs, and wildlife viewing opportunities allow visitors to experience this unique natural environment throughout the seasons.